Mis à jour le
J'ai créé ce guide après avoir exploré chaque recoin de l'archipel où je vis. Mes meilleures adresses confidentielles locales, les spots authentiques loin des sentiers battus, et tout ce que les guides classiques ne disent pas.
🎁 Offerts : accès à vie au club membre, Bingo Cards et livret d'adresses confidentielles. Disponible en français — mis à jour régulièrement.
Vous avez prévu de faire une randonnée à La Soufrière en Guadeloupe ?
You've come to the right place 😄. Indeed, I live there, but more importantly I've climbed La Soufrière in Guadeloupe several times. The name of our volcano in Guadeloupe. I've climbed to the top 5 times so far. ☺️
Dans mon article, vous trouverez toutes les recommandations pratiques pour organiser votre rando à la Soufrière. Notre point culminant en Guadeloupe. Ce site fait bien sûr partie des recommandations dans la nouvelle édition de notre Take me to Guadeloupe guidewhich we designed with a local eye.
All the photos in my article were taken during my climbs.
Don't have time to read the whole article?
If you want to access the safety perimeter around the summit, this is only possible with a certified mountain guide. I advise you to do the Soufrière climb with this local guide. Your experience will be complete with all the information you need to know from a local guide.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
Video of my last ascent of La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
⛰️ La randonnée de La Soufrière en Guadeloupe est parmi les plus belles
Guadeloupe's La Soufrière volcano is one of our most prestigious natural sites.
Louer une voiture en Guadeloupe meilleur prix En Guadeloupe, la voiture est indispensable pour explorer l'île comme il se doit. Rentiles regroupe les meilleurs loueurs locaux indépendants — des tarifs imbattables que vous ne trouverez pas ailleurs.
The volcanic complex to which it belongs was formed around 200,000 years ago. I think it's an experience that's accessible to everyone, unless you have special physical conditions that prevent you from climbing.
I've had the opportunity to climb La Soufrière more than 5 times, since I was very young.
J’y suis retournée afin de voir les évolutions, mais également pour tester mon nouveau sac Abisko Hike Foldsack by Fjall Raven.
It's not every day you get to climb a volcano, so if you live in our islands or are traveling to Guadeloupe, this is an activity to check off your bucket list.
From start to finish, this Soufrière hike creates unforgettable memories.
Of course, there are a number of points to take into account when preparing for your ascent, and I'll tell you all about them below in my article, based on several of my own personal experiences.
A magical cruise in a small group in the Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin lagoon 3 snorkeling stops - duration 8h
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
🗺️ How do I get to La Soufrière in Guadeloupe?
No public transport will take you to the Soufrière parking lot.
On foot, it's also extremely complicated from the village of Saint-Claude, where La Soufrière is located.
It's best to drive, especially as there are a number of climbs and bends before you reach the finish - of course, don't drive fast, and don't hesitate to honk your horn to inform oncoming traffic if visibility is poor.
Several information panels are visible on the roadYou won't be able to get lost with your GPS on the Waze application.
🍃 Don't have a car? Or reluctant to drive to La Soufrière? Think about this organized tour departing from Saint-François, Sainte-Anne and Gosier.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
Soufrière map
La Soufrière, nicknamed "The Old Lady", can be found to the south of Basse-Terre.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
🥾 Equipment for La Soufrière
Hiking in Guadeloupe requires the right equipment for a good experience. I have written this article on the blog in which I share tips for hiking in Guadeloupe.
A hiking bag
For my last Soufrière hike, we took my new bag with us. Abisko Hike Foldsack by Fjall Raven. It's unisex.
I absolutely had to tell you about it in this article, and the next ones that have to do with hiking in Guadeloupe. It's HYPER pleasant and practical.
My companion and I were blown away by how light the bag was, despite having several things inside: my camera, some food to nibble on, our 2 water bottles, and my k-way.
Its well-designed 25-liter format with pockets allows you to store several items for a day's hike in Guadeloupe. It's also possible to slip in a sleeping mat.
Just this once, we didn't have sore shoulders when we finished a hike with an unsuitable bag.
I recommend it to 100% if you come to Guadeloupe, because this very pretty and functional bag with its various pockets will serve you well on other trips!
Shoes suitable for hiking
I often go hiking with one of my pairs of running shoes. However, now that I'm doing more and more hiking in Guadeloupe and elsewhere, I recommend investing in a pair of hiking boots. Very affordable prices at DecathlonAnd this pair of shoes will probably serve you well for other occasions.
