Description

The Pitons du Carbet (Carbet Mountains or Carbet Nails), are a set of volcanic peaks dating from 300,000 to 1 million years ago. They are located northwest of Mount Pelée, the highest point on the island and are older than the latter. They are five in number and have complex staggering (levels) of plants, due to the richness of their soil. Born from volcanism and plate subduction, its slopes are steep and virgin. They are generally difficult to access and extend from the north of Fort-de-France to Fond Saint Denis. The pythons dominate the Caribbean coast, they are relatively close to each other, so we can observe their slight difference in altitude. The highest Piton Lacroix (Morne Pavillon) culminates at 1,196 m, followed by Morne Piquet (1,160 m), Piton Boucher (1,070 m), Piton Dumauzé (1,112 m) and finally Piton de Alma (1,105 m). 

Biodiversity 

The peaks are characterized by thick rainforest with tall tree ferns that can reach 15 m in height. There are also anthuriums (also known as tailflowers), Heliconia caribaea and bamboos. 

From 800 m altitude, the vegetation becomes less dense, the trees reach a height of 30 to 40 m, sometimes 50 m, and often have large buttresses that consolidate their base on the ground. 

After 1,000 m, the humid forest is replaced by scrub and savannah. 

Potential ecotourism  

The discovery of the Pitons is difficult and dangerous, the slopes are very steep and slippery due to the humidity and rainfall in the area. It is not recommended to venture there. Several tracks intersect them: starting from Absalon Spa Resort, Morne Modeste, Montjoly or Plateau Boucher. These walks allow you to discover the crests of the various Pitons, with your head in the clouds, but also on the edge of the void. 

The more reasonable can observe the Pitons from the road heading north to the Caribbean, from Fort-de-France, or during the Absalon hike.