Ascent of Mount Pelée

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An exceptional hike thanks to the atmosphere, even if you do it in the rain, as was the case for us. Depending on your fitness level, don’t let the alarmist comments put you off too much – it’s not climbing at all, just a trail that’s a bit challenging in places, and I’m actually closer to retirement than I was at the start of my hiking career 😉 For us, it was a bit like wading through a river, but it was fun. I recommend using walking poles if you have them to steady yourself on the large rocks. A beautiful, unforgettable day, alone at the summit and without the view, but that’s the price you pay 😁

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Date of your route : Jan 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike undertaken in intermittent rain and clouds.
It was a little difficult to find our way as we approached Le Chinois, where we turned right towards the 1929 crater instead of left.
Despite visibility of only 10 metres, what a satisfaction to reach the summit in the pouring but warm rain.
The descent to the Aileron car park required extra caution, as the slope was steep and the rocks slippery.
It was a beautiful day for this iconic hike in Martinique.

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Date of your route : Feb 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Physically demanding climb, lots of rocks along the way, apprehension about slipping on the descent, but we made it and that's what counts.
Don't go if rain is forecast, bring a Kway
Hiking poles are more of a hindrance than a help.
Lots of clouds/fog, but it protects you from the sun, and there were still occasional clear spells at the top that allowed us to enjoy the scenery.
I recommend it.

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Date of your route : Feb 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike, but very strenuous, with a lot of walking and rocks.
The climb, as indicated, took us up 1,000 metres and took a total of 5 hours and 10 minutes.
We set off at 7 a.m., took 1 hour 10 minutes to reach refuge 2, 1 hour to reach refuge 3 and 40 minutes for the Chinese.
No need for a guide as the route is very well marked throughout the hike.

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Date of your route : Jan 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike! We did it on a beautiful day! We followed the route described. The mountain became covered in mist and clouds around midday.
Nevertheless, it was a demanding hike because in several places the steps or natural rocks are very high and you have to use your hands to climb up and/or your bottom to climb down🤪 It took us 6 hours, including stops (45 minutes) and the return trip to Le Chinois! Not to be missed on fine days.
I should add that we are senior hikers (aged 68 and 69).
The third refuge is unusable because it is dirty and filled with water.
Marion

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Date of your route : Jan 26, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Difficult route, it's climbing

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Date of your route : Jan 19, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, provided the weather is good. It rains quite often now!!!

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Date of your route : Jul 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Thank you for sharing this hike, a classic not to be missed during a stay in Martinique!
The weather was rough, with wind, clouds and a few showers, as is often the case on Mount Pelée, I imagine... But it's still truly magnificent! During the few sunny spells, the aerial views of the Prêcheur side of the island were stunning!
The road to get there, the D1 between Gros Morne and Le Morne Rouge, is also extraordinary, passing through the tropical forest, which is splendid!

A note about the route: as the path at the "left intersection" was closed, we first went around it by turning right onto the Caldeira and came back down via this shortcut. Only a few steps are currently being repaired, but the path remains passable and, in my opinion, even better than the Caldeira on the way down when the rocks are wet. Although accessible to all, the hike is slippery, so be sure to wear good hiking or trail shoes and be prepared for some cardio.

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Very beautiful discoveries of plants and landscapes, rain is often present, which is normal on tropical peaks. It's worth it.

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Date of your route : Apr 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, sometimes in the mist, sometimes with clear views. The immersive atmosphere in the typical vegetation (wild orchids, tree ferns, etc.) is very pleasant.
A complete circuit, including the ascent to Le Chinois in 6 hours, including breaks.

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Date of your route : Jan 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful and original "geological" hike with sunny spells and rain, so choose your photo opportunities carefully. The summit of the "Chinese" eruption of 1929 is a must-see, but be careful not to slip on the rocks on the way up and down, as there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

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Date of your route : Dec 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Sporty climb of Mount Pelée on Christmas Day 2024, with the family (two teenagers aged 13 and 15), in 4½ hours there and back, including a picnic break at the summit of Le Chinois (20 minutes) and photo stops (10 minutes). Partially clear view at the summit at 1,390 metres, no rain during the climb, but the rocks were still slippery, especially when descending. Some sections required caution but were not particularly difficult.

Please note that the route indicated from the second refuge to the third refuge is closed due to rockfalls, so to climb (and descend) to the summit, you have to go around the crater via the Caldeira loop, which adds a little over a kilometre to the circuit (8.2 km in total, with 850 m of elevation gain).

We recommend this hike, but only for experienced hikers.

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Date of your route : Oct 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb. Very athletic and technical.

The first part between the car park and the first refuge is easier. The second part is much steeper (+ and -) to reach the summit (Chinois)
It took me 4½ hours of intense walking to complete the long loop, with a 30-minute break for lunch at the refuge.

Be sure to set off well equipped, as the weather changes quickly at the summit! During storms, the path becomes very slippery and turns into a small river in places.

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Date of your route : Mar 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful view once you reach the top. But a really difficult hike for amateurs. Lots of rocks to climb. Bring water, as it's a 6-hour walk if you do the loop.

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Date of your route : Dec 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike with your head in the clouds, with clear skies at the summit allowing you to admire the Preacher. Be careful though, as the rocks can be slippery and there are a few technical sections with steep slopes.

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