Le Bassin Bleu

Le Bassin Bleu

Introduction

Le Bassin Bleu is a beautiful spot located in Basse-Terre Island more precisely in Gourbeyre Township. I am very proud to touch on this topic as this place is close to my heart and part of my childhood. Gourbeyre which is also my hometown has multiple green spots and natural pools.

For a matter of fact, if you want to have a good bathing experience in Gourbeyre Township, you will have the choice between hot and cold springs. For instance,  Dolé is more on the warmer side while Le Bassin Bleu is cold, but both are worth the visit.

Initially, the name Le Bassin Bleu (The blue pool) is coming from the fact that most of the time, the pool is deep blue. Weather conditions, the flow of the river and sunlight are factors that can make it less blue or not. Le Bassin Bleu pool which is part of the tropical rainforest is 2 metres deep, 5 metres long and 3 metres wide. 

A pleasant hike surrounded with amazing flora

When arriving at the entrance of the site, you will be able to park alongside the paved road. Then, you will need to walk for around 30 minutes through the rainforest to reach Le Bassin Bleu. It all depends on your pace and how muddy the path is.

The lovely landscape and cool temperature will make you enjoy your hike. The surrounding flora is quite diversified and composed of Bananas trees at the beginning of the path. Other varieties include: Red cappel, red heliconia, tree fern, trumpet tree, as well as impressive trees such as the Acomat boucan and chestnut tree.

Red Heliconia

Tree fern

If you want to re-energise and eat something, halfway along there are three picnic areas. Also, when leaving Le Bassin Bleu on the road down to Gourbeyre centre, there is a picnic table offering a stunning panoramic view of the township and its surroundings. 

The pool and waterfalls

During the entire hike, you will walk along La rivière du galion. At some point, you will even have to cross it but nothing to worry about. When approaching Le Bassin Bleu, you will be able to admire an amazing scenery composed of a natural medium-sized pool and a small waterfall. 

Situated in the heights of Gourbeyre township, Le Bassin Bleu is part of the rainforest and considered as a mountain spring. Therefore, the water is much colder than other natural pools in Basse-Terre Island. In Guadeloupe Archipelago, the weather is quite warm all year long so you will definitely enjoy a refreshing bath in Le Bassin Bleu.

If you want to awake your inner adventure spirit and explore more of the mountain spring, it is possible. On the right hand side of the pool, there is a rope allowing you to climb the rocks and go further. Because Le Bassin Bleu is part of La Rivière du Galion, as you go along there will be many smaller springs.

For instance, La Cascade de la parabole which is 1 hour from the starting point is quite high reaching around 12 metres. For kids under 10 years old it is quite challenging to go further Le Bassin Bleu. Climbing the rocks and walking in the river bed require an excellent physical condition and appropriate shoes.

Useful information

• Distance between car park and Le Bassin Bleu: 1 km
• Total walking time between car park and Le Bassin Bleu: 1 hour
• Check local weather forecast beforehand
• Make sure to eat before and bring some water to stay hydrated
• Wear adequate hiking shoes

To fully enjoy the experience and natural pool, I recommend you to go early morning.