Route de la Trace

The Route de la Trace climbs from Fort-de-France through the rainforest to Morne-Rouge, following a line cut by Jesuits in the eighteenth century, and the road twists constantly beneath tree ferns, bamboo and canopy that closes overhead in stretches. It passes the Balata church and botanical garden, runs beneath the Pitons du Carbet and reaches the Deux-Choux junction where trails go off into the forest. It is the drive people remember from the island.

What you actually see

• The rainforest tunnel - canopy closing over the road in long stretches.
• The Jesuit line - the eighteenth-century route the modern road follows.
• The Pitons view - the Carbet peaks rising above the road on clear stretches.
• The trailheads - forest walks leaving the road at Deux-Choux and elsewhere.

When to go

December to April is drier with more clear views. Rain and mist sit on the road much of the year. Mornings are clearest before cloud builds.

Honest expectations

The road is narrow, steep and constantly winding, which is hard work and unpleasant for anyone prone to car sickness. Cloud closes the views most afternoons. Landslips close sections after heavy rain.

Nearby

Jardin de Balata is on the route, and the Pitons du Carbet rise beside it.