The Rabuchon’s Loop

Here we are in the town of Saint Joseph, spread over many areas and located inn the land and in the heights of Martinique. The flowers and bananas are grown there because of the heavy rainfall that this community receives throughout the year. The vegetation is very hydrophilic and a place called “Heart Bouliki” picnic area on the banks of the White River, is the perfect example. Starting point of the Rabuchon loop, you will see many plant species typical of a very humid and hot environment (broméliacées, balisiers, …). The National Forestry Office maintains this site and the collection of drinking water from the White River that supplies 200,000 inhabitants.

Itinerary

To reach this picnic area, from Fort-de-France, on the highway (A1), take the Saint-Joseph exit (N4). Drive to this town and then recover the D15B and the municipal road called Bahuaut. Signs stating “Heart Bouliki” will be visible to find this communal road. If you leave the South of the island, it is possible to take the exit Robert (N1) then recover the direction of Saint-Joseph (N4) at roundabout Mahault.

This second option is practical during traffic jams near the business and commercial zones at the time people go to work. You must count on 20 to 25 minutes from Fort-de-France and 20 minutes from the town of Ducos.

On the communal road, you can already observe that the vegetation and the environment are wetter. At the end of this path, you will have to cross the river with your car. In case of flood or heavy water, it is strictly forbidden to attempt the crossing unless you have a suitable vehicle.

Park, many parking spaces are available.

Tips: To park easily, prefer to come during the week because the weekend, this place is very popular and quickly invaded by families who want to swim or eat a barbecue.

You will observe that there are many tables for eating, games, children’s courses and the possibility to swim in the river. A detail of this reception area is in the article entitled “Heart Bouliki, a reception area and biodiversity discovery”. 

The Rabuchon’s Loop

Access to departure is located 5 minutes from the area. Take the path (pictured below), and continue straight ahead. You will have to take a wooden bridge and pass a barrier to finally arrive in front of the water treatment center.

When you arrive at this site, take the suspension bridge to begin the hike that plunges you into the heart of the rainforest very wet and lush.

After a crossing over the white river, here you are in the forest, you will notice a color code on the tree trunks. Follow them, this is your landmark throughout the hike. This hike will last 2h30 to 3h00 depending on how you walk, for a course of a length of 7 kilometers. You will have to climb a big ascent at the beginning of the hike to arrive at the end on a panorama of the bay of Fort-de-France and on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.  There is a positive elevation gain of 470 m.

Dive into the forest following the path, you will observe all along your route on the trace Oliviers to the ridge, dense vegetation, green, captivating. Here are some pictures of what you will have the opportunity to observe.

The path will be slippery at times because of the mud, be careful where you step up because you risk taking a refreshing mud bath. Do not hesitate to take breaks to hydrate and rest because the ascent may seem long depending on your physical condition.

At the end of the ascent, two trails are proposed to you, take the one on the left towards the ridge. After 20 minutes of walking, always in the forest with sometimes some slippery descents and passages between the roots of the trees, you come across the entrance to a clearing. You may there face cattle grazing pastures. Be careful and walk around them.

Continue your way through the clearing, you will see lookouts that have been set up by hunters. Continue and take the time to admire the different views around you. Here are different views of the Bay of Fort-de-France.

A little further, the path begins to descend, follow it. The trail takes you in a path of undergrowth, which makes you go down towards the valley. You will have the opportunity to see balisiers, tree fern on your way.

After 20 minutes of walking, the trail comes out of the undergrowth to cross a meadow. Go down and cross the bullpen with small gates.

At the bottom of the meadow, you find the road that takes you to the reception area of “Coeur Bouliki”. Follow the road to complete the loop.

When you return to the reception area, enjoy a ride (animated tablets, flowers, educational trail, …) or swim in the river to cool off.

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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service.

OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide.

The Dom Loisirs and Culture team is committed to raising awareness of the protection of the biodiversity of the overseas departments.