Deshaies coastline
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Deshaies coastline
Deshaies

Deshaies coastline

Coastline and cliff
Cultural and architectural heritage
Relaxation area
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Discover the coastline and dry forest of the north of Basse Terre. A walk where history and ecology merge, from the Gros Morne to the beaches, following an old colonial road.


11 points of interest

  • Flora

    Tendacayou

    Acaia muricata is also known as Tendacayou because of the extreme hardness of the wood. Its small white flowers produce plenty of honey.

  • Viewpoint

    First viewpoint

    Near the summit of Gros Morne, fine views to the south, with la Pointe Batterie and l'Anse de Deshaies below.

  • Viewpoint

    Second viewpoint

    On starting your descent, there are splendid views of Grande Anse bay to the north.

  • History

    Battery of canons

    A battery of canons was once placed here to protect Grande Anse bay. For almost a whole century, Guadeloupe was a battleground for violent clashes between the French and English. A few years ago, this location was equipped with tables, allowing walkers a chance for a break after climbing Gros Morne.

  • Area of relaxation

    Carbets

    At the back of Grande Anse beach, some traditional carbet shelters are available for a well-deserved break.

  • Fauna

    Guadeloupe woodpecker

    The only endemic bird species to the country, the Guadeloupe woodpecker measures 26-28 cm. Its beak is long and slender and, in the male, is longer than the head, unlike in females. It is adorned with black plumage, has a blood-red throat and belly and blue/black back. It can be seen quite frequently on tree trunks, which it hammers into with its powerful beak (hence its Creole name of "Toto bwa"). It moves over short distances in rippling, gliding movements. The Guadeloupe woodpecker is included on the list of endangered species.

  • Flora

    Bursera simaruba

    Bursera simaruba is easy to spot, on account of its reddish bark that comes off in scraps. Its bark is green and smooth underneath.

  • Flora

    The 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.

  • History

    Old walls

    The trail runs along the coast until Pointe Le Breton. You can still see the remnants of the old colonial road, including wall sections which have fallen into disuse but are still visible on the roadside.

  • Flora

    Gossypium

    Gossypium is a generic name for all plants that produce cotton, whether in the wild or grown specifically for the purpose. There are different uses for the various parts of cotton plants: the fibrous hairs (cotton), which vary in size depending on the species and variety, the shorter fibres (linters), and the olive and protein-rich seeds. Other species are used as ornamental plants.

  • Viewpoint

    Viewpoint

    From the seafront to "Rifflet", a magnificent view of l'îlet Kahouanne, classified as a central part of the National Park.


Description

Hiking trail colour: yellow

The hike begins near to the Bethsy school, behind the sports field. Cross a small concrete bridge and start your walk into the forest. The trail climbs steadily to the top of Gros Morne. Then start your descent north: the path winds down, passes by the battery of canons and ends up at the backshore of Grande Anse de Deshaies. Follow the shady path by the beach and then come out onto the beach itself. Go past the mouth of the Mitan river. Go up the beach, cross the large parking area next to the restaurants and head onto the marked trail that leads north and goes past houses and cottages. Continue on the coastal path until Pointe Le Breton. The trail ends here, so take the small seafront path towards "Rifflet". Walk along the back shore until you reach La Perle beach and then head for the parking area. There are showers available on the beach.
N.B. As this is a circular trail, make sure to leave your vehicle at the start point.

  • Departure : Deshaies, in the village: at the bottom of Gros Morne (near the cemetery).
  • Arrival : Deshaies, La Perle beach.
  • Towns crossed : Deshaies

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

As Guadeloupe is prone to natural risks, extra care should be taken in this natural environment. For the benefit of all hikers, responsible behaviour is very important.
The northern Basse Terre coastline includes some nesting sites for sea turtles. Please treat the beaches with due consideration !
Please note: the parking and swimming areas are not supervised.


Information desks

rue de la Liberté, 97126 Deshaies

http://www.villededeshaies.fr/sideshaies@wanadoo.fr05 90 68 01 48

Access and parking

GPS coordinates of the start point : Lat : 16,30959 N - Long : 61,79440 W.

At Deshaies : in the town, go to the bottom of Gros Morne. Walk in the direction of the cemetery and Bethsy school. The hike starts from behind the school.

 

Parking :

At the start : Deshaies, parking next to the cemetery and at Bethsy school. At the end: Deshaies, La Perle beach.

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