The Trace of the Customs, Porte d’Enfer – Pointe du Souffleur

Welcome to the town of Anse Bertrand, located in the north of Grande-Terre. Land of refuge of the last Caribbean, the municipal territory became over the years an agricultural land for cotton and sugar cane. Today, the town’s economy is dominated by the cultivation of sugar cane. Many vestiges are still present on the territory (mills or the Habitation Mahaudière, famous for its trial). Also located, the community of Anse Bertrand also lives seaside activities (Anse de la Petite Chapelle, Anse Laborde,….). In terms of land activities, viewpoints (Pointe de la Vigie) and seaside hikes or loops have been set up to help you discover unmissable places such as Pointe des Souffleurs and Porte d’Enfer.

The Trace des Douaniers will make you discover magnificent panoramas on the Atlantic coast, the Porte d’Enfer or the Pointe des Souffleurs and its geysers.

This 8 kilometer route will have you walking on a stone path with cliff edges. It will take you about three hours (round trip). In terms of difficulty, this hike is accessible to the whole family, but be careful of the sun, which can make this hike quite challenging. The course is located in full sun all along.

Itinerary

To access the starting point of the hike (discovery route recommended), starting from Pointe-à-Pitre, head towards Grande-Terre, take the N1 then the N5, towards Morne à l’Eau. Follow the direction of Le Moule and before arriving in this town, take the D123 then the D120 in the direction of Anse Bertrand. You will follow the entire Atlantic side of Grande-Terre to the Porte d’Enfer (D122), starting point of the hike and atypical beach.

A spacious car park is located right next to it because this site is very busy between its restaurant and its beach, this little corner is magnificent. Do not forget however that this is a very busy site and that it is advisable not to arrive too late if you want to find a place more easily.

Access to the start of the hike is at the Restaurant Chez Coco. Cross the beach to catch up with the trail.

Hell’s Gate Beach

The Customs Trace, Porte d’Enfer – Pointe du Souffleur.

Continue your way along the beach on its right for a hundred meters to take a slight climb. Here you are on the edge of the cliff facing Madame Coco’s hole.

Madame Coco hole

At the same time, you will discover magnificent panoramas with its different shades of blue and the sound of the waves on the cliffs forming foam sheep.

The path, which has become very rocky, takes you along the cliffs and offers you many magnificent views of the cliffs and natural basins all along. Be careful where you step because it is easy to twist an ankle or accidentally fall on the many rocks.

As you hike, you will cross xerophilic vegetation and be swayed by the trade winds.

After an hour’s walk, you can see Pointe du Souffleur in the distance.

Another 10 minutes and you will arrive at a fork informing you that you have to turn on your left to go down towards the Pointe. For the bravest, the hike continues to La Mahaudière.

Information panel for the hike to La Mahaudière

The Pointe du Souffleur

Click on this link for a first video preview of Pointe du Souffleur on our Facebook page. 

To access the Pointe, the path is gravelly and slippery, watch out for your supports. A little descent on the buttocks for some and some and here you are on the Pointe.

You will already see in the distance the many geysers created by the waves through the holes in the rocks.

You can approach the geysers and discover the different geological aspects of this ancient arc eroded by time and waves.

Of course, observe the weather and the strength of the waves to avoid any accident. I appeal to your conscience to take care of you and your loved ones.

Click on this link for a first video overview of the Pointe du Souffleur geysers on our Facebook page.

You can also discover our Pointe du Souffleur discovery video on our Youtube channel. (Click on the following link)

It’s up to you to discover it now!

In terms of advice, 

Ø Traffic in Guadeloupe: During the week, you will face traffic jams around the Jarry area, especially in the morning, in the direction of Le Gosier towards Pointe-à-Pitre, and vice versa in the late afternoon. Think about your route in order to adapt to this traffic which can be dense and easily waste time. 

Ø Equipment: Good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes, light clothing, hiking bag (knife, flashlight, rain jacket, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent). 

Ø Health: 

_ Difficulty: 6 out of 10, possible hike for the whole family (depending on physical condition and child over 8 years old or baby carrier). Risk of slipping on a stony path and significant heat.

 – In normal times, always start hiking as early as possible in the morning. The daytime heat during minimal sporting activity can become quite stifling. This hike is in the sun the whole way. 

– Go at your own pace and plan the time you will need depending on your physical condition. 

– The most important, always a bottle of water per person and something to snack in his bag. With the heat, all fairly physical hikes can be dangerous with fatigue. 

Miscellaneous: You can take advantage of it on your return to eat and bathe on the Porte d’Enfer. You can visit Pointe de la Grande Vigie and Habitation Damoiseau

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 and Culture team is committed to raising awareness of the protection of the biodiversity of the overseas departments.