Starting panel
On the way, you will see signs guiding you along the Galbas trail.
Vanilla
Vanilla is an orchid that likes shaded, cool and humid environments. Growing it is tricky and time-consuming. Since there are no pollinating insects in the archipelago, pollination is carried out by hand.
Candlewood
Haya blanca
"Bwa Bandé"
Signpost
Viewpoint
View of the Moustique river below.
Saut des Trois Cornes
Le Saut des Trois Cornes with its fine waterfall.
Creeper plant
You can see a magnificent creeper plant not far from the path.
Bamboo
A member of the Poaceae family, bamboo is more closely related to grasses than to trees. Made up of a woody, hollow stalk, its stem grows extremely quickly. It is both a highly resistant and invasive species in Guadeloupe and concerted efforts are being made to put it to best use in crafts and construction.
West Indian Mahogany
The West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) is a robust species native to Ispagnola. This dry forest tree was initially planted as an ornamental feature for houses, but then spread elsewhere. Despite the wood being of extraordinary quality, it grew too slowly to be used in reforestation. When degraded forests needed to be revived and enriched, foresters turned to this tree for the task.
Simarouba amara
Simarouba amara is a remarkable tree from the dense forest of Guadeloupe.
The Yucca Plum Pine
Podocarpus coriaceus is also commonly known as the Yucca Plum Pine. It is a member of the Podocarpaceae family. Closely related to conifers, it is an average-sized tree, measuring around 10-16 metres. Its leaves – dark green on top – have a leathery quality that is reminiscent of the common oleander. They have a span of 6-15 cm with no discernible stalk. While its flowers are discreet, its brown-coloured seeds in their red floral buds are particularly eye-catching. It has a thin layer of bark. This species is found throughout the West Indies and flowers mainly in December and January.
"Bwa bandé"
Richeria grandis belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. It is a large variety, distinctive for its tough leaves and reddish-brown bark that so often falls victim to rogue extraction. Also known as bwa bandé in Créole, it is renowned for its aphrodisiac qualities. Its wood is used as timber or in carpentry. It has very distinctive, green, grape-like fruits which form small pods and form copiously on its branches.
Viewpoint
Fine views towards the west (Deshaies and Mer des Caraïbes).
Le Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
View of Le Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.
Tête Allègre
The top of "Tête Allègre" (715 m) and beautiful views : towards the south (Morne à Louis) and the north (Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin).
The Sierran palm
The Sierran Palm (Prestoea montana) is a member of the Arecaceae family. Despite its size, it is in fact a palm tree. Like ferns, it does not have a trunk but a stipe. It can live in both hygrophilous forest, where it can reach a height of ten metres, and at altitude, where it does not grow beyond two metres.
Description
Hiking trail colour: yellow
Start out on the path that heads towards "Tête Allègre". Keep going until you reach the intersection (point 1). Turn right towards "Sofaïa" and then keep going in the same direction (point 2). Go downhill until you reach the Moustique river. You can then turn left (point 3) to keep going until Saut des Trois Cornes.
Alternatively, or later on, cross the river (point 3) to reach the other side.
Head up until you reach the small intersection. Turn right towards Sofaïa on the old botanical path. You should then reach the Sofaïa parking area [Here you can use the outdoor showers, located below the car park. These showers use the hot and sulphurous waters of Sofaïa].
Continue the hike by heading on the paved road, towards "Baille-Argent". Keep going in this direction until you reach the intersection (point 4). Go uphill steadily until you reach la Barre de l'Ile. Keep going (point 7) to the south towards "Belle Hôtesse" and then straight on (point 5) towards "Tête Allègre / Choisy". Continue in this direction (point 6), and start the descent towards the finish.
- Departure : From the "La Muraille" forest road
- Arrival : On the "La Muraille" forest road
- Towns crossed : Sainte-Rose, Deshaies, Pointe-Noire
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
This route is hazardous when it is raining. Do not plan a hike if it has been raining the day before or if bad weather is forecast. If water levels are rising, do not try to cross the river. Wait until they return to normal.
Extra care should be taken in this natural environment, as Guadeloupe is prone to natural risks. For the benefit of all hikers, responsible behaviour is requested.
Please note : the parking and swimming areas are not supervised.
Information desks
Headquarters of the National Park of Guadeloupe
Montéran, 97120 Saint-Claude
http://www.guadeloupe-parcnational.fr/fr/des-decouvertes/ou-sinformer/siege-de-saint-claude
info@randoguadeloupe.gp
0590 41 55 55
The reception and shop are open to the public :
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday : 8 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
- Wednesday : from 8 am to 1 pm.
- Friday : 8 am to 12.30 pm.
Services : reception, shop, toilets, free parking. Building accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Localisation GPS : Lat: 16,01634 N - Lng: 61,70753 W.
Access and parking
GPS coordinates of the start point : Lat : 16,27685 N - Long : 61,71681 W.
On Route RN2, between Lamentin and Sainte-Rose : at the roundabout of La Boucan, turn towards "Cadet" and "Bonne Mère". Then follow the signs that point towards Domaine de Séverin. One you have reached le Domaine, go past the parking area and head left on the road that goes round it. Then carry on for around 3km, first on the road bordering the sugar cane and pineapple fields and then to finish on the La Muraille forest road. You then reach the small parking area at the start, located next to the hike information board.
Parking :
More information
Source
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