Ravine Paradis waterfall
11 points of interest
mandarines - Fabien Salles / PNG 
Agricultural landscapeThe Creole garden
The path is bordered by farms, some of which have now fallen into disuse. Here you can see plant species that testify to human presence here, fruit trees such as mango and lemon trees, as well as banana and coconut trees.
"Do not be deceived by the overgrowth, which does not allow you to distinguish the individual plants. This Creole garden is not so much the fruit of fantasy as a work of science which understands the needs of light and shade: the fruit trees protect vanilla, bananas, soap wood, wild cherry, while the cocoa trees filter the light for the coffee bushes". Jacqueline Picard, "Parc national de la Guadeloupe", 1999.
FloraPachystachys spicata
Pachystachys spicata is member of the Acanthaceae family. It is an ornamental flower.
"Suzanne aux yeux noirs" - Emilie Savy / PNG FloraBlack-eyed Susan vine
Thunbergia alata is a creeping plant also known as the Black-eyed Susan vine because of its purplish-black centre. Its petals are yellow or white.
Suriau - Emilie Savy / PNG FloraAcnistus arborescens
Acnistus arborescens is a member of the Solanaceae family. It is recognisable for its large clusters of white flowers, which turn into clusters of red fruits.
Morne Soldat - Emilie Savy / PNG 
ViewpointCrête du Morne Soldat
Fine views of the Morne Soldat ridge.
"Queue de rat" - Emilie Savy / PNG Flora"Rat's tail"
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.
Area of relaxationRiver access
Access to the Grande Rivière de Vieux-Habitants.
Bambou - PNG FloraBamboo
A member of the Poaceae family, bamboo is more closely related to grasses than to trees. Made up of a woody, hollow stalk, its stem grows extremely quickly. It is both a highly resistant and invasive species in Guadeloupe and concerted efforts are being made to put it to best use in crafts and construction.
Balsa - PNG FloraOchroma pyramidale
Ochroma pyramidale, a member of the Bombacoideae sub-family. A very distinctive tree of the Grande Rivière valley, its fruits form tufts of fuzz (kapok), which were once used for pillows.
bassin - Emilie Savy / PNG 
River and waterfallPool with resplendent colours
On the ravine just before the waterfall, the pool is a very pleasant spot for a nice quiet swim.
Cascade de la Ravine Paradis - Fabien Salles / PNG River and waterfallRavine Paradis waterfall
The site of the Ravine Paradis waterfall : a haven of peace, where you can enjoy the cool and the beautiful reflections on the water of the shimmering morning light.
Description
Hiking trail colour: yellow
Take the old paved road. It heads through the valley, right through the heart of the farms which are mostly no longer operational. Cross the small river and keep going. Follows signs for "Trois Crêtes", turning right. Then cross the ford, which is used for water catchment. On the opposite bank, take the trail heading right. Keep going straight on at the intersection towards "Ravine Paradis" (signposted). Walk along the river for a while. A large rock marks where you will need to cross the river. It is not very easy to notice. For reference, there is a red dot on the rock on the other side of the bank, and the relatively wide path that you follow until then thereafter narrows out into a smaller one. Once you have reached the other side of the bank, cross the river on the slippery rocks to the right and then turn left onto a small path which runs alongside a separate river bank ("Ravine Paradis"). You will reach the waterfall and a small pool shortly. Take a moment to enjoy the location and then head back. Follow the same path to return to the original parking area.
You can also pay a visit to the La Grivelière house (see opening hours).
- Departure : Valley of la Grande Rivière, Vieux-Habitants
- Arrival : Valley of la Grande Rivière, Vieux-Habitants
- Towns crossed : Vieux-Habitants
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Warning : this route can be hazardous when the river is flooded. Do not cross the ford if heavy rain is forecast.
As Guadeloupe is prone to natural risks, extra care should be taken in this natural environment. For the benefit of all hikers, responsible behaviour is very important.
Please note: the parking and swimming areas are not supervised.
Information desks
Headquarters of the National Park of Guadeloupe
Montéran, 97120 Saint-Claude
The reception and shop are open to the public :
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday : 8 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
- Wednesday : from 8 am to 1 pm.
- Friday : 8 am to 12.30 pm.
Services : reception, shop, toilets, free parking. Building accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Localisation GPS : Lat: 16,01634 N - Lng: 61,70753 W.
Access and parking
GPS coordinates of the start point : Lat : 16,07271 N - Long : 61,72853 W.
At Vieux-Habitants, go in the direction of "La Grivelière" in the Valley of la Grande Rivière. Keep going until the end of the RD27 and stop at the parking area for "La Grivelière".
Parking :
More information
Source
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