Things to see and do South Caribbean

Would you like to discover Anse-Chevalier, Anse-aux-Bois, Anse-Esprit, Anse-Noire, Ile aux Chiens, the white seabed and coral reef of Cap Chevalier, Baie des Anglais, the bird sanctuary and mangrove swamps of Sainte-Anne? Christian, aka "Bébèche", a friendly fellow with a big heart, will take you out on Martinique's turquoise waters. You won't be able to escape the tasty accras and the inevitable ti-punch, all shared in good spirits and to the sound of zouk, of course!

Sainte-Luce remains one of the most authentic cities on the island. To discover it, there is nothing like a morning stroll along the boulevard Kennedy which follows the sea, at the time when the first stalls of the covered market are set up and when the fishermen return to the port with their daily catch. The many cafés and restaurants come alive later in the evening. After the market, continue towards rue Schoelcher to go to the Sainte-Luce church, surrounded by old houses, and then return via the town hall.

It gives unity to the village, and extends its steeple beyond its forecourt, to a charming pontoon plunging into the water. Every year, on September 19, 5,000 pilgrims come to La Salette to make the pilgrimage. On February 13, 1870, a cross was raised to the top of the hill behind the church. On Good Friday of the same year, a Christ was placed there. It was then that the idea of a calvary was born. The chapel has been damaged by cyclones and fires. It was restored in 1994 by the municipality.

Morne Larcher is the moving, discreet, unalterable guardian of the baie du Diamant. Eliminated, tired, gnawed, it seems quite fragile from the heights of the commune, before descending towards the city center. It is perched in the distance, always present in the corner of the eye, but it often fades away in the face of the effervescence that agitates the long sandy spit of the beach at Le Diamant. And yet, a few kilometers further, at the foot of the colossus, it is the inversion of the standards: one feels tiny, in front of the trace which snakes and clings to the morne until its summit (402 meters). Morne Larcher is an ancient volcano, now extinct.

From there, you have two options: rest on the beach of Anse Cafard, in the protective shade of the Larcher, or climb the mountain. In the second case, bring plenty of water and good shoes: the climb is short but intense, accentuated by the heat, the humidity and the sometimes very uneven or steep path. After an hour's effort, you will have a breathtaking view of the whole of Le Diamant and the south of the island. You may be disheveled by a razor-sharp paraglider, but you will always be happy with this unique spot! The descent can be done on the side of Anses d'Arlet, on less perched, but a little rockier path. Count then 4 km of coastal laces to find the starting point at Anse Caffard. Another solution can be to come with two vehicles.

Shortly after the cane house, on the road leading to the town of Trois-Ilets, the Vatable forest is a nice place for a shady and family walk to change from the beach and discover the mangrove. Along the path (which makes a loop of one hour), you will come across a wooden pontoon for those who would like to try to swim in the mangrove, picnic tables, an amphitheater decorated with enameled lava, and especially magnificent views of the mangrove and the bay of Fort-de-France. Departure for kayak rides as well.

This simple museographic space traces the history of the city of Le Diamant through the collection (built between 1958 and 1998) of a former priest, Bernard David, who bequeathed his collection of pre-Columbian archaeological objects and his documentary holdings to the municipality after spending thirty years of his life in Le Diamant. An interesting visit for art and history lovers. Very friendly reception. A small museum which has its charm.

Settled in the renovated buildings of the old Vatable distillery in Trois-Ilets, the Maison de la Canne offers a broad panorama of the multiple and complex relationships that have been established between: land, plant, people. The site recounts the main events of the history of sugar cane, (Saccharum officinarum, a plant of the grass family), from the steam engine, from the mill to the slave ship, until the cutting of the cane around 1900. Through documents, models, and engravings of the period, more than three centuries of sugar economy from the late 17^th to the 20^th century in Martinique are told. This is an opportunity to revisit this large reed originating from Asia, which very early on interested farmers for its ability to store sucrose in its stems through the process of photosynthesis. Once harvested and then crushed in large mills, the cane yields a liquid, the vesou, which is transformed into sugar after crystallization, or into rum after distillation. From the planting of the cane to the manufacture of rum, through the extraction of sugar, all stages are faithfully described. The history of sugar cane is also directly linked to the history of colonization and slavery: particularly demanding in terms of labor, the cultivation of sugar cane in the colonies led to the massive deportation of people from Africa to cover the needs of the farms. Do not leave without having read the Code Noir.

