Most of Basse-Terre is covered by tropical rainforest. The Route de la Traversée takes visitors into this world of huge trees (chestnuts, mahogany, figs…), sheltering luxuriant vegetation comprising thick ferns, ficus and other philodendron species. From Pointe-Noire in the west, cross the Guadeloupe national park to Petit-Bourg in the east (around 20 km), pausing for a picnic, a visit to the Parc des Mamelles or the Maison de la Forêt… from where numerous marked footpaths lead off into the forest.