FROM BEACH TO BEACH

We would like to suggest several walks along the most southern coast of Martinique. A great way to discover beautiful beaches often accessible only by foot, to discover an area characterised by a dry microclimate that results in a landscape greatly different to that of the rest of the island. Don-t miss the occasion to see up close the mangusta, the Robbins and the colourful mangrove crabs.         The itineraries are ideal for mountain biking as well. Those walkers that are well trained and enthusiasts of trekking could unite our single excursions into one longer adventure (La Trace des Caps, Ste Anne-Vauclin, 10H)   Remeber:   -Carry a lot of water (at least 1.5 L pp) and some food for energy -carry a cap and something to provide shelter from rain -Don’t forget tat you have to get back to your car so you double your journey time to consider the return leg. Attention, by 17.30/18.00 the sun starts going down and quickly becomes dark! - The paths are normally signed with blue and white markings on the trees -Respect nature and don’t leave your rubbish behind! -Check the weather before leaving, when its raining some of the paths can become dangerous. -don’t touch unknown plants and don’t collect flowers! -Be careful of the mancinelle!	BE CAREFUL OF THE MANCINELLE! The mancinelle is a plant that can be found on just about every beach of Martinique and on many other Caribbean islands. All parts of the plant are dangerous and highly toxic: leaves, trunk, and fruit(resemble small green apple).     DON’T TOUCH , DON’T TASTE, DON’T SJHELTER UNDER A MANCINELLA WHEN IT RAINS AND DON’T BURN THEM!     On the beaches the plant is often marked with a red band.
Anse Caritan (Sainte Anne) – Salines     Difficulty : Easy Time : 2 hours Required : trekking sandals, gym shoes                     Cross the centre of Sainte Anne and after the last piazza continue along the road for Anse Caritan. You will see a condominium on your left, take a left then a right, straight and you’ll arrive at the beach. Make your way away from the road and toward the trail which commences at the gate.     Once you climbed the dune, follow the sandy trails, the path follows the coast so every time you reach an intersection follow the trail to the right. The trail is not very difficult, in one or two spots you’ll need to pay attention as it can be slippery. Along the way you’ll probably run into a couple of mangusta. You’ll find wooden benches positioned in locations with panoramic views to enjoy whilst you take a break.         The first stage is the Anse Meunier (or Anse Moustique), a beautiful beach with tranquil waters and backed by vegetation. Continue along the beach and you’ll reach the bridge that was used for the antique salt works.       Continuing along to the right and in a few minutes you’ll be upon the promontory that overlooks the beach called the Petites Salines.         Following the trail it widens and becomes wide enough for a cart, before you know it you’ll be at your goal, the beach Les Salines.       If you prefer a comfortable return leg from les Salines there are often taxis leaving for Sainte Anne...otherwise you could always ask for a ride from a passing vehicle.
Cap Macré – Cap Ferré   Difficulty : easy Time : 50 minutes Equipment : trekking sandals, gym shoes                       Arriving at the bottom of the descent that takes you to Cap Macré, take the first right that is also recognisable by the sign which displays a map of the zone. Follow the road always turning to the right until you arrive at the fishing shelters, there is a small parking area in front of them. From here you continue by foot. Take the path that passes above the shelters and continues around the mangroves, keeping the lagoon always on your left. Follow the path beaten into the mangrove landscape. You’ll find yourself in a particularly impressive area : a great place to watch the mangrove crabs which in this environment take on many different colours including red, black, blue, purple….       Once crossed the mangrove, the path leads you to a sheltered bay, oft used by fishermen in times of bad weather, you’ll find a tranquil shaded beach. Skirt the bay and the path to the left that climbs up the promontory. You’ll come face to face with the Atlantic!         Continuing, you’ll reach a fence, follow the fence up the slope until you find a small opening in the fence allowing you to cross. Turning to your left, descend the slope until you reach the beach before ascending the facing slope…the wooden steps are little steep but once you’ve reached the summit you’ll be rewarded with a 180° panorama from Cap Macré. The path continues on a descent to the beach at Cap Ferré…passing the coco palms you’ll once again find yourself in front of the Atlantic!       The beach of Cap Ferré is a beautiful long stretch of white sand. The unspoilt beach offers some shade and several sheltered corners, where you could set up your hammock. Facing east means that it’s advisable to visit the beach in the morning. Take a lot of water with you as there as absolutely nothing there …apart from coco nuts. Also , make sure to pay attention to the sea: in this case the Atlantic ocean which can generate dangerous currents…and there is no life guards!
Petit Macabou – Grosse Roche   Difficulty: easy, at several points the going gets a bit more difficult (ground that is prone to slipping) Time: 1 hour and 30’ approximately Equipment: shoes or sandals for trekking, gym shoes                         If you are arriving by car at Petit Macabou, park and walk along the beach in the direction south, that is with the sea on your left. Climbing up the promontory, at the peak you’ll have a great view of the beach of Grand Macabou and the various paths that lead to it, along the beach or inland, under the vegetation.       Descend the hill and follow the path that skirts the mangroves and the palm groves. You can decide from here to follow the shoreline or follow from the shade in either case the path will take you to the beach. Walking the length of the beach you’ll find a path that follows the last part of the bay before delivering you to t he Atlantic coast. A position that, merits a few holiday photos!     The path continues along a small beach before ascending a hill and plunging you into a completely different landscape of dry vegetation and cactus.     You’ll stumble upon a small chapel on your right before arriving at the beach of Grosse Roche. At the end of the beach you will see the rock which is the namesake of the beach, famous for it heart shape.   Grosse Roche is a beautiful unspoilt beach with lots of space in the shade to put up a hammock and have a picnic. There are not normally dangerous currents, but its always best to be careful. The beach is facing east and therefore best seen in the morning.

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