“2022, here we go hikers!” The new year has arrived and with it the good habits (especially since there are Christmas kilos to lose?). WhatsApp group activated, shoes ok, backpack ok, new water bottle for me, and here we are ready to go for a new year of hikes! Last Sunday, we decided to start the year off gently with the (re)discovery of the Vauclin Loop and its swim at Trou Cochon! This hike located in Vauclin alternates landscapes and has nothing to envy other hikes on the island. On the contrary, it has become increasingly popular as we have crossed other groups of walkers.
Hiking Loop Vauclin: two possible starting points
Officially the starting point of the loop is located in the Château Paille district, near the UCPA center parking lot. Access is easily found with Google Maps. On the parking lot, you will find the first signpost of the hike. To join the path, simply go down the road that continues after the parking lot, and turn right towards the coast.
It is also possible to park near the banana groves on the side of Habitation Petite Grenade. To get there, you have to cross the Raisiniers subdivision towards Palm Villa. You will easily find parking spaces on the left hand side. From there, you have the possibility either to do the whole route by coming back to the UCPA parking, or to “cut” the path that leaves from the parking to join the loop along the coast. You won’t miss anything by taking this shortcut, however you will leave the Sunday morning peace to the locals?
Level and length of the hike
Established in 2014, this level 1 hike is relatively easy and well-marked. It is said to take 2h45 to complete. In reality, this does not include time for photo stops and swimming in Trou Cochon. On that day, there were ten adults and five children from 2 to 13 years old. Our hike lasted 4 hours, with a reasonable pace, photo stops and 1 hour of swimming in Trou Cochon. The hike follows the coastline all the way. The landscapes are varied: woods, pebble beaches, tall grass, desert plains and mangroves! There are some climbs now and then, but without much difficulty. Don’t forget to bring 1.5-2L of water per person!
The loop circuit of the Vauclin Martinique
The walk follows the coastline all the way. The landscapes are varied: undergrowth, pebble beaches, high grass, desert plains and mangroves! There are a few climbs from time to time, but without much difficulty. On the western part of the loop, you go along the Anses Simon and then Balahou, with villas to make you dream for a moment. On the sea side, you can admire the Bay of Vauclin and see the kite surfers of Pointe Faula. Then you arrive at the beginning of Anse Maroquet and its magnificent shades of blue. Below, you can see fishermen's skiffs. The path passes by fishermen's houses, their pontoons and working tools, sources of inspiration for photographers.
Then you have to go up the street for ten meters and turn right to find the path, and the only big climb of this hike. Up there, other houses, what do I say villas to dream about. For the anecdote, if you look up, the house with the burgundy roof perched up there was famous for a scene in the movie The Thomas Crown Affair with Pierce Brosnan in 1999
The trail continues along a pebble beach, then we plunge into the vegetation for a while. Soon after, a fork in the road indicates the direction to take to reach the tip of the Vauclin. The 5-minute detour is worth it: on a desert terrain, it seems to be at the end of the island! Great photo spot, with its sea spray and its breathtaking view of the Atlantic. Watch out for the wind!
Turn back on your steps to a new spot on the Atlantic and its shades of blue, and just after, the view of the peninsula of Trou Cochon and its pebble beach. Then begins the descent to Trou Cochon. The famous Trou Cochon is hidden at the end of the pebble beach, to the left behind the trees.
The rest of the hike follows the mangrove on flat terrain before reaching the banana plantations. It takes about half an hour to the second starting point, 10 minutes more to the UCPA parking. Of course it is possible to do the hike in the other direction, starting at Trou Cochon.
Swimming at Trou Cochon
But why is it called “Trou Cochon”? It seems that at one time there were pig farms, hence the name. As for “hole”, this refers to cyclone holes. A cyclone hole is a natural anticyclonic shelter where sailboats are sheltered as the anchorage is said to be protected by the mangrove.
Trou Cochon has its own white sandy beach. In reality, a small piece of sand surrounded by mangroves that invites you to take a swim. At first glance, one may not feel like taking a dip in the greenish water. But the bath is so good, the water is warm and calm that one dives in with pleasure. The place is conducive to beautiful portrait photos against a backdrop of mangrove.
It is still good to note that if you want peace and quiet, Sunday is not the most appropriate day? Indeed, the popularity of the place is not limited to walkers alone. Many motorboats go to Trou Cochon. Unfortunately, with its lot of drifts at times: loud music and moorings on the swimming area.
Finally, good to know, it is also possible to come only to enjoy the bath at Trou Cochon. From the second starting point, you have to go straight towards Palm Villa until you reach a fence with an airplane propeller as decoration. Trou Cochon is about a 10-minute walk away.
Summary Sheet’ **Difficulty ** : Level 1, with some inclines Distance : 6.5km on signs, 7km with detours, 6km via shortcut Journey Time : Allow 2.30/3 hours without breaks, 4 hours with breaks and a nice swim **Marking ** : Well-marked and maintained route, with milestones along the way **Interest ** : Varied landscapes, mangrove, bath Best moment : Popular hiking, both by walkers and boats at Trou Cochon, prefer a day during the week to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Aurelie FC
Photos: Aurelie FC, Darvy Forestier
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