Citerne

Citerne is a volcanic mountain in western Guadeloupe that rises to about 1,155 meters and dominates the landscape around Gourbeyre. Its slopes are covered with thick tropical vegetation that changes with elevation as you move higher up the mountain.

This mountain was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago when the Caribbean islands were still forming. Its geological story is part of the larger history of how Guadeloupe took its present shape.

The mountain is woven into daily life for people in Gourbeyre, who use its trails for exercise and to stay connected with their surroundings. These paths represent an important link between the community and the natural world they inhabit.

Several marked trails lead to the summit, with parking areas available at the base and information signs at main entry points. Start your hike early in the day when it is cooler, and bring plenty of water since the upper sections offer little shade.

On clear days, the summit view extends all the way across Gourbeyre to the Caribbean Sea below, rewarding the effort of the climb. The slopes are home to plant species found nowhere else in the world, making it a place where local nature is truly distinct.