Prêcheur - Grand'Rivière

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One of the most beautiful hikes in Martinique! Immerse yourself in the tropical rainforest, surrounded by lush vegetation, with superb views of the sea at intervals.

(N.B.) Check before setting out on this hike. The trail may be blocked by landslides or fallen trees, particularly after tropical storms (see comments posted about this hike at the bottom of the page).

Details

n°92669
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.13 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,037 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,043 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 352 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 13 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Le Prêcheur (97250)
  • ⚑
    Start: N 14.839617° / W 61.217407°
  • ⚑
    End: N 14.873279° / W 61.181208°
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Photos

Landslide 2 km from the start of Anse Couleuvre
Start of the hike
Anse Couleuvre
Tunnel

Description of the walk

Start from the car park at Anse Couleuvre, at the end of the D10 road, north of the village of Prêcheur.

From start to finish, there is only one path, which is very well marked (the few trails that branch off are indicated in the description below). Here and there, small signs indicate the direction of Le Prêcheur or Grand'Rivière.

(S) Cross the Anse Couleuvre river. Leave the beach path on your left and take the path that climbs north to a promontory above the sea.

(1) At the fork, ignore the path on the left, which descends to Anse Lévrier, and turn right at a sharp angle.

(2) A few hundred metres further on, at the next fork, ignore the path on the left, which descends to Anse à Voile, and turn right. The path winds its way up to the foot of Morne à Lianes.

(3) The path descends in wide switchbacks to reach the Ravine des Galets.

(4) Head back up to the north-west to reach the top of a promontory above the sea (elevation 150), where you'll get a bird's-eye view of Anse des Galets.

(5) The trail turns northeast and then southeast. It climbs steadily and passes directly below a nameless hill (elevation 294). Continuing southeast, the trail descends, passes under a small tunnel and ends at the Trois Bras River. You are now about halfway through the hike.

(6) After crossing the streams, the trail climbs steeply to the Petit Morne (359 m), the highest point of the hike.

(7) The trail descends to the Écrevisses river via switchbacks that are just as steep as those on the way up.

(8) Climb back up for the last serious ascent. The trail starts with a few switchbacks and then heads northeast. Begin the descent below a nameless hill (elevation 326).

(9) The trail makes a hairpin turn. It heads south and continues downhill to exit the forest.

(10) Cross Fond Moulin in the middle of a more open landscape. Cross a small ravine (Ravine Morne Cabrit) and continue through the forest. Cross the small ravine that descends to Anse Morne Rouge and reach the small port of Grand'Rivière (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 20 m - Parking at - Plage de l'Anse Couleuvre
  2. 1 : km 0.63 - alt. 61 m - Access to Anse Lévrier
  3. 2 : km 0.85 - alt. 58 m - Access to Anse à Voile
  4. 3 : km 2.55 - alt. 222 m - Vertical drop - Morne à Lianes
  5. 4 : km 4.32 - alt. 65 m - Ravine des Galets
  6. 5 : km 5.52 - alt. 152 m - Promontory above Anse des Galets
  7. 6 : km 7.75 - alt. 126 m - Trois Bras River
  8. 7 : km 9.19 - alt. 352 m - Petit Morne (359 m)
  9. 8 : km 10.52 - alt. 165 m - Rivière des Ecrevisses
  10. 9 : km 12.15 - alt. 166 m - Promontory above Anse Cassius
  11. 10 : km 12.49 - alt. 123 m - Fond Moulin
  12. E : km 14.13 - alt. 13 m - Port of Grand'Rivière

Notes

Recommendations:
- Tropical storms and, even more so, cyclones can make this route impassable (this was the case in 2018). After an event of this nature, check before setting out on this hike.
- It is strongly recommended to set off early in the morning: not only will you benefit from a cooler start to the day, but you will also have time for a swim in the sea at the end of the afternoon.
- There are no drinking water sources, so bring plenty of water with you.
- Depending on your sensitivity, you may wish to bring sunscreen. However, there is no need to overdo it, as most of the route is covered by forest.
- After a long period of rain, the trail is very muddy: this hike is best reserved for the dry months of the year (Lent).
- Find out about the trigonocéphale snake.

