Access to La Citerne refuge
Capesterre-Belle-Eau

Access to La Citerne refuge

Mountain shelter
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A walk combining a taste for effort and a wonderful landscape, with a view over one of the Carbet Falls and at the end, if the weather permits, a panorama over Capesterre, Le Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin and Grande-Terre.
This is the last section of the first stage of the GR-G1 trail, and the effort required will be well rewarded.

10 points of interest

  • Viewpoint

    Promontory, extensive views

    Accessible to persons with reduced mobility, on a clear day this promontory offers a panorama of la Grande-Terre (Petit Cul-se-sac marin), Marie-Galante and la Désirade.
    The information boards explain the geological formation of the waterfalls.

  • Area of relaxation

    Picnic area

    A small path leads to the toilets and a special picnic area.

  • Flora

    Roseleaf bramble

    A member of the Rosaceae family, Rubus rosifolius is a hygrophilous species (i.e. one that needs moisture) which thrives in moderate shade: its white flowers and red fruits need the sun to grow. It is found up to 1,500 metres above sea level, where it colonises the banks of forest paths, invades the undergrowth of tropical forest and forms dense thickets. Its fruits are especially popular among birds.

  • Viewpoint

    Views of both the Chute du Carbet waterfalls

    Views of the first and second Chutes du Carbet waterfalls and information panels.

  • Flora

    Psychotria aubletiane

    Psychotria aubletiane, also known as Ipeka bata, belongs to the Rubiacieae family. It is a wetland shrub with upright branches. It features elliptical leaves, white axillary flowers and fruits in small drupes that turn bright blue.

  • Flora

    "Rat's tail"

    This name refers to a number of species in the Piperaceae family.
    As shrubs or small evergreen trees (ranging from 2-7 metres tall) with black, wart-like bark, rat's tails are a favourite among bats.

  • Flora

    Balisiers

    A member of the Musaceae family, Heliconia caribaea is a large grass that is typical of the Lesser Antilles tropical rainforest. A member of the same family as the banana trees, the plant can grow up to 5 m high. It features an inflorescence that resembles a red ear or red ear with yellow trim, or sometimes completely yellow. Its flowers are visible all year round, most notably between April and June.

  • Flora

    Candlewood

    The candlewood is a majestic tree in our forests. It can grow to a height of 30m. It was once used by the Kalinagos (native Americans) to make boats known as "kanawa". The white sap is used in magical-religious rituals today and is also popular during the carnival with the "Groupes à Peau" ("Skin Groups") known as "MAS".
  • Viewpoint

    View over the 2nd waterfall

    Very fine view over the 2nd Carbet Fall.
  • Flora

    "Elephant's Ear"

    More often called Taro, it is both saxicolous (living on rocks) and epiphytic (using other plants for support).

Description

Few markings.
At the Chutes du Carbet car park, follow the hiking trail to the first intersection (point 1) about 150m along the trail.
Then take the path to the left and begin the climb, passing through the 2 small gullies. Enjoy the view from the Carbet Falls without going too near the edge.
Continue up to the intersection (point 2) and then turn left, pass the river if it is not flooded.
After about 100m, you will arrive at the refuge.
It is possible to spend the night here.
The winding road leading to "L'Echelle" is still closed (due to a rock slide in April 2020).
  • Departure : Carbet Falls visitors' area
  • Arrival : La Citerne refuge
  • Towns crossed : Capesterre-Belle-Eau

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

Access to the refuge is open. But the winding road leading to "L'Echelle" is still closed (due to a rock slide in April 2020).
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Don't set off after 3 pm. Night falls very quickly at some times of the year.
It is recommended to be physically fit.
Ask a mountain guide to go with you.
NB: unsupervised car park.
Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Information desks

Reception area of Les Chutes du Carbet

terminus de la RD4 , route de l'Habituée, 97130 Capesterre-Belle-Eau

http://www.guadeloupe-parcnational.fr/fr/des-decouvertes/ou-sinformer/chutes-du-carbetinfo@randoguadeloupe.gp

Opening hours :

  • In low season (May 1st to June 30th, September 1st to October 31th) : daily from 7.00 am to 1.00 pm.
  • In high season (November 1st to April 30th, July 1st to August 31th : daily from 7.00 am to 4.30 pm.

Services : reception centre, shop, toilets, parking, picnic area. The promontory of the reception area is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

In exchange for the services provided on the site, a financial contribution is requested to visitors (prices 06/2023 to 05/2024) :

  • Adults : 5.30 € / pers.
  • Children (- 12 years) : 3.20 € / pers.
  • Families (2 adults + 2 children): 7.40 €
  • Groups adults (from 8 pers.) : 3.70 € / pers.
  • Groups children (from 8 pers.) : 1,60€ / pers.
  • One-year access card : 8.50 € / pers.

GPS location : Lat: 16,04198 N - Lng: 61,63822 W.

Find out more

Access and parking

GPS starting point: Lat: 16.04200°N - Long: 61.63812°W.
In Capesterre-Belle-Eau, on the RN1 road, head for Saint-Sauveur. Then take the RD4 road towards L'Habituée. Follow this road to the end, the Carbet Falls visitors' area.

Parking :

Carbet Falls visitors' area.

More information


Source


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