Gorges de la Falaise

The Falaise river has cut a narrow gorge into the eastern flank of Mount Pelée at Ajoupa-Bouillon, and the visit means walking and wading up it between walls that close to a couple of metres apart in places, with a waterfall at the head where the canyon ends. Guides run the trip and it cannot be done independently. The water is cold and waist deep in stretches, and the route closes whenever the river is running high.

What's there

• The narrow walls - rock closing to a couple of metres apart in the tightest section.
• The wading route - the walk up the riverbed itself to the head of the gorge.
• The waterfall - the drop where the canyon ends.
• The Pelée flank - the volcanic slopes the gorge is cut into.

When to go

December to April is drier with lower water. Rain closes the gorge immediately. Trips run in the morning and early afternoon.

Before you go

Access is guided only and the gorge closes without notice when the river rises. Water is cold and waist deep and this is not suitable for weak swimmers. Footwear that can get soaked is essential.

Nearby

Mount Pelée rises above, and Grand-Rivière is northwest.