Dare to take the red brick road, and you will land in another era, that of a village where dozens of men and women work. The Village de la Poterie is an authentic village, that was once inhabited, a unique place which gathers in the same site 45 different workshops and trades: a brick factory and craftsmen potters dating from the 18^thcentury, craftsmen and designers (furniture, fashion, decoration, soaps…), artists (jewelers, painters), souvenir stores and local products (chocolates) and some restaurants.

The Sainte-Anne covered market is an ideal place to pick up local fruit and vegetables, and has just been renovated by the local council. Here, you'll find bananas, pineapples and avocados, as well as jams, arranged rums, fruit punches and local spices, not to mention charming souvenirs to pack in your suitcases (madras cloth clothing, jewelry made from péyi seeds, soaps made in Martinique...). One of the island's most authentic markets. Traffic in the vicinity can be tricky!

Just 2 kilometers from the town, Anse-Corps-de-Garde is one of Sainte-Luce's largest beaches. This blond-sand beach, dotted with coconut palms and offering lovely shaded areas, is ideal for families. The waters are calm and clear. A nautical center offers kayaks and paddles for hire. You'll find plenty of snacks, lolos and restaurants nearby. Watch out for the mancenillia at the end of the beach! On the other hand, if you're looking for a bit of peace and quiet, you'll be happy to head for a more peaceful spot.

At the bend in the road between Le Diamant to Anses d'Arlet, take the time to dive into the story of Médard Aribot, a talented sculptor and convict in his time. Upon his return from French Guiana, he fell in love with this piece of land perched above the water, in the shadow of Morne Larcher and erected a small house of terribly reduced proportions. He spent the rest of his life sculpting, decorating and living in it before silently disappearing in 1973. Despite restoration campaigns, the house is threatened by time and vandalism.

Nestled between the Mabouya and Fond-Banane coves, this picture-postcard white-sand beach stretches for several hundred meters. Its many shady spots make it an ideal spot for family picnics. Frequented by hotel guests, it remains relatively uncrowded. The waters are rather calm, but beware of the sometimes dubious cleanliness. Finally, for the little ones, a number of natural baths along the beach invite you to take a dip.

On the town square, the tourist information office offers a lot of information on the events in Trois-Ilets, but also on the accommodation offers, the hikes, the bus schedules, activities, etc… It is full of information for any visitor who would like to organize their stay. You can also visit the website martinique.org which offers many downloadable information brochures.

Every year in December, the office organizes a craft and trade week while every first weekend of the month, a large market with an exhibition of local products and a podium of animation with traditional dances and music will delight you. If you are staying in Martinique during the Christmas vacations, the office puts on a living nativity scene. At the end of the show, you will taste the local specialties of Christmas (Christmas ham, pies) and you will certainly be dragged into a torrid “chanté nwel” all in Creole!

It is from a passion pursued since childhood and from many years of collecting that was born this museum of the marine world, created by Mickael Tosato. For years, Mickael has been constantly growing his collection, which he exhibits in the family hotel l'Ecrin bleu in Le Diamant. Mickael's passion for seashells began when he was four years old and he started collecting shells, especially queen conches. A few years ago, he had to leave Martinique and thus left the reins to his brother Fabien to share this fabulous collection. It was at the beginning of 2018 that Fabien founded this unique place dedicated to the sea and its inhabitants, in the pottery village. More than 2,000 different species, including 700 from the West Indies alone, are referenced there on 250 square meters of exhibition area, in a place that emphasizes the most careful staging.

Discover a great variety of shells, starfish, sea urchins, crustaceans, but also sharks and naturalized shark jaws (mako, lemon, hammerhead…) from the Caribbean coasts, without forgetting an impressive series of blue marlin rostrum and sawfish. The shells are classified by family. A little further on, a superb fish gallery completes your visit. A nice walk to discover this world of silence. End your visit by going to the store to buy a nice souvenir among the shells, starfish and other wonders of deep waters.

