In Balata you'll find the Sacré Coeur, which not only shares its name with the one in Paris but also looks remarkably similar. From up here, you get a wonderful view of the capital Fort-de-France.

The air gets a bit cooler, the roads more winding and the trees taller (such as 30-meter-high bamboo groves). Mighty rainforest trees draped in lianas and bromeliads line the route toward Le Morne Rouge. Along the way, there's a lovely little stream with a picnic area. It's worth stopping for a short trail through the jungle to a small waterfall — a wonderful refreshment along the way. There are plenty of pull-offs and well-marked hiking trails throughout. Make sure to stop at Piton du Carbet as well before continuing on to Le-Morne-Rouge.

In Le Morne Rouge stands a beautiful old church, and behind the snack stand you get a magnificent view of the coast and the Montagne Pelée volcano. This volcano destroyed the former capital Saint-Pierre in 1902.

To climb this volcano, you should get up early — ideally, plan an overnight stay at the Auberge de Montagne Pelée. It's located just below the parking lot on the way up. A small road (D39) leads up to the parking area, where you'll also find a viewing platform. From here, it's a steep hike on foot.
Thick clouds often roll in around midday. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing.

Along the way, head toward L'Ajoupa-Bouillon and turn left just before the town onto a narrow road that leads to Gorges de la Falaise. First, you descend steeply into a gorge — admission is around €7.00. Once at the bottom, a guide takes over and leads the tour through a river — you walk through the water, through a very narrow and very tall canyon, all the way to the Gorges de la Falaise waterfall.

The path to the waterfall is an experience you absolutely shouldn't miss — it's an adventure in stunningly beautiful surroundings.
Important: bring water-resistant shoes and swimwear. Cameras and similar devices can be stored in waterproof containers available on site.

Les Ombrages is a botanical garden on the slopes of a rainforest gorge (not open year-round!).

Heading east, you'll pass through the towns of Le Lorrain, Le Marigot, Sainte-Marie, La Trinité, Le Robert, Le François and Le Vauclin.
Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful viewpoints or take a quick swim. If you're still driving after dark, be very careful and alert — the narrow, winding roads have no markings and can be quite dangerous. Some local drivers tend to go fast around here.