Return options:
This is a long hike, so you will need to organise your return journey:
- Return by fishing boat. This is the recommended option, both for the enjoyment and beauty of the trip and to avoid too much driving. Advance booking is strongly recommended, for example through the Grand'Rivière Tourist Office (tel: 05-96-55-72-74).
- Leave one car at the start and one at the finish. Please note that it takes around 1¼ hours to drive from Grand'Rivière to Anse Couleuvre, via Basse-Pointe, Ajoupa-Bouillon, Le Morne Rouge, Saint-Pierre and Le Prêcheur.
- Another option is to do only part of the hike and return the same way. From Anse Couleuvre, this option can be combined with a descent to Anse Lévrier or Anse à Voile for a refreshing swim.

Hike completed by the author on 18 December 1983.

Worth a visit

The tropical rainforest alone provides many sources of wonder. Along the way, you can admire a wide variety of vegetation: trees of all sizes, tree ferns, plants with large leaves, bamboo groves, fruit trees that are remnants of former plantations (cocoa trees, mango trees, etc.), flowers depending on the season, and more.

The forest is also home to a discreet fauna. In particular, you can observe matoutous-falaises, small tarantulas that stand on leaves at the edge of the path. They are not dangerous if you do not approach them too closely (it is strongly advised not to try to catch them, as they defend themselves and are poisonous). With a bit of luck, you may spot a manicou, the only marsupial known to exist on the American continent.

There are superb views of the sea at various points along the trail.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
BernardPCT
BernardPCT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk along a very well-maintained path with no particular hazards; it’s a bit narrow in places but very safe if you watch your step. It gets a bit long and monotonous towards the end, though the best part is undoubtedly the boat trip there (or back). I recommend Julien Babin, whose contact details are online, for the crossing. A swim at Anse Lévrier is highly recommended.

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User 3828841
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

We were dropped off at around 8:30 a.m. by motorboat (booked by telephone using the number provided by the agency in Saint-Pierre) from Anse Couleuvre (5 minutes by car from Le Prêcheur) to Grand'Rivière to do the hike in the other direction, which we thought was a good idea because we could finish the hike with a swim and watch the sunset in this magnificent cove. The boat trip takes 15-20 minutes and is well worth it for the pleasure of being on the water and the magnificent view of the coast and the vegetation-covered hills from the sea. Be careful, as you get on the boat, the sea will be knee-deep or even deeper, as it's a bit rough, so expect to get a little wet and possibly need to put your belongings in a waterproof bag. That said, with the climate, it's not a problem at all...
The hike starts at the end of Grand-Rivière (the Visorando point helped me find it): it's an easy hike to follow as there aren't many alternatives and there are no particular difficulties, but it's quite long as it's 14 km on forest and rocky paths that go up and down... That said, it was a dry day... I imagine that in wet conditions, the trail can quickly become slippery and less peaceful, as there are quite a few river crossings... We did it in 5½ hours, stopping for a first break at the river, then a second break for a picnic, and taking the time to regularly admire the surrounding nature, including magnificent kapok trees (trees with huge roots) and, at times, glimpses of the sea below.
The final stretch, arriving at Anse Couleuvre, is great because you still have a few hours to relax there before sunset. It's a truly magnificent place. We recommend sitting down or taking photos at the left end of the cove, looking out to sea, which is magnificent at sunset.
Note: arrive early (8 a.m.) because the Anse Couleuvre car park is very small and fills up quickly... Once it's full, people park on the side of the road, but bear in mind that the last kilometre of this road is very steep, which makes "traffic" and passing other vehicles much less fun.

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Lucasvio
Lucasvio

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

WARNING
The terrain is very difficult in places, with landslides in some areas causing the path to disappear, forcing you to walk on the embankment (in the bushes) next to a steep drop. The middle of the path is not maintained and is deteriorating due to landslides caused by heavy rain.

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Nico67
Nico67

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike done after heavy rain the day before. Grand Rivière towards Anse Couleuvre. Difficult terrain, slippery and full of obstacles. Officially closed to the public. We came across about fifteen other hikers. We arrived late for our meeting with Omer for the return boat trip. No mobile phone reception during the hike. Fortunately, the hotel in Anse Couleuvre allowed us to contact Omer for the return trip by boat. Captain Omer was excellent.

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Christian Buyck
Christian Buyck
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The path is blocked by a tree and vines, but you can simply pass underneath the branches and vines, which takes about 30 seconds.
The path is sometimes narrow and slippery, and there are some steep drops, so you need to watch your step.

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objectif4000
objectif4000
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

There are indeed signs indicating that the path is impassable.
We ignored them based on information obtained from other walkers.
There is indeed a tree across the path about 1.5 km from Anse Couleuvre. We got through without too much difficulty by climbing over branches and vines. We may have lost two or three minutes...
This hike is quite demanding, so you really need to bring plenty of water. We had 1.5 litres each, but 2 litres would not have been too much.
Enjoy your walk.

