Mountain refuge Gîte du Volcan

The landscape changes fast in this high part of The Meeting . At more than 2,200 meters, the volcanic terrain of the Piton de la Fournaise alternates open lomas, crater edges and strands where the orientation depends much on which side it is advanced. In this context it is Gîte du Volcan , in the surroundings of Sainte-Rose, as mountain support in an area where the relief is not read the same by looking to the large gaps of the volcano as by following paths on planices and highlights.

Their practical interest is closely linked to the journey and the planning of the day. The closeness of the GR R2 it relates to long-distance routes, while itineraries such as the Promenade des Pitons, La bouchle des Trous Blancs or the path of Cratère Dolomieu help you understand your role as a point of passage or support to move around the sector. Here it is appropriate to provide for the itinerary: the changes of direction between craters, pitons and boiler edges can change the sense of exposure, visual reference and accumulated effort, even if there is no closed stage or homogeneous distances for all routes.

The immediate environment reinforces that volcanic and mountainous character. Next cements like Piton Rouge , Piton Hubert or the Cratère Commerson draw a cut relief, useful to be placed on the map and understand why this shelter fits better in exits with some autonomy than on an improvised tour. There are no data from nearby sources, so the water should be resolved before starting the route. It is also reasonable to have changing meteorology and a ground where altitude, wind and visibility can condition progression more than the distance on paper suggests.