I'd recommend investing in a pair of hiking shoes, as they offer a totally different level of comfort and will prevent you from slipping as I did several times with my running shoes. Fortunately, they end up well every time, but that might very well not be the case 😛 .
A k-way or hoodie
It's on the magnificent site of the Guadeloupe National Park I learned that La Soufrière is one of the most watered places in Guadeloupe.
Now you know why you need a k-way in your backpack. On my last climb in October, it was a good thing I had mine, because the rain came, then went, then came again, then went again.
Gaby, my companion, had this Abisko Trail Fleece hoody by Fjall Raven. Not to be outdone, another great experience with their well-cut garments. This lightweight, double-fabric hoodie with pockets wicks moisture quickly.
It's a product for life in terms of quality. It provides the right amount of warmth at the right time.
I also recommend it with my eyes closed. You won't be disappointed.
A gourd
I have been travelling with this Swell Bottle bought in New York City, a super-safe value that lasts well over time, even if its price is slightly higher than that of other water bottles.
The water stays cool inside, and the gourd remains aesthetically intact.
Snacks and hydration
You can bring what you think you'll need to keep your strength up from start to finish: cashews, almonds, fruit, etc. But don't leave anything on the site. BUT don't leave anything on the site. Put your garbage in a bag and throw it in the garbage can.
If you want to picnic at La Soufrière, you can go to the Beausoleil picnic area further down. In our Take me to Guadeloupe guideWe also offer a complete tour of La Soufrière.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
How to visit La Soufrière in Guadeloupe?
Soufrière can be climbed with or without a guide. Remember to take the weather into account in Guadeloupe in the commune of Saint-Claude, as it may differ from the climate in Sainte-Anne, for example.
1. Faire la randonnée de la Soufrière avec un guide pour accéder au sommet du volcan
I'm talking to you of the option with a guide. It's the one I strongly intend to choose for my next hike. I've already climbed La Soufrière 5 times, and at the end I always come to the same conclusion: it's great, but I'd really like to know more about this remarkable site ☺️.
What's more, trained mountain guides are the only ones authorized to access the summit of La Soufrière volcano. This a measure taken in response to the volcano's renewed activity.
And there's nothing better than a passionate, expert and qualified guide.
Fauna, flora, the gradual formation of the volcano, current events and lots of other very interesting things are shared by a guide.
Climbing Soufrière with a guide is an even greater experience. I recommend this tour. She has excellent feedback, and the rate is affordable.
2. Without guide
That's the option I've favored so far. It's not difficult to find your way around, as signposts are clearly visible.. Just follow them.
The path is well marked out, but you just have to be careful not to slip on certain rocks, especially if it has rained before or during your hike.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
Walking time for the Soufrière hike in Guadeloupe
First of all, note that several hikes are possible at La Soufrièrelike the one that leads to the Chute du Galion, which we've already done too.
Before making my last ascent of La Soufrière, I went to the Pyrénées Atlantiques. I did some long hikes, around 7h/8h a day.
I therefore found it much easier to return to Soufrière with a 2h total time from Bains Jaunes parking lot for the Chemin des Dames route to the summitwhich is relatively reasonable for a hike.
You should then expect to spend an average of 4 hours in total, or 2 hours per journey at a normal pace.
In general, you'll need to allow more time for photo stops and breaks. to the summit at an altitude of 1467 metres.
The Pas du Roy trail
⏱️ Duration: approx. 30 minutes
From the parking lot at the Bains Jaunes, this is the first path you'll take in the lush, humid rainforest. It's really beautiful. I can't get enough of it. The walk is easy, with a few small steps to climb.
Then you'll arrive at Savanne à Mulets, before heading off to the Chemin des Dames.
The Chemin des Dames
⏱️ Duration: approx. 1h30 minutes, taking your time for a few stops and photos
This is the second and longest route to the summit of La Soufrière. You'll enjoy a number of interesting vantage points, including sea views if the sky is clear.
I find the level of difficulty reasonable for this part of the Soufrière hike.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
🍃 Flora on the trail
Better understanding the flora, and its impact on the ecosystem that surrounds us while hiking, is one of the reasons why I also want to do the climb with a passionate guide and expert on this natural site.