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Netra
Netra ★

Hello Alex Zao, thank you for your feedback and for reporting the collapse of the trail. We are sorry to hear that you had to cut your hike short.

I have just added a warning in the introduction.

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Alex Zao
Alex Zao

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Trail impassable today, 2 km from the start at Anse Couleuvre, there is a total collapse of the trail with a tree and vines in the middle. We are adventurers, but there is no visible path and everything threatens to slide down even further.
We had to turn back.
However, these 2 km do provide access to the first two wild beaches, which are magnificent and well worth the detour!
The trail is obviously blocked with a sign saying "no entry - trail impassable".
We'll have to see when it's been redeveloped.

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TBo86
TBo86
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello everyone,
Hike completed on 10 May in good weather, starting from Anse Couleuvre. The route is not particularly difficult, but you should remain vigilant as there are narrow paths (25-30 cm wide) in some places. Wear suitable footwear and be in good physical condition. The path is clean and dry.
There is a significant elevation gain, but it is broken up, allowing you to rest and recharge your batteries (bring water and snacks).
The route is easy going and took me 4½ hours to complete the 16 km to the centre of Grand'Rivière (no detours).
Beautiful tropical forest with lots of small waterfalls, which were dry during this walk. Rich and diverse environment, lush and very pleasant to look at, with, of course, great views of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on arrival. The trail is 90% shaded. Don't be afraid to cross the sugar cane field at the end of the trail.
I had a bit of a scare when I arrived because I hadn't booked a boat for the return trip. I couldn't get hold of Max and Julien (their phone number is on a sign at the end of the trail, just in case), so I headed to the port where I found someone else who took me back to Anse Couleuvre (€15). We took a traditional boat (Yole) from the jetty BUT jumped into the water to get off at Ange Couleuvre beach. It was a great way to return as we had a different view of the cliffs and vegetation from the sea, which was very beautiful. Make sure you bring a change of clothes and shoes that can go in the water, as well as a waterproof bag.
A great time, a trip I highly recommend.
PS: the tourist office phone number listed in the description is no longer active.

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gisele.vanca
gisele.vanca

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The hike is as enjoyable as ever... highly recommended.
Make sure that the fisherman can take you back to Anse Couleuvre by calling the old lady.

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CFletcher
CFletcher

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 : No

The hike is difficult due to its length (5 hours for me) but does not present any particular difficulties. The elevation gain is significant but spread out. The trail is shaded and well marked except at the arrival point in Grand Rivière: take the concrete path that goes up to the right and not the path that goes down and allows you to visit the Fonds Moulin.
Huge tropical forest with lush vegetation. The return trip by boat is also very interesting as it offers views of the forest and cliffs from the sea.
There is no jetty when you arrive at Anse Couleuvre, so you have to jump into the water, but you can touch the bottom (be careful with your electronic equipment if the sea is rough). Bring clothes and shoes for getting into the water.

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cm.pages
cm.pages

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

more information about the tour starting at Ance Couleuve. Remember to book your boat.

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Jacky 55
Jacky 55

Hi
You're right, having done this hike in both directions, it's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Martinique.
I've also done this walk to the Anse Couleuvre waterfall twice, the last time in February this year, in torrential rain on the way there and back, in mud and slipping, it was much less enjoyable than in good weather!!!
But it was still a great experience that we'll remember for a long time!
Jacky

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GanaDJ
GanaDJ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We first took the boat from Grande Rivière to Anse Couleuvre (€15 per person with Captain Marco). The coast is magnificent from the sea.
The hike is also very pleasant, with a well-maintained and fairly busy trail. The flora alternates between lush and drier areas.
There are a few streams where you can stop and dip your feet in the water
You can take a detour from Anse Couleuvre to see the pretty waterfall (1 hour round trip at a brisk pace).

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Marc-O
Marc-O

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in active hiking mode => 3 hours 30 minutes.
The distance on my GPS watch is 16.8 km (with a short detour through the village of Grand Rivière on the way back)
Very nice.
I recommend the Poulet Boucané at Grill RIVERAIN, where the staff are friendly and welcoming. On the edge of the Caribbean Sea. A really good time.
Return by boat with Max the fisherman. The coastline is very beautiful
A little tip: book your return boat trip the day before or in the morning before setting off on the hike.
I highly recommend this hike.

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