Description
The Trace des Alizés South starts with a relatively calm section, before intensifying towards a more demanding end. Accessible directly from the Route des Mamelles, it can be a good test before undertaking the entirety of the GR.
The start is from the Morne Léger shelter, located about twenty minutes from the Route des Mamelles. Encountering automobile traffic after two days of isolation in the forest can seem surprising. Fog limits visibility, but fortunately, the road shoulders are wide enough to ensure a smooth transition to the southern segment of the trace, which is a reasonable distance away.
The start of the South trail is clearly marked by signs and billboards. The first kilometers benefit from some facilities, such as stairs and walkways to cross muddy areas, thus facilitating quick progress. After two hours of walking, a sign indicates the remaining travel times (1 h 30 to the Piton de Bouillante, 3 h 30 to the Refuge des 3 Crêtes) and advises to replenish water at 5 liters per person at the nearby river.
The ascent of the Piton de Bouillante is particularly steep. Although the trail shows signs of wear in places, it remains largely practicable. The climb is done in 1 h 30, according to forecasts. The descending segment from the Piton to the Trois Crêtes is dense in vegetation. It is advisable to wear a jacket, pants, and a pair of gardening gloves, not only for comfort but also to protect against some plants with cutting leaves.
The initial idea was to double this stage in one day. However, the last portion took more time than expected (2 h 30 instead of 2 h) due to the state of the trail. At 2 pm, we judged it was too late to push to the Frébault shelter. We therefore concluded this day at the Refuge des 3 Crêtes, crowned by a magnificent sunset.
Trail Conditions and Notes
| Criterion | Notes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 3/5 | Light rain during the day. Clearing up by the end of the day and a magnificent sunset in the evening. |
| Mud | 3/5 | Less mud than on Stage 2 but still many muddy passages. |
| Signage | 3/5 | GR marks and regular signs at the start. Signs at intersections towards the end but almost no more GR marks. |
| Trail Quality | 3/5 | Trail in continuity of Stage 1 and 2 at the start and degrades on the ascent of Piton de Bouillante. The descent from Piton de Bouillante to the Refuge des 3 Crêtes is no longer maintained. |
| Technical Passages | 2/5 | Steep sections in the ascent of Piton de Bouillante. Steep and muddy descent with a path covered in vegetation. Begin to pass below and above dead trees in the middle of the path. |
| Type of Terrain | 3/5 | Quite wide hiking path at the start which narrows in the ascent of Piton de Bouillante. The descent towards the Refuge des 3 Crêtes is just a trace covered by vegetation. |