Outdoor and outdoor base, located on your right 500 m before the beach. To introduce you to sea kayaking, this sheltered water plan is ideal: safety for beginners, it allows to start smoothly in a geographical environment of mangrove and blue sea. In front of the departure, at Pointe-Rose, a small wild beach invites to a stop swimming. Also other activities: boat and sea bikes, combined organisation and theme days on demand. Special mention for Rodrigue, who takes care of his environment and surrounding areas by collecting garbage.

A very active and keen tourist office to inform visitors about news, outings, events, excursions, cruises, accommodation, hotel residences, sport… Classified as a tourist town in 2012, the town, a nautical resort, also benefits from many other assets, such as historical and heritage assets with its 17^th century church, one of the oldest in Martinique, and rich flora and fauna.

Martinique's southernmost rum distillery. With the launch of Braud & Quennesson, the family of Martinique agricultural rums expands. The arrival of this new rum distillery marks the rebirth of an emblematic site: the old Le Marin factory, founded in 1866 by the Braud and Quennesson forefathers and closed since the 1970s. This exceptional site benefits from a unique terroir and a particularly warm, humid microclimate, which confers exceptional qualities on the rum: aroma, freshness and smoothness. According to cellar master Stéphanie Dufour, the cane has one of the highest sugar contents on the island. The house's positioning is resolutely upmarket: controlled productivity, quality work, few cuvées (4 round, gourmet whites: 59°, 59.2°, 55° and 50°). And this year, the range has been extended to include its first wood-aged rums, which, after 12 months' ageing in a combination of casks, are ready to reveal all their aromas. This site, steeped in history, boasts a beautiful boutique and a botanical garden planted with coffee, calabash, cheese and mango trees, making it a delight to stroll through. The ruins of the old sugar factory are still clearly visible. Cane is currently distilled at the Simon dwelling, but the De Gentile family, who are at the head of the project, hope to launch their own distillery in a few years' time. A must-see!

This superb tropical estate extends over 75 hectares north of Sainte-Luce. The giant cheese maker is king on the edge of the marked trails: one of them even reaches 5.50 metres in circumference. The originality of the place lies in the presence of engraved rocks dating from the pre-Columbian period. The site was indeed one of the settlement sites of the Amerindians. The 900-metre Anoli trail and the 1.6-km Mongoose trail will take you to meet the plant and animal species of this mysterious forest.

This garden, led by the Sud Botanique association, has several missions: educational, by welcoming all types of visitors to raise awareness of environmental preservation, botanical, as it houses a nursery with tropical trees and rare species, and finally social, with its work camp for the integration of landscape workers. There is also a marked footpath for a nice stroll through the plants. The park also offers workshops to learn how to create and maintain a Creole garden. For a pleasant family walk.

Just a few kilometers from Martinique's most beautiful beaches, take the D9 towards Sainte-Anne for around 3 km to climb the Piton Crève-Coeur. Turn off at Cap-Chevalier and drive for 1 km. Turn right for 2 km and follow the unpaved road to the ruins of an old sugar mill. Leave your car in the dedicated parking area. Piton Crève-Coeur is an ancient volcano (18 million years old...), much older than Montagne Pelée, which today rises to an altitude of 200 m and offers breathtaking views of southern Martinique. Your walk begins on the right, with a path that climbs up, passing by ancient ruins: the main house of the Habitation Crève-Coeur. You soon come to a fine viewpoint over the island's southern peninsula. Further on, still in the direction of Sainte-Anne, a string of small coves invites you to unfold your towel and recharge your batteries. Cap-Chevalier offers windsurfing and kayaking programs. Anse-Michel, Baie des Anglais and Les Salines, coves and sandy beaches, also boast a small commercial infrastructure (food stores, restaurants) and sports facilities (jet-skiing, windsurfing). Don't forget to bring sun protection, light clothing and plenty of water - the sun can be fierce, especially in the middle of the day! Allow an hour and a half round trip, with a difference in altitude of around 150 meters.

This private garden path is located on a natural wetland coastal area. Educational panels line the pathway, presenting the remarkable plants and trees of the site, where mangrove and péyi almond trees flourish. With this trail, the objective of Pascal Fardin, the owner, is for people to discover the mangrove, as well as the local fauna and flora. A pond with tilapias, inspired by the Salines pond, crosses the site for about 200 meters.

