Despite slumbering, La Réunion's volcano remains a colossal attraction: local tourism authorities are preparing for the next eruption.
In the heart of the French island of Réunion, Piton de la Fournaise volcano has been a source of awe and danger for many years. Known as the "heart of activity" for guide and secretary of the Réunion Trek Mountain Office, Renaud Goislard, the volcano has been the centre of a long-standing debate due to a ban on tourist access to its enclosure.
The ban, put in place in 2003 due to safety concerns, has been a point of contention among some guides and tourists. It was instigated after a tragic incident in 2003 where a young man lost his life after falling into a hole during an eruption. Since then, the enclosure has been off-limits to tourists, making it impossible to descend into the volcano during active periods, such as when lava fountains erupt.
The ban has had significant impacts on both the local community and tourists. On one hand, the dormant state of the Piton de la Fournaise since August 10, 2023, has allowed professionals like Renaud Goislard to work more peacefully, taking tourists to the zone twice a week on average. On the other hand, the ban has led to a decrease in unique tourist experiences at the site, with many visitors content to stay at the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint, which doesn't require walking.
In 2024, over 350,000 visitors flocked to the massif, but the lack of access to the enclosure has been a topic of discussion. Alain Panis, the leader of an organization, has demanded the repeal of the "stupid and illogical" closure regulation around Piton de la Fournaise. He argues that the ban, despite the volcano's dormant state, is unjustified and hinders the opportunity for unique, up-close experiences.
Hiking trips around the Piton de la Fournaise typically last for six hours and involve walking on smooth lava slabs or rough gratons. These treks offer a unique perspective of the volcano, allowing visitors to witness its raw power and beauty. However, without access to the enclosure, these experiences are limited.
Despite the calls for reevaluation, the ban on accessing the Piton de la Fournaise enclosure remains in effect. The question of whether it should be lifted, even during periods of dormancy, continues to be a topic of debate. As the volcano remains in its slumber, the future of tourist access to Piton de la Fournaise remains uncertain.
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