Notre-Dame-des-Laves
Église Notre-Dame-des-Laves
In 1977 a lava flow bypassed the church and stopped at its doorstep. Believed by the faithful to be a miracle, it is a must-stop on the Lava Road.
Our Lady of the Lava church stands in the village of Piton Sainte-Rose. During the 1977 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, a lava flow rushed downhill and swallowed nearby houses, but it split around the church at its entrance and solidified on either side. The church was left almost undamaged, which gave it its name and made it a place of pilgrimage. Black lava that stopped at the church's front door can still be seen today. Inside are memorial stained-glass windows and photographs. Entry is free; please keep quiet during Mass. The church sits beside the RN2 ring road and is often visited together with the Grand Brûlé lava road and the Anse des Cascades waterfalls.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Anse des Cascades
- Grand Brûlé & Route des Laves
- Piton de la Fournaise
- Plaine des Sables
- Jardin des Parfums et des Épices
- Cascade de Grand Galet
- Cap Méchant
- Cité du Volcan