Pic Paradis — Attraction in Saint Martin (France)

We parked in Loterie Farms. Once you park, go to reception. For $5, you will get a hiking map and and optional hiking stick. You can walk up to the first viewpoint (about a mile round trip) or keep walking after the first viewpoint to get up towards the top telecom towers (closer to three miles round trip).

Whichever you choose, please know that some sections are quite steep. We are an athletic group but some of us who had knee or back problems struggled in the steepest section, which comes within the first half mile . There is one point where you have to scramble over some rocks but there are easy footholds and some ropes to hold on to. Also while it is steep, you are not climbing a steep section close to an edge. Most of the hike is not that steep, but it is still uphill for about 1.5 miles.

Some reviewers recommended wearing pants because the path was overgrown. We did not find this to be the case except for one small section near the top (which can actually be avoided). I actually wish I wore shorts because I was quite warm. The trail markings are pretty good except for at the very top. Just look for the telecom towers. Once you find them you will see a white fence and a sign. Walk towards the left of this white fence and a small path takes you to the really nice view of Marigot.

The way down is WAY faster than the way up. We didn't see any monkeys which made us sad. We finished the hike with some drinks at the bar which was a great way to...

There seem to be 2 different ways of getting here. Some hike a path up from Loterie Farm (or elsewhere). We followed Google Maps and drove up in our rental car.

Doing the latter involves driving up some good asphalt roads, which then turn into broken asphalt and concrete, which then turn into gravel and rocks, which ultimately devolve into dirt. As you near the final transition from gravel to dirt road, the hardy souls who live here (and 1 hotel!) have signs beseeching you to not park in their driveways, or block them up (understandably).

About 450 meters from where Google thinks the end of the road is, we found a space that can accommodate 2 small cars. The road is steep and tricky, I’d recommend not attempting it in a vehicle without 5” (12 cm) of ground clearance. Having a working knowledge of principles of off-road driving is a plus.

Our 1.2 liter Toyota Ayga was up to the challenge, provided we took it slow, were attentive to how we traversed ruts and bumps, and took care not to center-out.

Walking up the last half-klick wasn’t too hard, after which we reached the antenna facility. There were several other groups there, and a path around the perimeter fence led to several decent viewing spots. We took in the view, did some photos for the others (and had them do some of us), before heading back to the car where we reversed the process, and returned to the hotel without incident.

All in all, a...

Nice view! Unlike some of the comments we found the road to be very easy and safe to do in our small Grand i10, you just have to be careful because it is narrow, so be prepared to move the car for incoming vehicles if it is easier to let them pass than it is for them to let you pass. We took the road that passes in front of Loterie Farm (I think there is another, unpaved road that gets to the top and this is what some people are referring to). You eventually get near a gated area (facing the gates, to the right is the trail to Loterie Farm) and there is a small place where to park, and hike 10-15 minutes at most to get to the top. The small hike to the right leads to the great view and the other 2 lead to the antennae, where there is also a path to the left leading to a less impressive, but also nice, view).

We've also done the hike from Loterie Farm (for 10 euro to essentially park and be given a small map) and I can tell you that driving is much easier. The hike wasn't very interesting, and it's a tough hike to do in this hot and humid climate. However, some lucky people get to so monkeys. We did see them, but from near the parking area, near the field where the big rocks are.

I had read some comments discouraging people from doing the drive and to go through Loterie Farm instead, and I think those are dishonest comments with the intent of giving...