Spectacular scenery surrounds Saut D’eau

Saut D’eau is a French word that means “water jump” and cascading from the hills there is a lovely waterfall which jumps straight into the sea.

The expedition to Saut D’eau, through the garden-fresh village of Paramin can be a pleasurable and memorable experience. The walk is a test of fitness and although challenging, the spectacular sceneries make it enjoyable. The journey begins at the Morne Coco Road gas station, and along the way there is always something of interest to catch your attention. To the east, there are fantastic views of Moka Golf Course, North Coast Road, Paragrant and Maraval Valley and to the west, splendid views of Saut D’eau Island, Cameron and Petit Valley. The source of the Diego Martin and Blue Basin River comes from Paramin in a place referred to as Mia. A noticeable attribute is the richness of the hills with its lush green vegetable gardens of chive, pimento, thyme, pepper, tomato and cabbage.

Visitors are amazed by the crops cultivated on the steep slopes and the difficulty involved in accomplishing this feat. The cool, mountain breeze at an altitude of 550 metres (1,800 feet) feels healthy and invigorating.Paraminians are descendants of French and Spanish heritage and patois is frequently spoken among the elders. The streets along the route all have French-Creole names such as La Finette Road, Bella Montage Road, Lale Road, Beau Pres Road, Morne Espoire, Barre Bette Rouge. The residents are mainly Roman Catholics and a place of interest is the beautiful church of “Our Lady of Guadalupe Bien Vini” where on Carnival Sunday, there is a traditional patois Mass.

Paramin has the reputation for making the country’s best seasoning and during Christmastime the community’s culture comes alive with the parang festivals. Visitors making the pilgrimage receive friendly greetings, and an inviting smile and a pleasant bonjour.

The trek through the village to the top at Barre La Vigie Road, which means the lookout point or the crow’s nest, takes under two hours and continues down to the bay for another hour. The beach sandy with small pebbles is inviting to swim, and a hidden gem is to explore the watercourse of the little stream where there are several waterfalls worth discovering.

In the minds of everyone, there is the anticipation of the steep return climb yet Saut D’eau produces a thrill unmatched by any other.

● On Saturday Fitness Walkers treks to Saut D’eau Beach and waterfalls.

Assembly: 6 am at the Morne Coco Road gas station. Trek starts 6.45am

Rating: 6 strenuous

Average hiking time one way: 2 ? - 3 hours or depending on personal fitness.

To see a video of Saut D’eau Beach and waterfalls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEqLIRbxQk0

For more info: visit www.islandhikers.com or Mario 749-2956.