Most of Saint-Martin’s interior is steep, green and empty. Its highest point, Pic Paradis, rises to 424 metres in the middle of the French side, high enough to catch cloud and to support real forest — mahogany, mango, silk-cotton and kapok trees hung with lianas — on an island otherwise known for dry scrub and beaches.
On its lower slope is Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve created on a former sugar plantation whose origins go back to the 18th century. It combines marked hiking trails, a treetop adventure course with ziplines, a spring-fed swimming pool surrounded by cabanas, and a restaurant and bar under the canopy. It is where people on the island go when they have had enough sand.
Top things to do: Loterie Farm & Pic Paradis
Hike to the top of Pic Paradis
From Loterie Farm, trails climb through the forest to the summit ridge in about an hour to an hour and a half; a small fee is charged for trail access and a map. Near the top, two viewpoints look out in opposite directions — east over Orient Bay to St Barths, west over Marigot, the lagoon and Anguilla. The path is rooty and can be slippery after rain: wear proper shoes and carry water.
Drive up for the view
A narrow, very steep concrete road also leads from the Rambaud road almost to the summit, ending near the telecom masts, from where it is a short walk to the lookouts. It is best in a vehicle with good clearance and good brakes.
Try the treetop course
Loterie Farm’s adventure courses string ziplines, rope bridges and platforms through the big trees, with an easier circuit for children and a longer one for adults. Staff fit harnesses and give a briefing; allow two hours.
Spend the day at the pool
The pool area is a series of stone-edged basins fed by spring water, with daybeds and cabanas rented by the day and waiter service from the bar. It is popular and the number of places is limited — reserve ahead, especially at weekends and in high season.
Look for monkeys and birds
Vervet monkeys, introduced centuries ago, live in the forest and are often seen from the trails early or late in the day. The woods are also good for hummingbirds, bananaquits and pearly-eyed thrashers.
How to get to Loterie Farm & Pic Paradis
- From Marigot or Grand Case: about 10 minutes by car. Turn inland at Rambaud, between the two, and follow the signs for Loterie Farm and Pic Paradis.
- From Philipsburg: 30–40 minutes via Marigot or the French Quarter.
- Without a car: take a taxi, or book a private island tour and ask for the stop; scheduled bus tours do not usually come up here.
- Parking: at Loterie Farm’s entrance. At the summit there is only a small unguarded pull-off.
Insider tips
- Break-ins have long been reported at the isolated summit parking area. Leave nothing in the car, and consider hiking up from Loterie Farm instead.
- Go in the morning: the summit clouds over more often in the afternoon and the forest is cooler early.
- Loterie Farm keeps seasonal hours and may close on certain days or for a period in the low season. Check before you set out.
- Bring insect repellent — the only place on the island where you are likely to want it in the daytime.
- We found no dedicated Loterie Farm ticket on GetYourGuide; the practical bookable option is a private, customisable island tour that includes it.
Best tours for Loterie Farm & Pic Paradis
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Loterie Farm & Pic Paradis:
Private tour from US$189 Private Customizable Island Tour
A private tour shaped around what you want: both sides of the island, beaches, markets and viewpoints, with a local guide who knows where the prices are fair.
- Your own guide
- French and Dutch sides
- Stops chosen around your interests
Private ATV tour from US$450 per group ATV Tour with Scenic Views (private group)
A longer guided ATV day priced for the whole group rather than per person: viewpoints, out-of-the-way beaches and local culture along the way.
- Priced per group of up to six
- Viewpoints and hidden beaches
- A longer day with local stops
