Trails and hiking
in Sainte-Luce.
You don't need the car to run here.
The A-frame is 50 metres from the start of three trails that climb into the hills.
The ONF trails.
Two waymarked family loops in Montravail forest.
Anoli trail
900 metres, 30 minutes, family level. Loop laid out by the ONF between 2013 and 2015, with interpretive panels. Ideal for a first walk in tropical forest with children.
Mangouste trail
1,650 metres, 50 minutes to 1 hour, family level. Longer, same ONF setup. You'll come across the typical species of the mesophilic forest.
From the A-frame
The ONF trailheads are about 4.8 km from Sainte-Luce town centre. From Les Vendredis, you reach the trails directly on foot via Route de Zaire.
With a child
That's where we started with Léon. Anoli first, Mangouste once he could walk without asking to be carried.
The other trails.
The ones we use most, beyond the waymarked ones.
Montravail – Roches Gravées
Start from the A-frame, up Route de Zaire, then the forest path on the right. Twenty minutes walking, twelve running if you know the terrain. Shaded trail, gentle gradient. Five kilometres round trip.
Trace des Jésuites – Morne Gommier
Extend westwards. An old communication path between the southern estates. Climbs in switchbacks to the top of Morne Gommier. View over the entire south coast — from La Caravelle to Le Marin, and all the way to Saint Lucia on a clear day. Two hours for the full loop from the A-frame.
Towards Rivière-Pilote
To go further. The trail follows the ridge between the two communes, alternating forest and farmland. Some technical sections with roots and rocks. Three hours round trip.
Our Sunday loop
Leave at six. Easy climb to the Roches Gravées, then push on to Morne Gommier. Pause at the top — the view, water, a mango if it's the season. Descend via the forest road, return along Route de Zaire. An hour and a half, 8 kilometres, back for coffee.
Running here.
The terrain, the conditions.
The terrain
80% shade, steady but rarely steep gradient, ground that varies between hardpack, stones, and roots. No GPS watch needed — the trails are linear, you won't get lost.
Dry season
Fast ground. You can string loops together with no trouble. Stones dry, roots visible. It's the season we prefer for long runs.
Wet season
Slick, slower. But the forest is at its best, colours saturated, and there's nobody on the trails. Good shoes mandatory.
Water
Essential, even on short distances. A cap or buff, because some ridge sections are exposed to the sun.
What to know.
Before you set off.
Leave early
Six in the morning, before the heat. By nine, it's climbing. By midday, you don't run anymore.
No official waymarking
The trails are maintained by locals, not by a park. Trailheads are marked, but junctions need attention. If in doubt, ask before leaving.
With a dog
Worth knowing: in Martinique, dogs are rarely welcome in public spaces, and most official trails — including the ONF trails in Montravail — don't allow them. Samsam runs with us on the local paths because this is home. On the waymarked loops, check the signs at the trailhead. Water for two, a leash, and discretion.
If you're staying at Les Vendredis
Tell us. We'll show you the trails. Easier than explaining on a map.
Nearby.
A few useful pages before you come.
Come stay.
The simplest way is to write to Bolo directly. We check the dates, talk a little, and see if the place feels right.
Write to Bolo →Airbnb and Booking also available if you prefer a platform: Airbnb · Booking
