It's one of the most beautiful places in Sainte-Suzanne. In the past, ships and trains passed across each other along this Pointe de Bel-Air. There were those who went and those who came back, those who scrutinized the ocean and those who dreamt, lulled by the rumbling sound of the train. Overhanging by the lighthouse, one can now enjoy a picnic or a stroll along the coast.

The first thing that one notices at the Pointe de Bel-Air is eventually the lighthouse, known as the lighthouse of Bel Air, or most commonly known as the lighthouse of Sainte-Suzanne. Built in 1844, this historic monument is today repainted in red and white. It's the only warning light of the island, the rest are headlights. It reports the rocks of Cousin,- the name of a dangerous pitfall-.

Since 1984, the lighthouse does not require any guard as the Maritimes routes of the area have been gradually deserted. Today, the ancient housing office at the ground level that consists of staff rooms and engine rooms has become an exhibition spots with days and hours of opening according to the exhibitor artist. However, it should be noted that the lighthouse does not open on Mondays.

A yesteryear scent

Just beside the lighthouse are the "calbanons" of Bel-Air. The "calbanons" are the accommodations that were built for the slaves which were later occupied by the indentured labourers who came on the island following the abolition of slavery. Nearly 400 slaves once lived there and as many as the coolies. Despite all this time, the calbanons are well preserved.

In the past, the small train passed beneath the Pointe de Bel Air. The railway station has ceased its operation in 1963 but the tunnel measuring 45meters high is still there. It's more precisely the vestiges of the East section of the railway Saint-Denis/Saint-Benoit.

As for the railway station, it was found just behind the town hall of Sainte-Suzanne.

A soothing atmosphere

The tunnel of the ancient railway station leads to an extremely verdant coastal track that is much appreciated by cycling lovers. One can contemplate at a variety of bamboos and fungus as well as pawpaw trees along ones way.

For those who do not like walking, there is a picnic and a barbeque area at the beach whereof one can linger on. Further down the beach, one can spot the sugar industry of Bois-Rouge in the distance.

To conclude, the Pointe de Bel-Air emits an outdated and terribly soothing atmosphere. And what makes the site more charming is that one may come across a few young goats frolic happily along the beach.

Laura Bassetti