Aboard a covered boat, discover the cul-de-sac of Le Marin with a naturalist guide, an expert of the island's ecosystem, who will explain the specificities of the mangrove and its interactions with the coral reef. The excursion lasts 2h30 in total, including 45 minutes of visit of the mangrove and 40 minutes of snorkeling in a marine reserve (masks and snorkels provided), on a small, stable and comfortable motor catamaran, with a capacity of 12 persons. Snacks offered during the excursion. A very educational visit.

When the colonial past of the region is evoked, it is the “Maison du Gaoulé” that springs to mind: dissatisfied with the “royal commercial executive" - the obligation to trade with France - the inhabitants organized the first open rebellion against metropolitan tutelage in 1717. After a meal served in the house of Gaoulé, in the O'Mullane district, the planters kidnapped Governor La Varenne and Intendant Ricouart, representatives of King Louis XV.

A small strombolian volcano a few hundred thousand years old, this islet was quickly equipped with an artillery piece and fortified to the point of becoming an essential device for the defense of the bay of Fort-de-France. From 1703 to 1739, more than 200 cannons were built in Martinique! The fort, a simple battery around 1728 until the fortification project in 1746, forbids any intrusion into the bay, by aligning itself with the Pointe-des-Nègres. Ilet Ramiers (or Ilet-à-Ramiers) is the entrance to Fort-de-France coming from the South coast and Pointe-des-Nègres is the entrance to Fort-de-France coming from the North Caribbean coast. This islet, almost impregnable, is nestled on a steep rock. The attackers could only approach it from one place: a landing stage protected by a guardhouse. At the top is a flat plateau—only accessible by a ladder 70 feet above the sea—consisting of three coastal batteries, military housing, and a gunpowder magazine; several of these buildings are listed as historic monuments. The rock played a defensive role until 1876 and then served as a lazaretto and military hospital for brief periods in addition to the Pointe-du-Bout fort. A military rest center in the 1960s, this 3-hectare islet is now a site protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral for its flora and fauna, in particular the Lesser Antillean iguana, an endemic species. It is forbidden to enter the site.

Located between Le Diamant and Les Anses-d'Arlet, Petite-Anse is no exception to the rule: fine sand, coconut palms, a volleyball court and small restaurants are all popular with visitors. To get there, all you have to do is follow the seafront and its fishing boats. The road from Le Diamant to Petite-Anse is very pleasant and offers some choice panoramas of Le Diamant rock and the bay, not to be missed. The area is relatively unspoilt by tourism, with limited but excellent accommodation.

The Habitation Sucrerie, refered to as a “château” (castle) by the locals, was acquired in 1788 by Jean-François Hayot; it was then the most important house in the commune.
Built on 200 m², it was constructed during the second half of the 18^th century. Its architecture is particularly original. It is characterized by a gallery on the north and south sides, a first floor narrower than the ground floor and, most original of all, an entrance on the side of the kitchen. As it should be, it dominates the village. About a hundred slaves were involved in running the place. A vestige of a cattle mill, rehabilitated into a coal oven, the basin of a spring already used by the Natives, the master's house below are the silent witnesses of the rough life of yesteryear. A family tradition runs along the old stones of the distillery and whispers that Arlet himself lived there. God only knows… Built in the second half of the 18^th century, the building, entirely made of wood and bricks, seems to have been put to sleep by a nasty twist of fate. However, in an outbuilding adjoining the old, but no less famous kitchen of Père Labat, a community of white angels preserves the place. Here is the vegetable garden, formed by a masonry block, a storage space for the “potins” (cast iron container to hold the embers). There, the square well dating from 1914, a little further on a stone crucifix and, in the middle of a blue-painted Ave Maria, is a flowery grotto where Our Lady of Lourdes rests.

This pretty walk links the village of Anses-d'Arlet to Grande-Anse in one hour. The departure at the village cemetery goes up a little on the side of the Morne Champagne hill. The walk continues through the savanna, towards the beach of Grande-Anse. Enjoy the beautiful views of the village and the Caribbean coast, and the abundance of tropical forest, between gum trees and heliconias. A superb and easy walk without hesitation. However, bring good shoes.

