Bassin Bleu

Bassin Bleu is a pool on a river in the forest above Gourbeyre, where the water gathers in a basin deep enough that it takes on a strong blue-green colour against the pale rock, with a small fall running into it. It is reached by a short walk from a roadside parking area and is used for swimming by local families. The surrounding forest is dense and the water is cold.

What you actually see

• The blue pool - deep water taking a strong colour against the pale rock.
• The small fall - the drop feeding the basin.
• The short approach - a walk of a few minutes from the road.
• The forest - dense growth enclosing the river.

When to go

December to April is the driest. The colour is strongest in clear water after a dry spell. After rain the river runs brown and rises fast.

Honest expectations

The river rises quickly after rain in the hills and the pool becomes dangerous. There is no supervision or facilities. Parking is a narrow roadside pull-in.

Nearby

Gourbeyre is below, and Basse-Terre is west.