The trail starts from the Bellecombe parking area, from where we get our first view of the volcano’s summit cone and the entire route. We then quickly reach the Bellecombe–Jacob Pass by following the rampart. From this access point—the only way down into the caldera of the Enclos Fouqué—we take the staircase that leads us 120 metres down into the lava fields formed by recent eruptions.

After passing the Formica Léo, an unusual cone of pozzolana, your guide will suggest a route close to the marked trail. Only certified professional guides are allowed to take groups off the trail, which gives us the opportunity to visit the nearby lava flows from the 2018 and 2019 eruptions and to tell you the storey of a volcanic eruption. Magma, fissures, spatter, ash, projections, hot spots, and plumes will hold no more secrets for you!

We then gain altitude along the Dolomieu crater trail on the flank of the main volcanic cone, reaching the crater rim near La Soufrière. A short off-trail section allows us to admire an incredible view of the vast Dolomieu and Bory craters from a quiet platform, away from the crowds on the main path.