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How to get there:
- From Saint-Pierre: head towards Saint-Joseph via the N1. Once in town, follow the N1 until the next ‘Score’ sign on the right. Continue along the road until the next roundabout and take the first exit. Drive past a culvert and turn immediately right to park at the end of the street.
- From Saint-Philippe: head towards Saint-Joseph via the N1. Once in town, cross the Rivière des Remparts via a bridge, continuing to follow the N1. Just after the bridge, turn left at the roundabout and take the third exit at the next one. Drive past a culvert and turn immediately right to park at the end of the street.
(S/E) Start the walk by visiting the ruins of the Usine du Piton. Then follow the track towards the sea. It bends to the left. Go through a gate and keep left at the next junction. The track soon turns into a path running alongside the high rock faces of Piton Babet. Keep right until you reach the Caverne des Hirondelles, which is clearly visible on the left. Deep and very large, it makes a good place to rest. After the cave, take the first path on the left and begin the climb up to the piton.
(1) Keep to the right at the next junction. The ascent is a series of switchbacks and takes you through casuarina and vacoa trees.
(2) The summit can be reached in under 10 minutes. There are benches where you can rest. To the right is a memorial honouring the former mayor of Saint-Joseph (Raphaël Babet). There is a small view over the hills above Saint-Joseph. Then head down the path that branches off to the left of the memorial. Follow it down to the town and return to the summit via the same route.
(2) Then turn right. The path winds downwards in numerous hairpin bends. There are a few short uphill sections.
(1) Keep to the right and return to the car park via the same route (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Moderate 
