Saut du Gendarme
A small waterfall beside the mountain road at Fonds-Saint-Denis, reached in two minutes.
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The Saut du Gendarme is a fall of a few metres on a stream beside the mountain road above Fonds-Saint-Denis, with a short path and steps down to a pool at the base and a picnic area beside the parking. It takes two minutes to reach, which is why it appears on every itinerary despite being modest, and the surrounding forest is thick and green. A longer trail towards the Pitons du Carbet starts from the same point.
What you actually see
- The fall - a drop of a few metres into a pool beside the road.
- The short path - steps down from the parking taking two minutes.
- The forest - dense green woodland enclosing the stream.
- The trailhead - the longer route towards the Pitons leaving from here.
When to go
December to April is drier with better footing. The fall runs strongest after rain. Weekends bring local picnickers.
Honest expectations
The waterfall is small and five minutes covers it. The pool is shallow and not really swimmable. Parking on the roadside is tight and the road is narrow.
Nearby
Fonds-Saint-Denis is above, and Saint-Pierre is west.
What to pack for Saut du Gendarme
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
