The Chemin du Calvaire, magnificent view and acts of mercy

Welcome to the town of Saint-Anne, located in the south of the island. The community of Sainte-Anne is known in particular for its Club Med, its white sand beaches located on its territory (Grande and Petite Anse des Salines, Anse Caritan, Anse Meunier, Anse Michel, ….). Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the territory of the municipality of Sainte-Anne offers many water activities due to its geolocation taking advantage of the Atlantic wind (windsurfing and Kyte surfing for example) and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

In its village, the town offers a covered market, seaside restaurants and has in its center a magnificent church (Eglise Notre Dame de Sainte-Anne) classified as a historical monument and a walk “Le Chemin du Calvaire”. In terms of services, a post office, distributors, many shops and a service station at the entrance to the town.

This territory takes advantage of its attractive environment to invite you to discover beaches, hikes and the seabed.

The commune of Saint-Anne is the point of departure or arrival (Anse Caritan) of this famous long hike “La Trace des Caps”. It can be broken down into 5 sections which added together give a course of 27 kilometers with at least 11 to 12 hours of walking.

Little Macabou – Cap Macré (5 km, 2h),

• Cap Macré – Cap Chevalier (7 km, 3h),
• Cap Chevalier – Anse Trabaud (10 km, 4 hours),
• Anse Trabaud – Salines (5 km, 2h) = > Savane des Pétrifications
• Salines – Anse Caritan (4.5 km, 1h30)

The Chemin du Calvaire is a walk to discover, located in the village of Sainte-Anne. This path, accessible to the whole family, has been laid out as a course of instructions for acts of mercy to help others. You will have to climb (slight slope) and take a path made of many bends with 7 small altars corresponding to the seven acts of spiritual mercy. Beyond this instruction, during the climb you will have the pleasure of observing many magnificent views of the bay. The route takes 20 minutes round trip.

Itinerary

To reach the town of Sainte-Anne, starting from Fort-de-France, join the A1 expressway then go towards the south of the island (N5). You will go through two roundabouts in the town of Ducos (business areas) then two other roundabouts in the town of Rivière-Salée. Follow the direction of the town of Marin. After passing the town of Sainte-Luce then the town of Marin, turn right towards the town of Sainte-Anne (D9). Pass in front of the gendarmerie and at the roundabout, always follow the direction of the commune of Sainte-Anne. When you arrive in the town of Sainte-Anne, park in the large square which will be on your left or in the surrounding streets.

Le Chemin du Calvaire

Head towards the Notre Dame de Sainte-Anne church, which is magnificent to see and classified as a historical monument.

To reach the path, go to the left of the church where you will see a rather burlesque sign at first glance.

Walk down the alley to the starting point of the walk.

Go through the portal where it is inscribed with the spiritual acts of mercy of redemption to help one’s neighbour. The path, planted with plants, flowers and shrubs, becomes steeper. The walk is hairpin to its summit.

At each bend there will be an altar relating each act seen at the gate.

Enjoy the many views of the bay during your ascent or the few encounters with the surrounding wildlife.

Bay of Sainte-Anne and the reclining woman

Crested hummingbird

A few more steps to get to the end of the road. When you reach the top, you will have the Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary where you can put a candle there.

Every September 19, many faithful go to the Pilgrimage of Notre Dame de la Salette, a parish founded in 1731.

Turn around and admire the view of the bay and the surrounding hills again.

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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.