Treetop bridges
Above the forest.
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Balata Garden is a three-hectare private botanical garden in the hills on the Route de Balata, about 7 km in a straight line north-west of Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique. It looks out over the green Pitons du Carbet in the centre of the island. The horticulturist Jean-Philippe Thoze began the garden in 1982 on old farmland, and it opened to visitors in 1986. Today it holds about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world, including some 300 kinds of palm, with collections of anthuriums, heliconias, bromeliads and bamboo. Paths wind between colourful flowerbeds, huge trees and water-lily ponds, and one of its best-known features is a set of suspension bridges strung between the treetops, letting visitors walk above the forest. There is an old Creole house in the grounds, and small birds such as bananaquits and hummingbirds visit. Entry is paid and the garden is open daily. Allow an hour and a half to two hours; mornings are quieter and cooler, and paths are slippery after rain, so wear good shoes.
Above the forest.
Some 300 kinds.
Among the flowers.
Route de Balata, Fort-de-France, Martinique
About an hour and a half to two hours.
Yes, and entry is paid.