Sainte-Marie – Sainte-Suzanne

The entire walk follows the old railway line

(S) From the Sainte-Marie police station, follow the road along the seafront towards Sainte-Suzanne.

(1) Then cross the Rivière Sainte-Marie. Just upstream there is a footbridge. This is where the railway used to run. The deck has been replaced but the abutments are still there.

(2) Next, cross the Ravine Charpentier. Upstream from the bridge, you can see the two old railway abutments. After the bridge, at the roundabout, take the^4th exit, following the coastline. This stretch offers a lovely view stretching as far as Cap Bernard. Cross the Ravine à Bardeaux. The railway bridge used to stand here, but it no longer exists. Then turn onto the first track on the left and immediately take the^first right onto the Sentier du Littoral Nord. The railway line used to run slightly further to the left at this point and joins this track at the next bend. The track runs along the coast, passing close to Pointe Sainte-Marie. Numerous railway tracks are laid here and there along the edges of the track. There are even occasional remains of retaining walls.

(3) It takes 10 minutes to reach the Ravine de la Source bridge. This bridge is visible as you head towards the sea from the bridge. It is built entirely of masonry. The track crosses the Convenance and Ravine des Chèvres les Bas ravines. The railway bridges no longer exist today as the entire area has been covered by earth and vegetation.

(4) After these two ravines, you come to a^third, which is very inconspicuous. It is spanned by a culvert that is still visible. To see it, you have to climb down into the ravine. However, this is technically challenging and not suitable for everyone. Right at this point, to the right of the track, stood the Ravine des Chèvres halt, which no longer exists. At the junction, carry on straight ahead along a path. It is said that this is where the railway derailed towards the end of the^19th century.

(5) Cross the Bras de la Ravine des Chèvres. The bridge still exists, but to get a good view of it, you’ll need to head further towards the sea.

(6) At the main road, turn left to cross the Ravine des Chèvres via the railway bridge. However, it is impossible to see the bridge itself. Just where the bridge would have been, there is still a single rail marking the boundary of a private area.
Alternative route: Just after the bridge, you can take the first path on the left to see the bridge over the Bras de la Ravine des Chèvres: however, the path is extremely overgrown and is only suitable for experienced walkers. Head towards the ocean and the Ravine des Chèvres. Cross to the other bank and take the left-hand branch at the mouth of the ravine. The path is heavily overgrown and progress is very slow. You’ll reach a small 2-metre drop: cross this on the left bank by climbing up the rock face. Take care on this section on the way back. The bridge is just beyond this section. Then return to the road.
Alternatively, stay on the road at this point and take the first track on the left. The track crosses the Ravine Franche Terre. There used to be a railway bridge here, but it no longer exists. The track winds its way through the shade of tall trees and occasionally through cuttings.

(7) Pass under a bridge: this is the Belle Eau overpass. Just after this bridge, there is a viewing point overlooking the Front de Mer Chapel and the Pointe des Haziers. Cross two ravines where the railway bridges no longer exist. At the junction, continue straight on towards Sainte-Suzanne. The path is completely clear and runs alongside the sugar cane. The views are quite expansive when the cane is cut back. After a long bend at Pointe des Haziers, the town of Sainte-Suzanne and its lighthouse gradually come into view in the distance. When you reach Rue de Belle Eau, cross a stream where the railway bridge has been completely destroyed. Then continue straight on at every junction until you reach the railway station.

(8) Pass under the beautiful Bel-Air lighthouse through a lovely stone-built tunnel. After the tunnel, cross a stream that is completely overgrown, though the railway bridge can still be made out as it heads towards the coast. You’ll reach the old railway station (E), situated about a hundred metres past the lighthouse on the right-hand side of the road; it is signposted.

An easy, family-friendly walk, except when visiting the culverts at the Bras de la Ravine des Chèvres and the section leading to the Ravine des Chèvres (technical sections, extremely overgrown stretch: so do bring a machete if you attempt this section)
A hat, sun cream and a good supply of water are strongly recommended, especially in summer.
Numerous information boards provide details on the history of the places you pass through and the railway line
For the next stage, there’s the option of staying at Le Pharest, situated right next to the end point.

Places to see:
(2) on the right shortly after this point: the Chapel of Notre Dame de la Salette
(8) The Bel-Air Lighthouse and its railway tunnel.
(E) The old Sainte-Suzanne railway station.

Bridges or their remains:
(1) Sainte-Marie River.
(2) Ravine Charpentier.
(3) Ravine de la Source.
(4) Culvert leading to Ravine des Chèvres.
(5) A branch of Ravine des Chèvres.
(6) Ravine des Chèvres.
(7) Belle-Eau Overpass.