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  This
page is intended to showcase a Martinique that is completely different
to the Martinique promoted by travel agencies.
Martinique which will inspire you with her tropical forests ( of which
there are 4 varieties recognised on Martinique covering at least 47% of
the island); for her volcanic nature which with disregard for man has
left a mountainous ridge, as spectacular as impenetrable; and for her
sea , always within sight (at the furthest point inland the sea is only
12km away) so as to remind you that you are still on an island.
Martinique offers pathways that will lead you into mahogany forest
cathedrals, under red woods reaching up 40metres,as well as rubber trees
and giant ferns. These panoramas of the island itself, Martinique’s
marvellous sea and her neighbouring islands cannot fail to inspire
unique emotions in the visitor.
 To
the north, the forest is characterised by the Pitones du Carbet and the
Pelee Volcano, which have given rise to raging torrents and waterfalls.
Whilst to the south the coastal paths along the beaches and through
mangroves offer more than 350km of walking paths for all levels , from
simple excursions to challenging athletic hikes.
The paths of Martinique are called “traces”, trails opened by the
colonists to traverse the island.
The diversity of Martinique offers a selection of different scenery,
fauna and flora.
To the north the severe inclinations and humid forests bring you in
contact with testing hikes in conditions which at times can be
considered inclement.
There is no shortage of easier trails, which are no less beautiful or
characteristic than the more difficult itineraries of Pitons du Carbet.
Trails which combine the history of the antique plantations and the
overwhelming beauty of nature which has regained control of the land as
man has moved on.
To the south, apart from a few morne (hills) to climb in order to enjoy
the views, the major part of the trails follow the coastline, skirting
the Peninsula of St Anne (seen on page
From
Beach to Beach) and the Caravelle. You can explore the
coastal forests characterised by its intermingling of sandy and rocky
zones, dry forests and mangroves and a “nursery” for greater part of the
marine life that abounds Martinique’s waters .
 The
Northern Itineraries
We will present only a few of the many paths of Martinique. We have
selected the trails we consider unique for their characteristics: The
slopes of Mt Pelee and its volcano of Morne Rouge;or Grand Riviere for
the more athletic;the Trace des Jesuites in the heart of the forest with
its gigantic trees; the Canal de Beauregard, with its unforgettable
views; the Crabiere along the Atlantic coast still characterised by the
former sugar mills of Vive; the Pitones du Carbet for the more daring;
and Precheur –Grand Riviere the historic mule trail connecting the
Caribean and Atlantic coasts, perhaps the most suggestive of
Martinique’s hikes.
Click here
for details of the trails
 In
general the paths can be done individually without any risk. For several
of the trails however, we recommend that visitors are accompanied by a
mountain guide which can be easily contacted once in Martinique. There
are numerous associations and professionals who will be willing to
accompany you.
When hiking in Martinique there are few rules, those that exist however
are important:
Always check the weather forecasts before organising a trek, especially
when visiting the north of the island.
Never cross a river in full flow or after rains.
Always ensure you have plenty of drinking water as no matter how much
you take it is never really enough.
Even with suitable hiking footwear the terrain can often be slippery and
difficult to grip. When trekking in the north it is essential to have
some wet weather protection. Some parts of the island can receive up to
9metres of rain in a year!
This guide was intended to highlight some of the beauty of Martinique’s
nature and the numerous ways for you to explore and live amongst it. You
will need to obtain a map or at least the pocket-guide that is provided
by the Comité de la Randonée Pédestre de la Martinique,
Which can provide all the information you will need to make the most of
the trails of Martinique.
Note: It is possible to arrange trekking over several
days with overnight refuge.
Click here
for details of the trails
Contact
To contact a guide to
accompany you on your excursions or to buy the Topo Guide (La
Martinique a Pied) please contact the Comité de la Randonée Pédestre
de la Martinique,
All of the addresses are available on the site of Comité
Martiniquais du Tourisme >>
click here
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