Welcome to the commune 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 specialities. It also has a ferry terminal that can offer trips to La Dominique and Sainte-Lucie. In terms of architecture, the city of Fort-de-France has some monuments such as the Schœlcher library, the Fort Saint-Louis (visit all year round) or the Savane park 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. The spa resort of Absalon is close to this last district. From this station you will have many hiking routes including the one leading you to the Boucle d’Absalon.
Itinerary
To get to the start of the hike, from Fort-de-France, take the A1 then the D41 and take the exit of the Balata road (N3). Always go straight, the road goes up and you will pass in particular next to the magnificent Sacred Heart of Balata. After a few minutes and many laces, you will see on your left a yellow sign and a large portal. This is the entrance to the Camp Balata Firing Range. Continue for a few minutes and you will see the sign of the Gardens of Balata then 100 meters further, turn left direction “Absalon” (D60).
The road descends with many turns leading to the spa of Absalon.
Here you are in the parking lot of a large building with below the spa of Absalon. The parking lot is quite spacious and you will not have any difficulties to park.
La Boucle d’Absalon
The access to the start of the hike is located upstream from the parking lot. You will have to walk 100 meters by the road.
The hike of the Boucle d’Absalon is accessible to the whole family (child over 6 years old and according to physical condition). You will enjoy the shade and the ambient humidity of the hydrophilic forest to travel the 4.3 kilometers (loop) with a walking time from 2h30 to 3h00. The height difference is positive (+380 m), you will have two three passages to cross a little more difficult.
Starting point of the hike
The trail will bring you from the start into the mahogany forest. A yellow color code guides you all along the hike
The course climbs regularly to arrive on a flat first portion, the Plateau Michel.
At this intersection, continue straight. The right path is a forbidden path to the Pitons du Carbet.
The path goes up and then down to climb up again and to arrive on a ridge with a view on the valley of Fort-de-France and the Piton Dumauzé.
Do not get too close to the edge, the last weather and hurricanes of this summer caused a landslide on your left.
Panoramic view of the Baie de Fort-de-France and the Piton Dumauzé
Click on this link to have a first video preview of this view on our Facebook page.
Like me, you could have the chance to see some butterflies.
The continuation of the hike takes place on the trace Duclos Nord and it is a succession of hills to climb.
You will find another intersection on the course. Continue on the left path.
The course goes down strongly but it will not take long to reach the spa.
Station thermale d’Absalon
You only have to cross the bridge to get back to the parking lot of your departure.
Your turn to discover it now!!
| Tips:
Ø Circulation in Martinique: During the weeks you will encounter many traffic jams from 7 a.m. to 9. 30 a.m. in the industrial and commercial areas. Especially mornings driving from south (Rivière Salée, N5) to the North (Fort-de-France, A1), but also East (Robert , N1) going North , you will find the same traffic jams every evening on the other side from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Tip, think of the way and time you want to travel in order not to lose time. Ø Equipment: Good pair of sneakers that grab on to hiking shoes, hiking stick, sports wear (high socks to avoid hives), hiking bag (knife, flashlight, headlamp, k-way, cap, sun bezel, sunscreen, mosquito repellent).
Ø Sanitary conditions : – Difficulty: 6 out of 10, walk with positive drop possible in family with baby carrier and child over 6 years (depending on physical condition). Watch out for roots and slippery terrain. – Take your time and go as you wish, plan the time that you will need depending on your physical condition. Important tip: always have a bottle of water per person and a snack in your bag. Normally, always start hiking at the earliest in the morning. The daytime heat during minimal sports activity can become quite stifling. This hike is largely in the shade in the forest except on the course health. Others : Nearby you can visit Les Jardins de Balata, see the Sacré Cœur de Balata or go for a walk at the Camp de Balata. |
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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service.
OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide
3 Comments
La cascade d’Absalon, petit coin de fraîcheur. – Dom Loisirs et Culture · Monday September 3rd, 2018 at 01:47 PM
[…] entreprendre les randonnées de la Boucle d’Absalon ou encore de la Fontaine Didier, les points de départs de ces randonnées sont à côté. Vous […]
Absalon- La Démarche – Dom Loisirs et Culture · Monday October 14th, 2019 at 05:47 AM
[…] visiter à proximité, Les Jardins de Balata, découvrir les autres circuits de randonnées ( Boucle d’Absalon, Fontaine Didier, Fond Baron) ou encore la Cascade […]
Circuit d'Absalon - Fond Baron, initiation à un parcours en forêt. - Dom Loisirs et Culture · Sunday March 10th, 2024 at 05:11 PM
[…] vous pouvez effectuer les autres circuits d’Absalon (Fontaine Didier et Boucle d’Absalon), vous baigner à la Cascade d’Absalon, visiter à proximité, Les Jardins de Balata, […]