Lagon de la Porte d'Enfer
October 4
Today we're exploring the northern part of Grande-Terre. First we drive to the Lagon de la Porte d'Enfer. In the regular season there's a restaurant here, before you continue on foot to "Hell's Gate". There's a wonderful hiking trail along the cliffs. The round trip takes about 3 hours covering 8 km in total.
At 32C and 78% humidity we skip the hike and settle for the Porte d'Enfer, which can be reached in about 10 minutes.
Then the road runs along the coast for a few kilometers with several spots to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Pointe de la Grande Vigie & Plage de l'Anse Laborde
After a few kilometers we reach the northernmost tip, the Pointe de la Grande Vigie. A short circular trail offers stunning views over the deep-lying sea before heading south again. After about 5 km we reach the lovely beach Plage de l'Anse Laborde just north of Anse-Bertrand with 2 small restaurants and showers.
Anse-Bertrand & Anse-Souffleur near Port-Louis
In Anse-Bertrand we quickly check out the Plage de la Chapelle. This is where a roughly 6-kilometer coastal hiking trail begins heading south.
We continue to the beach Anse-Souffleur near Port-Louis. A beautiful sandy beach close to town. Drive a few kilometers along the coast and you'll reach some short trails through the mangroves.
Port-Louis & Petite Canal, Morne-A-L'Eau
In Port-Louis we check out the lovely town hall, the church and various old wooden houses. At the harbor you can book boat tours into the mangroves (not in September/October).
In Petite Canal we revisit the old prison with its gigantic strangler fig that has the building in its grip. We were here back in 2009. Unfortunately, after intensive tree-felling work, some of the prison's mystical charm has been lost.
In Morne-A-L'Eau we visit a typical Caribbean cemetery. It's said to be one of the largest of its kind and looks truly unique with its black and white tiles.
Town beach at Sainte-Anne and grill shack.
Plage de Raisins Clairs, Saint-Francois & Plage de la Caravelle
October 5
We drive to the beach of Saint-Francois, the Plage de Raisins Clairs. From there we head back towards Sainte-Anne. Along the way we come across an ox cart race. The goal is to master an uphill stretch with as few attempts as possible. We'd never seen anything like it before.
Plage de la Caravelle, dinner at Kouleur Kreol at the town beach of Sainte-Anne and night swimming..
