Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, Mountain pass and viewpoint at Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Réunion.
Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob is a mountain pass at about 2,311 meters (7,581 ft) that offers views across the caldera of Piton de la Fournaise volcano and its surrounding landscape. The site includes an orientation table and parking area where visitors can survey the volcanic terrain before exploring further.
The pass is named after Guillaume de Bellecombe, a French military officer who served as governor of Bourbon Island in the 18th century. The naming honors a key figure in the island's French colonial administration during that era.
The location draws volcanologists and geology experts who use this vantage point to monitor and study the active volcanic processes. Visitors can observe how scientists engage with the landscape to understand the island's dynamic geological character.
The site is easily accessible with parking and clear signage to help navigate the volcanic landscape. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions and the elevation, as conditions can shift quickly at this height.
From this vantage point, visitors can witness active lava flows and volcanic activity within the crater depending on seasonal conditions. This proximity to live volcanic processes makes the location exceptional for nature enthusiasts.
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