Welcome to the municipality of the Gros Morne, located in the center of the island. It is the second largest town on the island. Located also in altitude, the environment of this territory is very green and offers numerous panoramic views on every corner of Martinique. This town, originally devoted to agriculture, has a rich land that Habitation HSE benefits to produce a rum A.O.C exceptional. In terms of services, there are a post office, a bank and a service station located in the municipality. In terms of activities, besides the visit of Habitation J.M, hikes are located in the town and nearby. You will enjoy the walk of waterfalls Saut d’Argis or take the start of hiking Bellevue – Reculée.
The Bellevue – Reculée hike will make you discover magnificent panoramas on the Atlantic coast, Sainte Marie or on the relief of the mountain peaks of Carbet.
This 7-kilometer course will take you through forests, valleys and farms. It will take you about five hours (round trip) or three hours (one way) if you opt for the solution to put a car on each side of the hike. In terms of difficulties, this hike is more accessible to people with a good sporting condition, the many climbs (+470 m elevation gain) and the state of the course (mud, roots, …) can make this trek quite difficult.
Itinerary
To access the starting point of the hike, leave from Fort-de-France, join the A1 then the D41 to take the exit towards Balata (N3). This road also called Balata road will take you to the heights of Martinique with many bends. You will see as you go, a hygrophilous vegetation that will be more and more lush and dense around you. You will have to drive a good half an hour to Alma’s reception area then continue on the Trace road (always the N3 towards Morne Rouge) until the intersection with the D1 road where you will turn right on Gros Morne. Go straight ahead and past the start sign (P2) of the Jesuit Trail. The starting point of the hike is at least two minutes by car from this sign. You will see on your left a big rise in concrete.
There is no parking and you will have to park on the side of the road.
The hike of Bellevue – Reculée
Tip: If you are not alone to do the hike think and organize a car at each starting point of the hike to facilitate your return if you do not want to walk the other way.
Starting point of the hike
The beginning of the hike is sporty when you leave. A strong climb on a concrete road brings you to the site with an antenna (radio and satellite). Retreat to enjoy a first beautiful panorama that will call others throughout the course
After taking advantage of the landscape, retrace your steps over fifty meters to find the rest of the route that goes into the forest. This very dense hydrophilic vegetation will nevertheless offer you some openings to admire other panoramas.
View on the Presqu’île de la Caravelle
Continue your way through the vegetation to reach a first fork. Watch out for not to slip (mud, roots).
At this first fork take on your left. A bench is available if you want to make a first stop to drink or eat something after your efforts.
A few minutes after this fork, you join the forest road. Follow it a hundred meters to take the path that brings you back into the forest.
Small particularity on the continuation of this course, you will have to go around a mahogany to make up the trail.
Tip: If you do not want to walk in the forest, you can stay on the forest road that will take you to the same point.
The route takes you back to a forest road. Continue straight for 200 meters to receive your reward.
From this point and continuing your journey, you will have a panel of panoramic views of the town of Sainte-Marie in the distance and the mountain peaks of Carbet.
Click on this link to have a first video preview of the panoramic view on our Facebook page.
Continue your way to the farms. Join the road then take on your left to follow the ridge line.
you will see other panoramas.
Walk along the ridge to go down on a path on your right. You will pass in the middle of cultures.
Here you are on the ridge, on one side majestic mountains (Piton Laroche) and on the other a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Click on this link to have a first video preview of the panoramic view on our Facebook page.
The end of the trail continues along the ridge and joins the departmental forest of La Reculée to the entrance of the Forest.
If you choose to make the return on foot, enjoy again the vegetation and many views of the surrounding hills.
| 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 Equipments : good pair of hiking shoes or tennis shoes bag with (knife, rain coat, lamp, hats or caps, sun glasses, sun cream and mosquito repellent). Ø Health: -Difficulty: 7 out of 10, sports course with long climbs, possible for the whole family (depending on fitness and children over 10 years). Shaded path, risks of slipping. -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: Other hikes can be found in the area, such as The Jesuit Trace. You can also head to the Alma forest to enjoy the river or for the bravest, take the road towards Agoura Bouillon to make the Gorges de la Falaise or Funds Saint-Denis for the jump of the gendarme. Another choice, more cultural, direction Maklouba to discover the Habitation J.M. and enjoy your rum. |
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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service.
OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide
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