Pointe des Châteaux trail (south)

10 points of interest

• 

  

  Flora

  Cactus

  This unusual sandy environment is home to a whole host of specific plants, including climbing plants (bayhops, common purslane, etc.), herbaceous plants (Bromelia karatas) and cacti. Guadeloupe has around ten species, with the best-known being the Royen's tree cactus (Cereus), the prickly pear (Opuntia) and the famous Turk's cap cactus (Mélocactus). Cacti are something of a unique family, combining a relatively primitive kind of flower with a highly developed type of water-retaining tissue and metabolism.

• 

  

  Flora

  Kapok tree

  This unusual and striking tree grows to a height of 40 m and never goes unnoticed with its buttress roots and prickly bark! A member of the Baobab family, the Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) has branches growing at 90° from the trunk. Its fruit produces a woolly fibre once used to make mattresses. The tree symbolises departed spirits in Guadeloupe, since in the era of slavery it was used for hangings.

• 

  

  Flora

  Manchineel tree

  Be careful, the sap of this tree is highly toxic and causes severe burns. It is recommended not to take shelter under it or leave your things underneath it.
  The sap takes the form of white latex developing all over the tree and making the tree toxic from the roots to the blossom and the fruit. The fruits look like small apples or a green and then yellow Indian jujube. Not to be confused with the portia tree, with flowers similar to the hibiscus and heart-shaped leaves, which is totally harmless.

• 

  

  Fauna

  Purple-throated carib

  This is a hummingbird, about 12 cm long, with a sleek and silky plumage. The male is black with a rainbow-coloured effect and a dark red breast. The specific characteristic of hummingbirds is their fast, humming and sometimes stationary flight. They are the only birds that can move backwards when they are flying. The other common species in Guadeloupe is the Antillean crested hummingbird.

• 

  

  Area of relaxation

  La douche

  This entertaining curiosity is a basin that has been naturally dug out of the rock. Here the waves hitting the rocky wall cause jets of water to spurt out. "La douche" ("shower") is guaranteed!
  These cavities are caused by the erosion of the limestone rock by the sea.

• 

  

  Flora

  Neem tree

  The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) belongs to the plant heritage of the native Americans, for whom it represented a "sacred" plant. Its powerful root system helps it to resist long periods of drought. It grows quickly, so that it is used to replant forests in semi-arid zones. The leaves, bark, roots and seeds are put to a range of different uses (in farming, for the home, for health). They contain a large number of organic molecules.
  The neem tree is sometimes called "Vèpèlè" locally and is used for its strong insecticide properties in natural farming.

• 

  

  Geology

  Cliff

  The trail runs alongside the cliff. When the ocean waves are strong, they can reach the trail.
  Take care and follow the main road in this case.

• 

  

  Fauna

  Queen conch

  A viewpoint where you can see the rocky wall eroded by the sea. Queen conch shells (Strombus gigas) can be found here. The mollusc's tasty flesh is much appreciated locally. The big, thick shell is remarkable and also in demand for its content in mother-of-pearl or for its ornamental shape. It was also a musical instrument. The Queen conch was used to announce important news to the population with its very unusual sound. Queen conches are often found in shallow waters. Older specimens also live in deeper waters (down to 60 metres). They feed on grasses, seaweed and organic waste. This species is one of those that has been protected by the Washington Convention since 1994. In Guadeloupe, fishing them is strictly regulated and reserved for professionals. Catching queen conches is forbidden from 1 April to 31 August. It is also forbidden to catch queen conches before their outer lip has grown or if they weigh under 250 grams.

• 

  

  Geology

  Dôme de Degrat

  On the way, you pass close by the Dôme de Degrat.

• 

  

  Pond

  Salt marshes

  La Pointe La Chaise and environs are part of an exceptional landscape linked to the Pointes Colibris and Tarare. Protective measures have been applied in the area via the "Grand Site" campaign since 1999.
  It is recognised as a remarkable ecological zone and includes different types of environments, including salt marshes. In this site and below is one of 4 salt marshes. An inlet enclosed by land, it is home to migratory birds, waders and New World warblers, terns and tropicbirds. Two species nest here: the Wilson's plover and the black-necked stilt. In the past, there were also flamingoes.