Things to see and do Colombier

The highest point on the island, Pic Paradis lives up to its name. From its summit, at 424 m, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of Saint-Martin, its neighbors and an infinite gradation of blues. The climb, from the Loterie Farm, takes between 45 and 60 minutes, and good shoes are required for walking on the asphalt and then on the gullied dirt roads. It can also be reached by car (preferably off-road) from the road, until the state of the pavement forces you to park and finish on foot (around 15 minutes).

Nestled in the heart of the tropical dry forest of the Pic Paradis valley, Loterie Farm is a former sugar cane plantation which, under the aegis of American expatriate B.J. Welch, has become not only a private nature reserve where endemic plant and animal species are protected and where you can meet green monkeys, but also a multi-faceted establishment. Combining nature and the trendy lounge, the place features a tapas bar with delicious cocktails (Jungle Room Bar), a cascading spring-fed swimming pool (Jungle Pool) surrounded by deckchairs and private cabanas, a zip-line and tree climbing area (FlyZone), a starting point for hikes (two main ones, one of which leads to Pic Paradis) and a restaurant open evenings, which has just renewed its menu thanks to the arrival of a new chef. La Loterie Farm invites you to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, and in this sense is not really intended for children (who are accepted during the week). However, the Jungle Kids Adventure Park has recently been opened, with games and a swimming pool specially designed for the little ones. Loterie Farm is also famous for its Pool Party, held every last Saturday of the month during the tourist season, and open to those over 21. From midday to 8 p.m., the island's best DJs get the party going in and around the pool. Last but not least, the place's reputation is built on its attentive and dynamic staff.

At the top of the hill, in the Rambaud district, this art gallery hosts exhibitions by Alexandre Minguet and other Caribbean artists. For the record, Alexandre Minguet, its founder, lost the ability to speak between the ages of 18 months and 5 years following an emotional shock. From this period, he retained an independence and a sense of observation that led him to a career as a great colorist. Today, his daughter has taken over and is proudly carrying on this legacy. Beautiful paintings with French and St. Martin influences to discover.