The Roches Gravées are one of those places that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. No coach parties, no gift shop, barely a sign. Just a cleared path through the forest, and then the rock face — andesite, smooth and dark — carved with 14 human faces by Amerindian people more than a thousand years ago.
They were classified as a historical monument in 1996. Before that, most people in the area just knew they were there, had always been there, and didn’t make much of a fuss about it.
We go often. Léon has a favourite face — the one that looks like it’s surprised. She has learned to stay on the path.
The walk from Les Vendredis takes about twenty minutes on foot. The trail starts directly from the A-frame, heading into the Forêt de Montravail — three paths through the forest, one of which leads to the Roches Gravées. Old mahogany trees, serious shade, the kind of forest that feels like it’s been there longer than everything around it. If you’re up early and the morning is cool, it’s the best walk you can do in the south of Martinique.
By car — about eight minutes — you can reach the coastal trail, which runs from the Plage des Sportifs all the way to Pointe Philippe. The panorama over the Grand Sud and the island of Saint Lucia is exceptional. Plenty of other short hikes from there too.
Most of our guests don’t know the Roches Gravées exist before they arrive. Most of them go twice before they leave.
