Pic Paradis: Ultimate Guide to Hiking St. Martin’s Highest Peak
As part of our 10-day adventure through Saba and St. Martin, my husband and I made sure to include one of our favorite travel rituals: finding a great day hike with an unforgettable view! In St. Martin, that hike is Pic Paradis.
Tucked into the island’s lush, mountainous interior, Pic Paradis is the highest point on the island, and the panoramic views from the top are more than worth the effort to get there.
And here’s a fun surprise: monkeys! If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of these playful locals swinging through the treetops.
If you’re looking to mix a little fresh air and exercise into your beach days (you know, to work off all that lovely French food!), this hike is a must. Keep reading for tips on how to add Pic Paradis to your own St. Martin itinerary!
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Quick Overview of Hike
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Hiking distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip
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Hiking time: 2.5 hours (with no stops), 3 hours (with lots of photo stops)
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Difficulty: moderate
Parking + Pic Paradis Map
Pic Paradis Hike Map in St. Martin from Loterie Farm
Park at Loterie Farm.
Google Maps will lead you right there. It was a quick 15-minute drive from our favorite boutique hotel on the island.
Arrive at opening time at 9 am to avoid the heat and the crowds. Loterie Farm is now open 7 days a week. The hiking hours are from 9 am – 3 pm.
The staff will provide you with a map and walking sticks.
The cost is 10 euros a person. They now offer to purchase your hiking experience online ahead of time!
The trailhead is accessed shortly after the reception area.
Step-By-Step Hiking Experience
After you check in, walk around to the back. The restrooms are right there. Take advantage because there are no facilities for the rest of the hike.
There’s also a bin full of walking sticks. I strongly suggest taking one.
Starting point of Pic Paradis hike at Loterie Farm
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A big sign designates the trailhead. Trace the trail to the left of the sign.
Pic Paradis Trailhead in St. Martin
The first part of the trail is gradually uphill. About 10 minutes later, you will reach what is designated as “Spring Source” on your trail map.
Follow the hiking sign on the right up to the Chewbaca Viewpoint.
Hiking up to Chewbaca Viewpoint in St. Martin
This section of the trail involves steep switchbacks until you reach the Chewbaca Viewpoint. There are a few sections that are roped off to make sure you stay on track.
One thing I love about hiking Pic Paradis is that the trail is mostly shaded!
Roped sections on the Pic Paradis hiking trail
Next, you will encounter a small rock scramble section that you can initially navigate hands-free.
Beginning of rock scramble section up to Chewbaca Viewpoint
There will come a point though where you will need both hands to pull yourself up using the rope. Nothing too scary though.
The picture below shows the point at the end of the rock scramble. You can see the rope coursing down the middle.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to hike back down this section.
Rock scramble section to Chewbaca Viewpoint
The views from the top of the rock scramble are gorgeous! This point on the trail is known as Chewbaca Viewpoint.
Chewbaca Viewpoint in St. Martin
Shortly after the viewpoint, you will reach an intersection.
Stay left to continue on the hike. Note you will be coming back to this point after you reach the summit of Pic Paradis and then following the trail to the right that states “Back to the Farm.”
Refer back to the map if this is confusing.
Pic Paradis trail intersection
The trail then continues uphill until you reach a gate that states Private Property on your right. Do not take the trail beside it. That’s not part of the Pic Paradis trail.
Hiking to the top of Pic Paradis
If you see this gate, go back in the opposite direction along the road. You will pick up the trail again on the right, which is clearly marked (see picture below). It’s another uphill section.
You’re going to have to work off all those Ti’punches you had on Pinel Island for those views!
Pic Paradis Trail
You will now reach an intersection that splits into three.
Take Path #3 to the right. It ends at the official summit of Pic Paradis.
Trails on top of Pic Paradis
You have now reached 1,391 feet. The views are breathtaking and overlook Tintamarre Island to the far left all the way to Philipsburg to the far right.
Pic Paradis summit in St. Martin
Re-trace your steps. Path #1 and #2 are just a circle (refer back to the pic).
It doesn’t matter which path you take. They will both lead to a trail next to two telecom stations.
Hiking trail to Telecom Viewpoint
The path ends with a view over Marigot and Anguilla. Not as beautiful as the other viewpoints but nice nonetheless.
Telecom Viewpoint in St. Martin
Re-trace your steps on the trail and follow the signs “Back to the Farm.” Refer back to the photo at Chewbaca Viewpoint for orientation. It’s downhill from here.
I read some people say they saw black-faced vervet monkeys on the trail. I was hoping I would see them and was disappointed because we had not seen any up until this point.
That quickly changed.
We finally saw monkeys at the end of the trail from the Chewbaca Viewpoint to the Base Camp! Refer back to the trail map for the exact location where we saw them.
And not just one monkey but a whole family of monkeys! They were incredibly curious but never got too close.
Monkey family on the Pic Paradis Trail
At the end of the hike, you could spend a day at Loterie Farm swimming (for an additional 25 euros), having lunch, or drinking at the bar.
They also have an adventure course where you can zipline.
Loterie Farm in St. Martin
What to Bring on the Pic Paradis Trail
Water Bottle
It’s hot even at 9 am. There are steep sections and an elevation gain of over 1,100 feet in a short period. Stay hydrated. My Embrava goes everywhere with me.
Walking Sticks
Don’t bring your trekking poles. They provide walking sticks. You will need them.
Trail Runner Shoes
Wear shoes with a little grip, which is especially needed over the rock scramble section. However, I did see a local complete the hike in flip-flops, lol. I personally wore my Saucony Peregrine Trail Runners.
Hat & Sunscreen
Protect that skin and cover up. I love my ponytail hat! And my Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen goes everywhere I go.
Final Thoughts
St. Martin may be best known for its beautiful beaches and incredible French cuisine, but there’s so much more to this island than just sun and food.
It also offers some fantastic hikes and a few great snorkeling spots that are well worth exploring.
If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your trip, hiking Pic Paradis should definitely be on your list. In our opinion, the Chewbacca Viewpoint has the most stunning views, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the island’s playful monkeys swinging through the trees.
And that’s just the beginning.
Don’t miss my favorite 18 things to do in St. Martin, which is a mix of hidden gems, must-see highlights, and local experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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Questions about our hike to Pic Paradis?
Let me know in the comments below!
Hello Nichole, thank you for your detailed hike experience. Very helpful!
When you say the Farm is CLOSED Monday and Tuesday, I am assuming the hike is as well?
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m happy you found my guide helpful. When my husband and I went, they were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I just checked their website though, and they are now open 7 days a week. They also post their hiking hours are 9 am – 3 pm. I’m going to update my article to reflect those changes.
Thank you so much for your time and attention to detail. This has been extremely helpful.
Thank you for your kind feedback! Enjoy the hike 😊
Armed with your detailed description and especially the photos, I can’t wait to do this hike. Thanks for laying it all out.
I appreciate your kind feedback. Enjoy the hike! The view at the top is really beautiful and hopefully you get to see some monkeys. 😊 🐒