Fort-de-France is an island city located in the Caribbean Sea. Fascinating landscapes, crystal clear sea, and beautiful sandy beaches have been attracting tourists, those offbeat holiday fans, from all over the world for some time now. Adherents of outdoor activities will especially like the region as there are many multi-day tours to the local foothill areas.

One of them is the Route de la Trace hiking trail (also called the Route Nationale). It appeared in the 17th century, thanks to members of the Jesuit order, and to this day, it is one of the most beautiful local routes.

The Route de la Trace is a 27-kilometer journey through tropical forests. The trail connects two cities: Fort-de-France and Morne Rouge. Walking there feels like a promenade in a real paradise, especially for the citizens of noisy metropolises who are always tired of the bustle. Making your way through bamboo thickets, tree-ferns, and centuries-old trees twined with vines, you will feel like an islander.

If you are a nature lover, be sure to visit the Balata Botanical Garden (Jardin de Balata). There you will see tiny hummingbirds and enjoy the fragrant aromas of tropical flowers and plants. During the tour, you will see rivers and waterfalls on your way. Perhaps, the most important thing worth having such a faraway journey is the mesmerizing view of the Pitons du Carbet mountains.

The Route de la Trace runs at an altitude of 600 meters. Numerous hiking routes start from it, the most popular of them being the “Jesuit Trail.” You will be offered to follow the paths of the people who made the headway.

Besides, along the way, you will see the Morne Rouge settlement, located at an altitude of 450 meters. It is the highest inhabited benchmark in the city.

Head north of the island past the scenic villages of Fonds-Saint-Denis and Morne de Cadets. There, be sure to visit The Martinique Volcano Observatory. Stop to enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, the Mount Pelee volcano, and the city of Saint-Pierre.