As you know, “Les Bananes Vertes” ecolodges are located at the foot of the Soufrière volcano and the Guadeloupe National Park. So it's high time I took you on board to discover the natural wonders that surround our ecolodges.

Today, we're off with Vert-Intense to climb the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, La Soufrière, which rises to an altitude of 1,467m. Nicknamed “vyé madanm” (the old lady) by Guadeloupeans, this still-active volcano is one of Basse-Terre's star attractions.

We meet our guide at 7.30 a.m. at the Bains Jaunes parking lot. It's from here that we'll begin this beautiful hike. Before setting off, the guide gives each of us a small waterproof bag containing our gas mask. We'll use the gas mask when we get to the summit to enter the volcano's active zone, which is closed to the public.

Everyone in? Let's get going! The ascent begins with a 30-minute walk along the path known as the “Pas du Roy”.

Built in 1887 by soldiers of the 2nd Marine Infantry Regiment, this historic path, made of large stone paving stones, cuts through the rainforest. Neglected for many years, it was rehabilitated following an earthquake in November 2004.

After a 30-minute walk and a few explanations from our guide on the vegetation that makes up this forest, we arrive at La Savane à Mulet, the former Soufrière parking lot that used to be the starting point for the hike. It had to be closed in 2004 following the subsidence and numerous landslides caused by the earthquake on the access road. In the middle of the parking lot, we can see a large boulder that came straight out of one of La Soufrière's craters during the last eruption in 1976.

The climb continues, and we are now on the volcano's flanks. Along the way, the guide shows us ancient faults and craters left over from previous eruptions. After 1h30 of walking, we reach the summit at an altitude of 1467 m. The guide invites us to don our gas masks, and we enter the area closed to the public.

We're right up close to the volcanic activity, and can hear the volcano's roar. The atmosphere is lunar, with almost no trace of vegetation around us, just fumaroles, craters and the ever-present smell of sulfur. Our guide takes us on a tour of this otherworldly area before heading back.

Back at the starting point, it's 1 p.m., the guide collects the gas masks before leaving and advises us to take a dip in the Yellow Baths. This 30° sulphur water pool is ideal for relaxing and avoiding aches and pains after climbing La Soufrière. This is where our day's hiking ends. For those wishing to book this excursion with Vert-Intense, click here!