The Pitons du Carbet are located in the north of Martinique. The Pitons du Carbet are believed to be Martinique's oldest mountain range, dating back further than Mount Pelée, Martinique's highest peak. They are five mountain ranges grouped in a small area. They are of volcanic origin, and the highest of the five, Piton Lacroix, rises to 1,196m. Along with Mount Pelée, they are the island's most beautiful natural observatory. On September 30, 2023, the volcanoes and forests of Montagne Pelée and the Pitons of northern Martinique were admitted as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

This region is characterized by a thick tropical rainforest with tall tree ferns, anthuriums, heliconia and bamboo. From an altitude of 800 meters (2,625 ft), the vegetation becomes less dense, revealing magnificent panoramic views over the island.

The five Pitons du Carbet are:

  • Piton Lacroix or Morne Pavillon (1,196 meters or 3,924 ft)
  • Piton de l'Alma (1,105 meters or 3,625 ft)
  • Piton Dumauzé (1,109 meters or 3,638 ft)
  • Piton Boucher (1,070 meters or 3,510 ft)
  • Morne Piquet (1,160 meters or 3,806 ft).

Trees reach heights of 30 to 40 m, and sometimes 50 m, and often have wide buttresses to consolidate their footing. Tree ferns in these forests can reach 15 m in height. After 1,000 m, the rainforest is replaced by thickets and savannahs. The hike up the pitons is very long.

So plan to get there very early in the morning (as early as 5 AM) if you want to complete the entire route. And don't forget food and water. There's nowhere to buy food in the area. For an unforgettable souvenir, bring your camera, as Morne Piquet offers a magnificent 180° panorama of Montagne Pelée and the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts.

Bring hiking boots and a raincoat, as it often rains. To get there, head for the North Caribbean. Between the towns of Le Carbet and Saint-Pierre, the signposts are easy to find.

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