Mamelle de Pigeon

de fr

A short climb to a summit located on the watershed between the Caribbean coast and the Atlantic coast of Basse-Terre. On a clear day, there are views of the sea on both sides.

Details

n°88931
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.04 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 177 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 177 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 763 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 586 m
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Photos

View of Grande Terre and Point-à-Pitre
Summit

Description of the walk

Parking at Col des Mamelles, on the right-hand side of the D23 (when coming from Petit-Bourg), a beautiful road that crosses the island of Basse-Terre from east to west.

(S/E) Cross the road. A sign provides information about the hike. There is only one path. The first part is paved with stone slabs, wooden steps, stairs, etc. The path starts off gently towards the south and quickly turns left to climb more steeply, heading east-southeast.

(1) The path resumes its southward direction and continues to climb, making a few turns. In the last part of the route, it heads west and, after a final bend to the right, you reach the summit. A platform allows you to enjoy the view above the vegetation.

(2) Descend via the same route as on the way up to the pass (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 586 m - Col des Mamelles
  2. 1 : km 0.39 - alt. 644 m - Change of direction
  3. 2 : km 1.02 - alt. 763 m - Summit of - Mamelle de Pigeon
  4. S/E : km 2.04 - alt. 586 m - Col des Mamelles

Notes

In wet weather or after rain, the path can be very slippery: wear appropriate footwear. Don't forget to bring rainwear in case of showers.

This very short hike can be combined with another hike nearby, described on the same website:
- Le Morne Léger: starting point at the same pass, on the other side of the road.
- La Mamelle de Petit-Bourg: by car or on foot, take the D23 on the right (east) and reach the starting point after about 500 metres.

Hike completed by the author on 13 May 2012.

Worth a visit

- Tropical forest.
- Beautiful views.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
françoisetchristine
françoisetchristine

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We went for a walk in the afternoon; there weren’t many people about, the path was in very good condition, though a bit muddy in places.
Some lovely views during the climb, great view from the summit, the weather was clear.
The view is the only highlight of the climb, so choose your weather window carefully.

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Marie-71
Marie-71

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Do it early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

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migar
migar

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice little round trip in the forest. It was Sunday, so there was quite a bit of traffic on the road (cars and motorbikes
Beautiful view at the top, but unfortunately there were a lot of clouds.
Be careful not to slip in the mud.

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Annie971
Annie971

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

The trail has steps, but they are often missing because the earth has washed away. You climb on the remaining planks, but it's doable! The trail is often, if not always, muddy in places. The slope is steep. Allow 45 minutes to climb instead of the 30 minutes advertised. The view from the top, on the platform, is superb, on both sides of the island, Grand and Petit Cul de Sac Marin and on the other side, the leeward coast, but it all depends on the clouds...

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Patrican
Patrican

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 01, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

The trail is relatively well maintained but there is a significant amount of mud. Avoid after rain. The climb is not particularly interesting, only the view at the end is worth the effort.

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Carole PFLUMIO
Carole PFLUMIO

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 25, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

The route consists mainly of steps, so it is easy.
Beautiful view from the summit.

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stradale
stradale

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 28, 2014
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A short hike that allows you to do step aerobics, as the route consists of a number of natural or man-made steps... After several counts, our result is between 890 and 920 steps.
We look forward to reading your results.

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