Welcome to the town of Fort-de-France, prefecture of Martinique. The city of Fort-de-France is home to a large covered market where you will find fruits, vegetables, honey, souvenirs and other specialties. It also has a ferry terminal that can offer you trips to Dominica and Saint Lucia. In terms of architecture, the city of Fort-de-France has some monuments such as the Schœlcher library, Fort Saint-Louis (visit all year round) or even the Parc de la Savane and its famous statues.
The community of Fort-de-France is made up of different neighborhoods such as Didier, Cluny, Dillon, Ravine Vilaine and Balata. Concerning this last district, you will find the spa resort of Absalon nearby. From this station, you will have many hiking trails, the Boucle d’Absalon, Fontaine Didier and Fond Baron.
Itinerary
To access the start of the hike, departing from Fort-de-France, take the A1 then the D41 and take the Route de Balata (N3) exit. Always go straight, the road goes up and you will pass by the magnificent Sacré Cœur de Balata. After a few minutes and many bends, you will see on your left a yellow sign and a large gate. This is the entrance to the Balata Camp shooting center. Continue for a few more minutes and you will see the sign for Jardins de Balata. Continue straight ahead and pass the Jardin de Balata. The start of the hike is located at the side of the road on your left.
Park on the left, a little higher up so as not to block the passage in front of the Fond Baron forest road barrier.
Fond Baron – Absalon
La randonnée de Fond Baron est accessible à toute la famille ( enfant de plus de 6 ans et suivant condition physique). Vous profiterez de l’ombre et de l’humidité ambiante de la forêt hygrophile pour parcourir les 4,8 kilomètres (boucle) avec un temps de marche de 2h30 à 3h00. Le dénivelé est positif (+450 m), vous aurez deux trois passages à franchir un peu plus sportif sur la fin pour rattraper la Boucle d’Absalon.
The Fond Baron hike is accessible to the whole family (children over 6 years old and depending on physical condition). You will take advantage of the shade and ambient humidity of the hygrophilous forest to cover the 4.8 kilometers (loop) with a walking time of 2h30 to 3h00. The altitude difference is positive (+450 m), you will have two or three passages to cross a little more sporty at the end to catch up with the Absalon Loop.
Starting point of the hike
Go through the gate to start the forest trail. You gradually immerse yourself in the hygrophilous vegetation with its hibiscus and mahoganys.
Few difficulties, an easy route in the heart of the tropical forest. You will quickly arrive at a first ford then at the entrance to the Dumauzé Departmental Forest.
Cross this forest following the forest path.
Arriving at the end of the Forestière road, you find yourself at the foot of Piton Dumauzé. You dive into denser vegetation. A sign at the entrance to Piton is even installed to tell you that you are in an integral biological reserve.
This section allows you to reach the end of the section of the Absalon Loop which will be the end of this loop. You will cross two arms of Clark Ravine.
At the fork at the end of the path, turn left to join the Boucle d’Absalon and the Plateau Michel trace.
A few slight climbs then the path goes down and you arrive towards the road to the spa resort of Absalon.
Absalon Loop starting point sign
From this road, go on your left to go up towards the Balata road (N3) to reach your vehicle.
On your way you cross a bridge where the Absalon Waterfall is located below.
Take the opportunity to refresh yourself!
Link to the article Cascade Absalon
Absalon Waterfall
After the bridge, the path becomes steeper towards the national road. Arriving at the intersection, continue to the left to find the starting point of the hike.
However, be careful of traffic, walk on the left of the road for greater safety.
It’s up to you to discover it now !
In terms of advice,
Ø Traffic in Martinique: During the week, you will face traffic jams around industrial or commercial areas, particularly in the morning, in the direction of the South (Rivières Salée, N5) towards the North (Fort-de-France, A1) and from the East (Robert, N1) to the North (Fort-de-France, A1), from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and vice versa at the end of the evening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Think about your journey in order to adapt to this traffic which can be heavy and easily cause you to waste time.
Ø Equipment: Good pair of grippy sneakers or hiking shoes, hiking pole, sports clothing (high socks to avoid stinging plants), hiking bag (knife, flashlight, headlamp, k-way, cap, glasses sunscreen, sunscreen, mosquito repellent).
Ø Health:
– Difficulty: 4 out of 10, walking with positive elevation over short distances possible for families with baby carriers and children over 6 years old (depending on physical condition). Be careful of roots and slippery surfaces.
– Usually, always start hikes early in the morning. The heat during the day during minimal sporting activity can become quite stifling. This hike is in the shade.
– Go at your own pace and plan the time it will take depending on your physical condition.
– The most important thing, always a bottle of water per person and something to snack on in your bag. With the heat, any fairly physical hikes can be dangerous with fatigue.
Miscellaneous: you can do the other Absalon circuits (Didier Fountain and Boucle d’Absalon), swim at the Absalon Waterfall, visit the nearby Balata Gardens, see the Sacred Heart of Balata and take a trip to the Balata camp.
Do not hesitate to post you commentaries or to ask for information on contact@domloisirsetculture.fr.
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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service !
OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide.
The Dom Loisirs et Culture Team is comitted to protecting the biodiversity of overseas departments.
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