Welcome to the island of Saint-Martin, located north of the Lesser Antilles and a territory divided into two administrative entities. The French part is located in the North while the Dutch part is located in the South (Sint-Maarteen). In addition to the economic aspect linked to hotels, party venues and casinos, the territory also has significant biodiversity. Some spaces have been preserved and will offer you views and heavenly beaches, enough to get away from it all.
Fairly flat territory, the few hills (Pic Paradis or Red Rock) are still rare wooded massifs that will give you the opportunity to meet the island’s terrestrial biodiversity while enjoying incredible panoramic views of the ‘island. In terms of marine biodiversity, many nautical activities will also be offered to you in the seaside towns of the territory in order to meet the marine world around the beaches and islets.
Despite its small size, the island will offer you a range of activities that will fill you day and night according to your desires.
Let’s go in the land exploration of the island.
Itinerary on island
To access the start of the hike, starting from Grand Case (airport), join the N7, heading south and the agglomeration of Marigot. Pass the agglomeration of La Savane after about fifteen minutes drive, you will see on your left a sign indicating the direction of Pic Paradis. Take this street. two choices are available to you, either you park near the Loterie Farm so that the hike is more sporty or you go up with your vehicle to the path leading to the Pic Paradis viewpoint.
I opted to go up using my vehicle given my timing on the island.
Road going up to Pic Paradis (Loterie Farm on your right)
Take on your left at this bend. This street is easily recognizable because there you will find a house with a large stone wall (photo attached).
Proceed to the end of the road and try to park without disturbing the townspeople.
Arrived at the starting point, you find that the path is too damaged to try to go there with your vehicle unless it is really suitable.
The Peak Paradise
Pic Paradis is the highest point of the island (424 m). To access it, you can leave from the Loterie Farm (for the bravest) or go up to the nearest using your vehicle. If you start from the Loterie Farm, you will have 2 kilometers of walking with big climbs while for the other option, you will only have 500 meters of walking with a slight climb. Count 30 minutes of walking (A-R) with the shortest option. This hike is accessible to the whole family. You will discover a splendid view of the island of Saint-Martin (a must).
Beware of drops (rough terrain) and harmful effects of the sun, the hike is in direct sunlight.
The start of the hike is slightly uphill.
You will be able to contemplate, in the ascent, the island of Anguilla located to the North-East of Saint-Martin. Easily recognizable in this corner of the Caribbean as the island is completely flat next to the islands of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin.
The footpath always climbs slightly. The vegetation there is increasingly dense.
When you reach this point, turn left to reach the viewpoint. A few more minutes and you’re almost there.
On your right the antennas
A small sign hung on a tree will show you the last straight line towards the view of Pic Paradis.
Click on this link to have a first video preview of the panorama on our Facebook page.
An information panel is in place to direct you to the surrounding islands, towns and hills. You can contemplate in good weather, the island of Saint-Barthélémy for example.
Enjoy this splendid view of the island of Saint-Martin. Here you are on the roof of the world of this island.
End of the hike, you just have to take the path in the opposite direction to return to the starting point.
Find out now !
Enjoy going down the road, the different magnificent panoramas available to you. View of the Bays of Nettlé and Marigot.
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In terms of advice, Ø Traffic on the island of Saint-Martin: Prefer renting a vehicle because the island is quite large. During the week, you will face a few traffic jams in the morning near the Marigot agglomeration, in the direction of the South (Grand Case towards Le Marigot) from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and vice versa at the end of the evening from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. 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, raincoat, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent). Ø Health: – Difficulty: 2 out of 10 (uphill with the car otherwise 6 out of 10 from the Loterie Farm), possible route for the whole family depending on physical condition. Path in full sun, shoes adapted because rocky passage. – In normal times, always start hiking as early as possible in the morning. The daytime heat during minimal sporting activity can become quite stifling. – Go at your own pace and plan the time you will need based on your physical condition. – Most important, always a bottle of water per person and something to snack in your bag. With the heat, all fairly physical hikes can be dangerous with fatigue. Miscellaneous: Take advantage of the island’s many beaches and other walking trails. The territory is also full of nautical activities. |
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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service.
OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide
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