After some research, I noticed that the vegetation is very distinctive due to the conditions in which it is likely to develop, particularly with the toxic emissions from La Soufrière.
I easily recognized the moss, which adds a special touch to the site with its gradations of color. There are also ferns that are easy to spot all along the trail, or our if beautiful philodendronsI'm such a fan of this plant!
Mountain fuchsia is also easy to identify.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
🏔️ The summit of Soufrière
The altitude of 1467m
It is located at an altitude of 1467 meters. A yellow sign indicates this fact. The last time we went there in October 2023, we even had hail with rain, pretty crazy!
The view wasn't very clear with the many clouds, so it was difficult to enjoy the magnificent panoramas and especially the lunar landscape - we only had a clear view for a short minute - that's how it is, nature can't be controlled.
Access to the summit of Soufrière
Un nouvel arrêté de réglementation du Parc National de la Guadeloupe a été diffusé. Pour accéder au périmètre de sécurité autour du sommet de La Soufrière, il faut être accompagnateur en moyenne montagne ayant suivi une sensibilisation.
For example, it's possible to with this guided hike.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
What time is it best to climb La Soufrière?
As locals, like many Guadeloupe residents, we like to go hiking in the morning, starting early. We wake up early in Guadeloupe. I'm an extreme case because I wake up between 4 and 5 in the morning. 😄
For our hikes, we usually leave around 6 a.m. and arrive around 7 a.m. to the starting point. It's daylight and then rather cool.
The later you leave in the morning, the hotter you're likely to get, and the wetter you'll be, depending on the time of year. It's true that La Soufrière's year-round temperatures and wind are unique.With temperatures around 19°, but when the sun is shining and the clouds are clear, you can feel it very quickly.
Of course, I do not recommend starting the hike in the middle of the afternoon. as night falls very quickly in Guadeloupe. It's best to leave in the morning, and if you have no other choice, as early as possible in the afternoon.
Don't be surprised to come across groups of walkers, as local associations organize sports outings several times a year.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
🧭 Orientation and information signs during the hike
One thing I really like about this hike: the many signposts and information boards which make it really easy to find your way around, and also to learn a little about La Soufrière, a precious part of our island's heritage.
La Soufrière parking lot in Guadeloupe
There used to be 2 parking lots, one lower down and one higher up.
At present, the only parking lot open to the general public is the one near the Bains Jaunes at the end of the D11 road to start the first part of the hike, before arriving at the former second large parking lot at Savanne à Mulet, now closed to cars. It lies before the Chemin des Dames.
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
🌋 The last Soufrière eruption
La Soufrière in Guadeloupe is one of France's four active volcanoes, along with Piton de la Fournaise on Reunion Island, Montagne Pelée in Martinique, and the submarine volcanoes off Mayotte.
The last Soufrière eruption dates back to 1976. It was of phreatic origin, with violent explosions.
I read in an IPGP report that eruptions are infrequent - fortunately - but can be very violent, particularly in southern Guadeloupe. That's why the Guadeloupe Volcanological and Seismological Observatory is so rigorous in its monitoring.
Follow the Soufrière in Guadeloupe in real time - webcam
The webcam to follow La Soufrière in real time is not available at the moment.
Les Bains Jaunes
In the Bains Jaunes forest, warm pools of water from the volcano's hot springs are the reward for your hike. When you've finished, many visitors come here for a bath.
Built in the 19th century, you can't miss the Bains Jaunes (Yellow Baths), as you'll pass them on your way to the Chemin des Dames above.
For your information, Les Bains Jaunes are regularly maintained by Guadeloupe National Park staff.
Things to do around La Soufrière in Guadeloupe
Follow in our local footsteps in our Take me to Guadeloupe guide to follow the walk organized in and around the commune after this beautiful hike.
Vos questions fréquentes sur la Soufrière en Guadeloupe/Mes réponses avec mon oeil local
I hope this article on La Soufrière in Guadeloupe has provided you with plenty of information to help you plan your hike, so please don't hesitate if you have any questions.
See you soon,
xx Viviane
J'ai créé ce guide après avoir exploré chaque recoin de l'archipel où je vis. Mes meilleures adresses confidentielles locales, les spots authentiques loin des sentiers battus, et tout ce que les guides classiques ne disent pas.
🎁 Offerts : accès à vie au club membre, Bingo Cards et livret d'adresses confidentielles. Disponible en français — mis à jour régulièrement.
Français 
English