Terre-de-Haut Getting there & around

Getting around

If you just want to eat and make the steep walk to Fort Napoléon (more than a few seniors do it; youngsters have no excuse), there’s no need to rent a motorbike.

Car & motorcycle

Motorcycle

Motorbikes are a great way to tour the island. Although roads are narrow, there are only a few dozen cars on Terre-de-Haut, so you won’t encounter much traffic. With a motorbike you can zip up to the top of Le Chameau and Fort Napoléon, get out to the beaches and explore the island pretty thoroughly in a day. The motorbikes are capable of carrying two people, but because the roads are so windy, it’s not advisable to carry a passenger unless you’re an accomplished rider.

There are lots of rental locations on the main road leading south from the pier, but the ones that set up dockside seem as good as any. Try Localizé (99-51-99) or Archipel Rent Services (99-52-63) if you want to book in advance. If you arrive on a busy day, it’s wise to grab a bike as soon as possible, as they sometimes sell out. Most charge €20 to €25 for day visitors and require a €200 deposit or an imprint of a major credit card. Motorbikes come with gas but not damage insurance, so if you get in an accident or spill the bike, the repairs will be charged to your credit card.

Motorbike riding is prohibited in the center of Bourg des Saintes and helmets are obligatory. You’ll see people ignoring the law, but if you’re not wearing a helmet and you run into police, you can expect to be stopped.

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