Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob is a mountain viewpoint above Enclos Fouqué, at about 2,311 metres above sea level. The drive climbs through green highlands before opening into a much harsher volcanic landscape. Along the way, you pass crater viewpoints, lava fields, and wide mountain scenery. A road trip to Pas de Bellecombe shows just how quickly Réunion’s landscape changes with altitude.
You can rent a car in Réunion and start from Bourg-Murat, near the volcano visitor centre. Our guide covers the route, scenic stops, volcano viewpoints, car choice, road conditions, access checks, and the return drive.
The mountain route starts beside the volcano visitor centre in Bourg-Murat. From there, you follow the Route du Volcan towards Piton de la Fournaise. The scenery changes from pasture and highland scrub to crater viewpoints and the bare Plaine des Sables. Several stops sit close to the road, so you can break up the drive without making long detours.
From Bourg-Murat, follow Forest Road 5 towards the volcano after passing the visitor centre. The route covers about 23 kilometres to the viewpoint and usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes without stops. Most of the road is paved, but the surface changes after Pas des Sables. The final section across Plaine des Sables is gravel and can have ruts or loose stones.
You gain a large amount of height during the drive, and the landscape changes steadily as you climb. Fill up in the Plaine des Cafres area because there are no petrol stations near the final viewpoint. Start your road trip to Pas de Bellecombe with enough fuel for the full mountain drive. The route also forms part of the wider journey when driving to Piton de la Fournaise.
Nez de Bœuf is one of the first major viewpoints on the climb, at about 2,136 metres. From the lookout, you can see deep into Rivière des Remparts, with steep green walls dropping towards the lower slopes. Stop only in the marked area and watch for other cars when entering or leaving the road.
Continue towards Cratère Commerson, where a short walk from the parking area leads to the viewpoint. The crater is about 265 metres deep and overlooks Rivière des Remparts. Its steep sides make the stop very different from the open landscapes farther along the road. You usually need only a short visit before continuing towards Pas des Sables.
Pas des Sables marks the point where the green highlands give way to a wide volcanic plain. Stop at the lookout before descending and take in the red volcanic landscape below. Piton de la Fournaise rises beyond the plain when cloud cover is light enough for a clear view.
The road then drops through several bends before reaching Plaine des Sables. Drive slowly because loose gravel can reduce grip, especially near corners and rougher sections. The final surface is not the same as the earlier paved road, so leave more space between cars. You can also explore other scenic mountain drives in Réunion if you are planning several highland days.
Across Plaine des Sables, you drive through open red and black ground with very little vegetation. Standard cars can still use the rougher track, although lower speeds are important on gravel and uneven areas. Extra ground clearance can help, but you do not automatically need four-wheel drive for the route.
The road climbs again before ending at the Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob car park. From here, you can walk towards the main viewpoint above Enclos Fouqué. The road trip to Pas de Bellecombe ends with one of Réunion’s best-known volcano views. Clear conditions can reveal the main cone, recent lava surfaces, and Formica Léo below the rim.
You do not need to complete the summit hike to make the journey worthwhile. Once your road trip to Pas de Bellecombe reaches the car park, several sights are close to the rim. Longer walks depend on weather, volcano alerts, and current access rules.
The main viewpoint is around 2,311 metres above sea level and looks across Enclos Fouqué. From the rim, you can see Piton de la Fournaise ahead when cloud and mist stay away. Formica Léo is also visible below, while different lava surfaces show how eruptions have reshaped the caldera.
An orientation board helps you identify the main volcanic features. The viewpoint is close to the car park, so you can enjoy the scenery without committing to a long walk. Early morning often gives you a better chance of clear mountain views. Clouds can build later, especially across the high volcanic area.
Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob is also the starting point for the main trail into Enclos Fouqué. The marked route descends from the rim before crossing volcanic ground towards the central cone. The full Dolomieu crater hike is demanding, covering about 13 kilometres and taking around 6 hours in normal conditions.
Access can change when volcanic activity increases, and entry into Enclos Fouqué may close during alert periods. Check current volcano information before leaving your accommodation, then follow signs and barriers at the viewpoint. Never cross a closed gate or leave the marked route. Take every closure seriously because volcanic conditions can change quickly.
Formica Léo is the small reddish cone you can see below the rim. It is about 20 to 25 metres high, with a base roughly 75 metres by 100 metres. Its shape stands out against the darker lava around it, especially in clear morning light.
