First Chute du Carbet waterfall

Accessible to persons with reduced mobility, on a clear day this promontory offers a panorama of la Grande-Terre (Petit Cul-se-sac marin), Marie-Galante and la Désirade.
The information boards explain the geological formation of the waterfalls.

A small path leads to the toilets and a special picnic area.

A member of the Rosaceae family, Rubus rosifolius is a hygrophilous species (i.e. one that needs moisture) which thrives in moderate shade: its white flowers and red fruits need the sun to grow. It is found up to 1,500 metres above sea level, where it colonises the banks of forest paths, invades the undergrowth of tropical forest and forms dense thickets. Its fruits are especially popular among birds.

Views of the first and second Chutes du Carbet waterfalls and information panels.

Psychotria aubletiane, also known as Ipeka bata, belongs to the Rubiacieae family. It is a wetland shrub with upright branches. It features elliptical leaves, white axillary flowers and fruits in small drupes that turn bright blue.

This name refers to a number of species in the Piperaceae family.
As shrubs or small evergreen trees (ranging from 2-7 metres tall) with black, wart-like bark, rat's tails are a favourite among bats.

A member of the Musaceae family, Heliconia caribaea is a large grass that is typical of the Lesser Antilles tropical rainforest. A member of the same family as the banana trees, the plant can grow up to 5 m high. It features an inflorescence that resembles a red ear or red ear with yellow trim, or sometimes completely yellow. Its flowers are visible all year round, most notably between April and June.

The Guatteria caribeae is a very straight tree in the Annonaceae family that often has multiple trunks. It features dark bark and hanging branches and produces dark, plump berries. Its bark was used to make ropes and its wood to make masts for boats. It is still used today in Guadeloupe to make traditional sailing dinghies.

The Gommier (Dacryodes excelsa) can grow up to 35 metres tall. When they are damaged, its white trunk and roots exude a white resin with a pungent turpentine smell, which is traditionally used as incense or as kindle-wood, because it burns slowly regardless of the surrounding humidity. It is said that the tree has the ability to cast out spirits. It is strictly forbidden to remove any plant parts from the National Park. Its trunk was used by American Indians to make their canoes (kanawa), and is still used today by coastal people from many tropical countries, such as Dominique, to craft fishing vessels. The tree's seeds are a favoured food among pigeons.

Asplundia rigida, the French name for which can be translated literally as "fly wings", is a member of the Cyclantaceae family. Its name is particularly apt, given its similarity with the insect. A typical species of moist forest undergrowth, there are three species in the Asplundia genus. Two are terrestrial and one is epiphytic and lianescent (where the vines climb from aerial roots).

Tapura lotifolia is a member of the Melastomaceae family. With a fluted trunk, this tree rarely grows taller than 20 metres. Its leaves feature five main lengthways veins that run perpendicular to its many secondary veins.

This river is 140,000 years old. Its course has been changed over the years by successive lava flows in the valley. With its three great waterfalls, the Grand Carbet river can be seen from the sea. A local legend has it that this river was the reason why Christopher Columbus disembarked in Guadeloupe, as he went in search of fresh water on land.

Access to a fine pool.

Point where the trail passes between a "Bwa bandé" to the left and a Tapura latifolia on the right. "Bwa bandé" is the Creole name for Richeria grandis, a member of the Phyllanthaceae family. It is a very large variety and is distinctive for its reddish-brown bark
Too often it falls victim to rogue extraction. Translating literally as "bandaged wood", it is known for its qualities as an aphrodisiac. Its wood is used as timber or in carpentry. Tapura latifolia is a member of the Melastomaceae family. With a fluted trunk, this tree rarely grows taller than 20 metres. Its leaves feature five main lengthways veins that run perpendicular to its many secondary veins.

A view that heralds the arrival of this waterfall, with an opening onto the first Chute du Carbet and amber-coloured pools at its base.

The highest on the river, the first Chute du Carbet waterfall stands at an impressive 115 metres. It is the perfect spot for a picnic or a snack. Make sure you bring your rubbish with you.