Heart Bouliki, an area of ​​welcome and discovery of biodiversity

Here we are in the town of Saint-Joseph, spread over many areas and located in 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. Inaugurated in July 1983, this area is the largest forest area in Martinique. More than a hundred tree species can be observed and a river bathing site is available to all visitors wanting to refresh themselves. The National Forestry Office maintains this site and a water treatment center captures the white river and supplies 200,000 inhabitants with drinking water.

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-Jopseh (N4) at roundabout Mahault.

This second option is practical during traffic jams at the level of the business and commercial zones at the time when people go to work. It takes 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 there.

You will observe that there are many tables for eating, games, children’s courses and the possibility to swim in the river.

On site, you will have different activities possible. Wooden paths that can be slippery with moisture (be careful) make you go to different places in the reception area.

The paths can take you to a picnic on the many tables available with usually self-service barbecue.

Keep walking in the middle of these trees overgrown with bromeliacées.

Go over the bridges and approach the banks to enjoy the sound of the river and the coolness of these waters by bathing your feet.

Continue to browse the reception area to read and learn through the various animations and animated tablets set up along a fun route for adults and children.

The path allows you to do all the tour of Heart Bouliki and allow you to also observe the flowers of the Balisiers, the Alpinias, Porcelain Roses, Beaks of parrots ….. It is possible that you also fall on the tarantulas endemic to Martinique (“Les Matoutous cliffs”). Inoffensive, their violet and blue colors are beautiful.

Heart Bouliki is a perfect place to spend a moment of conviviality with family, friends over a meal, fun activities or moments of sharing in the river to bathe and relax. The environment is fresh, lush, you feel drunk with all this nature surrounding you.

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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.