Gateway to the Cul-de-sac du Marin, this beautifully preserved nature reserve is the favourite starting point for divers on their excursions to the Caribbean Sea. But not only: the turquoise waters offer bathers equipped with a simple mask and a snorkel some magnificent surprises as the depths are so colourful! You will also find a white sandy beach with a few corners of shade, very pretty but quickly taken by storm. This still wild place also offers superb views of the bay of Le Marin.

The town of Le Marin is built on a hillside around the marina bay. A walk in the rue Duquesnay and rue Zola will allow you to contemplate some beautiful examples of Creole architecture from the beginning of the 20^th century. On the road to the south, don't hesitate to branch off and get lost in the narrow streets of the old town. On the seaside, you will let your steps lead you to the discovery of the ships at anchor, some of them particularly impressive, and the marina, very modern.

With over 1,500 varieties of various plants, this nursery is the largest on the island. You'll find everything from fruit trees and citrus fruits to green, flowering, aromatic, aquatic, fat and pollution-removing plants and cacti. Plants are sold in pots to both professional and private customers. If you have any questions, our team of specialists is on hand to help you plant and care for your plant progeny.

Moving in towards the sea, Cap Macré is bordered along its entire length by two very pretty beaches (to the north, Anse Grosse Roche) which meet at the end of the Cape.

Several hikes with beautiful beaches are located between Le Marin and Sainte-Anne.

From Le Marin, follow the direction of Sainte-Anne and then, at the traffic circle, turn left towards Cap Macré, in front of the residence Cap Evasion, renting furnished apartments by the month or by the week. The road, bordered by gentle hills with southern vegetation, is ideal for cyclists and hikers alike. A fork invites you to choose between Grand-Macabou on the left (stop at the pretty viewpoint on the sea a little further) and Cap Macré on the right. Cross the rock to go down to the cape, surrounded by scrubland. The Conservatoire de l'espace littoral et des rivages lacustres protects the natural site of the Grand-Macabou domain. It is located at the Cape Beauchêne: no beach, just a starting point for hikes. A small stone church, at the end of the cape, on the edge of the cliff, overlooks the sea.

You can follow footpath n° 29, the trace des Caps, which crosses the southern tip of the island from Cap Macré to Anse-Caritan. Remember to bring a bottle of water. A superb walk, with no major difficulties, except for its length. Count about 5 km from Petit-Macabou to Cap Macré, 7 km between Cap Macré and Cap-Chevalier, 6.5 km between Cap-Chevalier and the Baie des Anglais (Anse-Trabaud), 5 km between Anse-Trabaud, considered as the most beautiful beach of Martinique, and Les Salines, and 4.5 km from Les Salines to Anse-Caritan. This amounts to a total of 28 km from Petit-Caribou to Anse-Caritan (the sign indicates about 12 hours, but good walkers will do it in 6 hours without any problem).

From Cap Beauchêne to Cap Chevalier. On the way back to Sainte-Anne, reach Cap-Chevalier by a pretty road invaded by goats and lined with small white houses. The beach of Cap-Chevalier, nicer on its left side (with more sand and immaculate bottoms), is open to the Atlantic Ocean. Its narrow strip of sand is strewn with seaweed, rafts and a few fishermen's boats, from which the restaurants in the area get their supplies. You can dive with just a mask, fins, and snorkel to discover the rocky barrier. By choosing the road on the right, reach the seaside, in front of the “îlet Chevalier”, a nice opportunity for a beautiful marine stroll. You can get there with a shuttle called “taxicap”.

A few fathoms away from the village beach is an underwater path, among the most beautiful of Martinique, accessible to all with a simple mask and snorkel. You can spot it thanks to the four educational buoys placed in the sea to mark the path. This path, in the heart of a 2,600 m² site, aims to raise awareness of marine ecosystems that are an integral part of the island's natural heritage. An underwater trail, for the whole family, not to be missed.

