Hot springs around Basse-Terre
La Soufrière volcano heats the waters of the whole area: around Basse-Terre you can bathe in natural hot pools in the forest or by the sea, all within an hour’s drive.
Bains Jaunes (Saint-Claude)
Two pools of warm volcanic water next to the car park at the start of the Soufrière hike, at about 950 m. Perfect after the climb; quieter early or late in the day.
Bassin des Amoureux / Bain des Amours (Gourbeyre)
A small heart-shaped hot pool (around 30 °C), 15 minutes from Basse-Terre on the D7 towards Trois-Rivières, a few minutes’ walk from a small car park. Free; go early. The Dolé baths are just down the road.
Matouba and Bouillante
The rustic Matouba hot showers (50–60 °C) are reached only on foot, about 1.5 hours from the Matouba forest house. In Bouillante, 40 minutes away, hot water springs up by the sea.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Bassin des Amoureux?
In Gourbeyre, about 15 minutes from Basse-Terre on the D7 towards Trois-Rivières.