If access is open, you can follow a shorter marked walk towards the cone. The descent gives you a closer look at the solid lava surfaces inside Enclos Fouqué. You will need to climb back to the rim afterwards, so save some energy for the return. The volcanic landscape is also one of many memorable Réunion Island experiences you can include in a longer trip.
You can still enjoy the area if you do not want a long hike. The car park is close to the viewpoint, making a short volcano visit possible before you drive back. Walk along the rim, use the orientation board, and spend time watching the view change as clouds move through.
Bring your own water and food because services near the viewpoint are limited and can vary. You may find basic services at the nearby mountain lodge, but availability can vary. Pack what you need before leaving Bourg-Murat, especially if you plan to arrive early.
A road trip to Pas de Bellecombe does not require off-roading. Your main priorities are suitable tyres, reliable brakes, enough fuel, and careful driving on the gravel approach. Car size should depend on your passengers, luggage, and the rest of your Réunion itinerary.
A compact or economy car can reach Pas de Bellecombe when the road is open and conditions are normal. You may find a smaller car easier on narrow sections and in busy car parks. A sport utility vehicle, or SUV, offers more ground clearance on gravel and extra room for hiking gear.
Four-wheel drive is not essential simply because you are heading into the mountains. Choose based on your full itinerary rather than one rough section of road. A hatchback or SUV for a Réunion road trip may be better depending on your luggage, passengers, and planned routes.
When you book a car rental with Final Rentals, you can compare economy, compact, and standard groups. Unlimited mileage is included, together with Collision Damage Waiver and Third-Party Liability Insurance for this booking.
The descent into Plaine des Sables needs more attention because the surface changes from paved road to gravel. Keep your speed low and brake before sharper bends instead of braking hard while turning. Leave extra braking distance if the surface is wet, dusty, or covered with loose stones.
Watch for cars stopping near viewpoints and people walking close to parking areas. Mist can reduce visibility quickly, so use your lights when conditions require them. Avoid relying on the horn at every blind bend unless there is a clear safety reason. Match your speed to the current conditions rather than trying to meet a target time.
Check the latest volcano alert and road access information before leaving Bourg-Murat. Public access to Enclos Fouqué can close during volcanic unrest or eruptions. Road and trail access can change, so check again on the morning of your visit.
Mountain weather can differ greatly from conditions near the coast. Clouds, wind, rain, and cooler temperatures can arrive quickly at higher elevations. Early starts often give you clearer views before clouds build around the volcano. Réunion’s microclimates can change conditions across the island within a short drive.
Carry enough fuel, water, food, and warm clothing for the return journey. Bring sun protection as well, since high-altitude sun can be strong even when the air is cool. Offline maps are useful because mobile coverage may be less reliable in remote mountain areas.
Try to start the descent before poor visibility or darkness makes the rough section harder to see. Use lower gears where needed and avoid riding the brakes on longer descents. Before your road trip to Pas de Bellecombe, check your rental return time if you have another long drive afterwards. Knowing the rules for late car rental returns in Réunion can help you plan the drive back without cutting your mountain visit short.
A road trip to Pas de Bellecombe gives you more than a close view of Piton de la Fournaise. It also shows how much of Réunion’s volcanic story is spread across the wider mountain area. The crater, old lava surfaces, and surrounding slopes make more sense once you have seen them from several viewpoints. By the time you reach the end of the road, the volcano feels much larger than one summit.
Rent a car in Réunion with Final Rentals to plan the mountain drive around your own schedule. Your booking includes unlimited mileage and free breakdown assistance for issues such as battery problems or a car exchange. You also have a 3-hour pick-up grace period and a 1-hour return grace period. Book and manage your car rental anytime. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
The drive covers about 23 kilometres along Forest Road 5 and usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes without stops. Most travellers need longer because Nez de Boeuf, Cratère Commerson, and Plaine des Sables are worth stopping for. Leave Bourg-Murat early for clearer mountain views. Clouds often build over the high ground later in the morning.
The main highlights are Nez de Boeuf, Cratère Commerson, Plaine des Sables, and Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob. The road descends through Pas des Sables into the red and black volcanic landscape of Plaine des Sables. At the final viewpoint, you can look across Enclos Fouqué towards Piton de la Fournaise and the small Formica Léo crater.
A compact car is practical for Pas de Bellecombe, while an SUV gives you more ground clearance on the gravel approach. You can rent either car type with Final Rentals. A normal car can reach Pas de Bellecombe in usual conditions.