Starting from the Gallochet district, the Arlet trail leads you to the Grande Anse beach. The seven-kilometer trail starts by going along the Anse Noire ravine to go up to the black sand beach of the same name. You will then reach its neighbor, Anse Dufour, before heading inland to go around the Morne Réduit. On the way, you will have access to beautiful viewpoints on the coast. Finally, you will go back down towards the beach of Grande Anse, where the walk ends. Count 2 hours. Easy level.

In Morne Gommier, Pierre-Yves Panor has designed a garden on the site where his ancestors lived during the marronnage period, when they fled from slavery in search of a new destiny.

As you wind your way through the breathtaking panoramic views, you'll come across several themed gardens that deal with agriculture and pharmacopoeia on the Mornes, the fight for freedom and, above all, the trauma of slavery. An emotional moment. Possibility of sleeping on site.

It was here, on this site overlooking the Caribbean Sea, that Marie-Josèphe-Rose Tascher de la Pagerie was born in 1763. The future Empress Josephine spent her first sixteen years here. At the time, this 300-hectare former sugar estate was known as "Little Guinea": 200 slaves worked in the cane, coffee and indigo fields exported to France, and the property had no garden of its own. Destroyed by a hurricane in 1766, the dwelling was left somewhat abandoned before being bought back in the ^19th century. But it wasn't until 1944 and the intervention of Dr. Robert Rose-Rosette, future mayor of Trois-Ilets, that this heritage was restored. All that remains of the sugar mill that was home to Joséphine's family are the ruins, listed as a Monument Historique. The mill where the plantation's cane was distilled is now used to welcome visitors. A museum featuring objects belonging to the Empress has been created, as has a magnificent garden planted with trees. Beautifully landscaped, it is home to a wealth of wild vegetation, including a plethora of African sausage trees. A flower bed surrounds a bust of Josephine. A lovely walk in a green setting.

Since 1975, Georges Pastel has had an unfailing passion for palm trees, which he has passed on to his son. On this plot of land located on the heights of Rivière-Pilote, he has built up an impressive collection of palm trees representing all regions of the world: 300 species flourish here, enriched by exchanges and plants brought back from his travels. If most of them are native to the Caribbean and Central and South America, we nevertheless discover very rare species in what is today the most beautiful palm grove of Martinique.

Signs indicate the path that winds to the hidden springs at the foot of Morne Jacqueline. In Petite-Anse, park in front of Fredo's and follow the sign for a short 15-minute walk. At the end of the path, you can bathe in the small basin where the water flows at more than 35 °C. This ferruginous spring has been used by the elders for thousands of years and is said to come from a deep reservoir with a temperature of about 180 °C. It is supposed to relieve rheumatism, pain and other ailments. Small drawback: it is quite crowded…

When Malike Malsa started farming twelve years ago, she wanted to name her farm the "Garden of Health". An obvious choice for this passionate young farmer, because here "we work for people's health. Our food is our first medicine". This son of an ecologist has always wanted to farm to feed himself. "For me, the garden makes sense: I don't like to talk about farming, I don't use the land, I take advantage of what it offers me while protecting it because if I don't, it won't be able to feed us".

A member of GRAB (Groupement Régional des Agriculteurs Bio de Martinique) since its inception, Malike has been cultivating her organic labelled garden in Sainte-Anne, taking care to respect her native land and enhancing everything around her. Committed to a zero-waste approach, the farmer uses traditional techniques, such as growing lasagne (with different layers to nourish the soil), mulching with cardboard and organic matter, and growing in mounds. Over time, Malike has developed, in addition to selling its production of fruit, vegetables and aromatic plants, several services around the concept of the garden: firstly, a small laboratory for processing its products (in the form of jams, flours and preserves). Don't hesitate to come and have a look around this farm, in the adjoining shop and order your organic baskets. You won't be disappointed! And moreover you will consume local.

To the north of Grande Anse, a path goes through the thickets before continuing along the sea. After an hour's easy walk, reach the underwater trail set up by the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Protection Agency). Armed with a mask, a snorkel, and flippers, dive to discover the 5 buoys under which reside unique underwater fauna and flora: seagrass beds, rocky bottoms, coral massifs, fish of all colors… Out of the water, a carbet (native hut) with educational panels indicates the animals and plants that you are likely to meet.