Things to see and do Atlantic Coast

An idea for a completely out of time stroll, exclusive in Martinique, with the family or in small groups.

Michel Bally lives alone on Chancel Island. He wanted to share this amazing place in this completely atypical excursion: the visit of the islet by horse-drawn carriage, commented by himself.

Departure for the island from the port of Le Robert; Michel Bally comes to pick you up personally with his loyal mount, named Colibrette! Everyone climbs aboard the carriage, then you're off for a 2h30 ride at the rhythm of the horse.

Here we witness a strange phenomenon: the sea splits in two and leaves a 400 m long strip of sand, creating a passage that links the mainland and the island. It connects the land to its rock and protects the city of Sainte-Marie from tidal waves. A whim of nature, this comma of sand combines industry and tragedy in the past. This islet served as a fort and a port during the 17^th century, relaying barrels of rum and syrup to the ships anchored in the bay.

Crossed by the River Lézarde, Habitation Saint-Étienne is one of the island's most innovative distilleries. Nestled in the heart of exuberant vegetation, the architectural ensemble dominates the old distillery and outbuildings. Don't miss a visit to the magnificent Jardin Remarquable. Continue on to the historic cellars and the boutique, which hosts exhibitions. Since this year, HSE has been offering rum-chocolate workshops with a tour of the estate's cocoa plantations, cocktail workshops on request, and has just launched a range of rhums arrangés.

Surrounded by a breathtaking natural setting, the Château Dubuc, a former sugar house, dominates the tip of the Caravelle peninsula. You can get there by a stony path 10 minutes walk from the parking. On the site, we can still see the remains of the mansion, the kitchens, the industrial buildings and the huts (no hut street in Dubuc). Ironically, the slave dungeons are the best preserved remains of the site. The micro-museum presents different elements on the organization and functioning of a sugar house, and more particularly those of the domain. The Dubuc family is one of the most famous and oldest on the island. Its establishment dates back to 1657. Pierre Dubuc, who arrived after Pierre d'Esnambuc, is said to have engaged in numerous illicit activities, in close collaboration with freebooters. Apparently, the traffic of “ebony” and various goods, stolen from boarded ships, was the main activity of the inhabitants of the domain. The goods were exchanged for meat and musket balls. To keep up appearances, the Dubucs owned four sugar mills. In 1770, they bought their letters of nobility. The Dubuc branch remained without heirs. The property fell into ruin at the end of the 19^th century. It is now the property of the Regional Nature Park, which has undertaken a vast rehabilitation of the buildings.

In the heart of the Caravelle peninsula, the Hardy rum estate is in the midst of conversion. Anchored for 5 generations by the same family, Hardy rum is gradually emerging from its reserve, thanks to a revival project due to see the light of day in 2024. Although this former ^19th-century distillery has not been in operation for several years, production of this legendary rum has continued under the leadership of Jean-Pascal and Gaëlle Hardy, who have launched a range of exceptional rums of ever-increasing quality. But now, they want to go one step further and breathe new life into this ruined distillery with a project to refurbish the old factory, creating a museum and an ageing cellar. The idea of the current owners is to breathe new life into the old distillery through an educational tour designed to showcase the Caravelle peninsula's unique rum. With work scheduled for completion in 2024, visitors can already admire some of the distillery's industrial heritage exhibits, including the 1946 steam engine, the 1918 distilling column, and the 1930s chimney and boiler. A rooftop above the old stone wine storehouse offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the distillery, and a superb panorama of the sea, îlet Tartane and plage de la Brèche. A magical place to discover in the unspoilt setting of the Caravelle Nature Reserve..

They are accessible down the Chopotte descent. The bay of Le Robert appears, beautiful in its emerald dress. Its coast, as if torn by an invisible hand, offers the pilgrim the indescribable show of a string of islets… Located in the east of the island, the islets of Le François are very popular and therefore touristically busy. There are eight of them: îlet Frégate, îlet Lapin, îlet Lavigne, îlet Long, îlet Métrente (also called îlet Anonyme), îlet Oscar, îlet Pelé, îlet Thierry. They are an ideal destination for a day trip by boat. Many excursions leave from the commune. The competition is tough between the boats. The program remains the same for all: bathing in the white sea bottoms, where rum flows freely, lunch on the islets, nautical activities… It is especially the atmosphere on board which differentiates them. The initiator of this excursion is Albert Mongin. Among the most famous of these white sea bottoms, there is of course the famous Baignoire de Joséphine, where you will evolve (not alone) in transparent water up to the navel. To reach the islets, there are many options: by yole (the best way according to us), by boat (the most comfortable way), with a fisherman (the safest way), by speedboat, with a guide, by catamaran or even by kayak. Note that these islands are subject to a protection order and specific regulations aimed at preserving the fauna and flora of these ecosystems, some of which are considered very rare.

In this garden, more than 400 species of trees and medicinal, ornamental and magical plants, which all disseminate sweetness at Suzelle's, happy owner of the place. She offers many discovery and animation workshops open to all audiences: initiation to naturopathy through aromatherapy and Caribbean phytotherapy, vegan cooking and Martinique specialties. Remember to book your workshops.

Nestled in an immaculate cove of white sand, the beach of Petit Macabou, hemmed in by grape trees, jealously guards its authenticity and its wild aspect. You can go for a horseback ride, go for a hike, fall asleep in the sun, and swim with caution because of the abundance of seaweed off the coast, which often deposits thick piles of algae. Halfway between Le Marin and Le Vauclin, this natural treasure can be discovered after passing a beautiful windmill, a vestige of the colonial era, and after walking 2.5 kilometers along a stony path.

It is a major element of Martinique's heritage. Fonds-Saint-Jacques was for a long time the only agricultural domain of Martinique held by churchmen: on a surface of 230 hectares, it sheltered a convent and a sugar factory. In 1762, there were 500 slaves living there. A real cemetery of slaves buried according to Christian values has been discovered there. In addition to the beautiful green garden, you can visit the remains of the sugar mill, the refinery, and the chapel of Saint Jacques.