Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No credit cards. On the road to Grand Coude,
about 5km from St-Joseph.
TOP OF CHAPTER
St-Joseph to St-Philippe
The coastline between St-Joseph and St-Philippe is definitely alluring: a string of rocky
coves and dramatic cliffs pounded by crashing waves and backed by steep hills clad with
dense forests and undulating sugar-cane fields, with a few black-sand beaches thrown in
for good measure.
Inland, it's no less spectacular. Abandon your map and follow the sinuous
départemen-
tales
(secondary roads) that wiggle up to the Hauts and creep through beguiling settle-
ments, which warrant scenic drives and boast killer views over the ocean and plunging
canyons.
Rivière Langevin
About 4km east of St-Joseph, you'll reach the coastal town of
Langevin
. From the coast,
the Rivière Langevin valley slithers into the mountains. A narrow road follows the wide
stony bed of the river and leads to
Cascade de la Grande Ravine
, an impressive waterfall about
9km from the junction with the coastal road. If you need to cool off, there are plenty of
natural pools along the river where you can dunk yourself. Our favourites include
Trou Noir
(it's signposted) and a pool that lies about 300m before the Cascade de la Grande Ravine
(you can't miss it). Come prepared: this valley is extremely popular with picnicking famil-
ies on Sunday.
Activities
Aquasens
( 0692 20 09 03;
www.aquasens.re
;
outings with equipment & instructor €35-50; by reservation)
This pro-
fessional adventure centre runs fantastic guided
randonnées aquatiques
(a mix of walking,
sliding, swimming and some serious jumping or plunging down water-polished chutes in-
to natural pools) along the river. They can be undertaken by participants of all ages
provided they can swim. Outings last from one hour to four or five hours, depending on
ADVENTURE SPORTS
