Hiking in Montravail Forest in Sainte-Luce

Located in the hills above Sainte-Luce, Montravail Forest offers a lush setting for hiking in the heart of Martinique’s natural landscape. Its trails lead through dense tropical vegetation, including mahogany trees and other species typical of the island’s humid forests.

Suitable for a family walk as well as a longer hike, the site offers several trails, allowing you to choose a route based on the time you have available and how far you feel like walking.

A hiking trail winds through the tropical vegetation of Montravail Forest, in the hills above Sainte-Luce.

Trails in Montravail Forest

Several trails allow visitors to explore the Montravail Forest. Among the developed routes, the town of Sainte-Luce highlights two trails that are particularly suitable for a family walk:

• Anoli Trail:

  900 m, approximately 30 minutes’ walk.

• Mangouste Trail:

  1,650 m, approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour’s walk.

Other circuits allow you to explore the forest further, with routes of varying distances:

• Short Loop 1:

  approximately 1.4 km, or 30 to 40 minutes of walking.

• Short Loop 2:

  approximately 1 km, or 20 to 30 minutes of walking.

• Medium Loop:

  approximately 3.5 km, or 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes of walking.

• Long Loop:

  approximately 4 km, or 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours of walking.

• Engraved Rocks Trail:

  approximately 700 m from the visitor area, or 15 to 20 minutes of walking to reach the site.

What can you see in the Montravail Forest?

Beyond its hiking trails, the Montravail Forest offers several natural and cultural points of interest. As you make your way through the forest, take the time to enjoy the landscapes and discover some of the site's most remarkable features.

• The remarkable kapok tree: among the forest’s emblematic trees is an impressive kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), with a circumference of approximately 5.50 metres.

• The rock carvings: located on the edge of the forest, these petroglyphs bear witness to the presence and influence of Amerindian populations in Martinique before European colonisation.

• Diamond Rock: from certain viewpoints, you can catch sight of this famous rocky islet rising off Martinique’s southern coast.

• Morne Larcher: easily recognisable by its distinctive silhouette, this iconic landmark of southern Martinique can also be seen from the surrounding heights.

Kapok tree, tropical vegetation and an Amerindian engraved rock in Montravail Forest.

The engraved rocks in Montravail Forest bear witness to the Amerindian presence in Martinique.

Our tips for your hike

Before setting out to explore the Montravail Forest, a few simple precautions can help you enjoy your walk with greater peace of mind. The site also offers several facilities for visitors.

• Wear suitable walking shoes: the trails run through dense vegetation and can be uneven or slippery after rain.

• Bring water and sun protection, such as a hat or cap, even though parts of the trails are shaded.

• Check the weather conditions before setting off, particularly after heavy rainfall, which can make some sections more difficult.

• Make use of the facilities available on site: the forest has a car park, covered picnic shelters, toilets and facilities designed to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

How to Get to Montravail Forest

Montravail Forest is located in the hills above Sainte-Luce, in the south of Martinique. Several areas are available for visitors, including parking and picnic areas.

By renting a car with Europcar Martinique, you can easily reach the different visitor areas of the forest, then continue exploring the south of the island with your vehicle.

Continue Exploring Martinique

After a hike through the Montravail Forest, why not continue your day exploring southern Martinique? Take a swim at one of Sainte-Luce’s beautiful beaches, cool off with a refreshing sinobol, or discover the stories and beliefs surrounding the kapok tree (fromager), one of the remarkable trees you can see in Montravail.