Things to see and do Atlantic Coast

Among the most interesting on the island, the church of La Trinité embodies the religious foundation of the colonists. Built between 1708 and 1710, it differs from the traditional rectangular plan: it is indeed built on a classical rectangular plan and the high altar is flanked by two side altars. An original detail, the bell tower, is topped by a minaret. Several times renovated, natural disasters have not spared it! On the left side of the church, we can see a porch that gives access to the cemetery. Nice view on the village.

La Trinité has the particularity of possessing the vestiges of mills in the sugar houses, which were used to crush the cane and to extract the vésou necessary to the manufacture of rum. Powered by animals, water or wind, they coexisted until the 20^th century, even if, from the second half of the 19^th century, steam mills have gradually pushed back the windmills first, then the animal mills and finally the water mills. Unfortunately, most of them are only visible from the road because they are located on private property.

At the exit of the village in direction of north, you will be able to admire the vestiges of the old fort built in 1658 at the time of the foundation of the city. It was that year that the borough of Trinité was built, with the colonists settling at the entry of the peninsula. There, they chose to build a wooden chapel, at the foot of the hill where the Fort Sainte-Catherine is located. Even if it is not visited, its ruins evoke the time when La Trinité was a prestigious military garrison, the scene of many confrontations between the English and French troops.

The Grand-Rivière tourist office opens its doors to help you discover the "commune de l'extrême" with its hiking trails, water excursions, guided tours, the Vierge des Marins, the church, the Bellevue wall, the new fishing port, the river, the waterfront... He also organizes hikes and water excursions in his area. Contact him to arrange your return by canoe from Anse Couleuvre (Prêcheur) at the end of the hike linking the island's coasts.

Anse Azérot is an estate founded at the end of the 17^th century by Father Labat, who saw on this seashore the possibility to easily exploit lime kilns. The path goes along the ocean, its beaches and its high cliffs. It is very easy to get there and, by walking all along it, you will discover the remains of lime kilns… It is the best way to appreciate the island in all its splendor.

To get there: on the RN1, one kilometer before the town of Sainte-Marie, at the crossroads leading to the Sainte-Marie estate.

A necklace of eleven volcanic islets adorns the bay of Le Robert, which is one of the most beautiful in Martinique. Rich of an exceptional fauna and flora, it counts more than 180 species of fish in its waters. The islets try to resist tourist invasion, which could disturb their fragile ecosystem. Here are some of the most famous.

Îlet Loup-Garou. This thin strip of sand consists of a heavenly cove and a chasm, once much feared by ships. Its only inhabitants are a few crabs. Its access is forbidden, as well as that of Boisseau islet.

Îlet Madame. The busiest of the bay. Its aquamarine water and its white sand beach attract more and more visitors, who can take shelter under specially built wooden shelters and come to spend the day there, picnic, enjoy the place.

Îlet Chancel. The largest in Martinique (2 km long and 850 m wide), the islet was owned by the Dominicans in the 18^th century, who installed a sugar purgery there. We can still see the remains of the lime kiln where shells and hard corals were burned. Inhabited by a great variety of species, the islet is a real natural conservatory. Iguanas, manikous (birds) and bats are timidly spotted by tourists. It was by horse-drawn carriage that Mr. du Parquet, governor of Martinique, went, when he liked, to a piece of land off the coast of Le Robert that belonged to him. In order to land, and having only a small arm of the sea to cross, he would leave his carriage at the stable, which earned this place the name of Pointe de l'Ecurie, which it has retained ever since. In the middle of the 17^th century, this islet Ranville, yesterday, or Chancel, today, was simply called the islet Monsieur or Monsieur… Du Parquet. When he died, the site was bequeathed to the Dominican monks. The years pass against all odds and the place, which the iguanas love, becomes that of the Dubuc de Ranville. Many legends are told about the islet… the place is full of secrets, disappearances at sea or sultanas. It was once again renamed and adopts the name of its new owner, Lagrange Chancel (mayor of Le Robert in 1851)…

Îlet à Eau. Surrounded by emerald colored water, this islet is perhaps a little less busy than the others. It will be particularly appreciated by nature lovers who may have the chance to see some square-tailed doves.

This church is one of the most beautiful gems of religious architecture in Martinique. Built in 1667 but rebuilt in 1774 and again in 1813, it welcomed Father Labat, a young Dominican missionary, when he arrived in Martinique. Its wooden frame is the result of the skills of the sailor-carpenters employed in the construction of religious buildings. A lovely little cemetery looks out to sea just behind the church. Its roof is particularly low and close to the ground, which may be surprising, to better resist hurricanes.

A journey into the deep Martinican culture, this is what the Second Souffle garden located in Le Vauclin promises: “sa sé jadin pay la ki la”. Discover the local flora and ancestral traditional practices, gardening workshops or jewelry making based on peyi seeds (Job's tears, jequirity bean, devil-bean), knowledge transmission is at the heart of the mission of this beautiful garden, cultivated in complete respect of the earth. We recommend a stopover with your family or alone!

This recent church is the heir to a succession of earlier buildings. The plans for an avant-garde church, imagined by Federico Genovese and Olivier Dubosq, after waiting for some 40 years, have finally been realized. The congregation can once again hear the five bells engraved with the names of their patrons (Saints Joseph, Michael the Archangel, Lawrence, Philomena and Our Lady the Great)—they were blessed on Christmas Day 2009. The materials used for its construction and the façade are similar to those of the building destroyed in 1973.

Aboard an old locomotive that was once used to transport cane to the Saint-James distillery, the association Les Rails de la canne à sucre offers a walk through the cane fields and banana plantations. In the middle of the sumptuous green landscapes of Sainte-Marie, the visit alternates between explanatory stops on fruit, spice, medicinal plants, and of course the methods of cane cultivation and the evolution of the processes of rum manufacturing.

It is still possible to admire on both sides of the D10 the ruins of this old sugar house transformed into a distillery in the 19^th century and which faces the sea. The old chimney, still standing, indicates its location. Mill, boilers and evacuation pipes are still visible and evoke the rich past of its rum activity. The distillery stopped working in 1963. At the soccer field, take the path that crosses the banana and sugarcane fields: you will arrive at a temple dedicated to the goddess Mariamman.

The former habitation Gradis, future cultural center of the Great North, theater of union struggles, is an unavoidable place of memory. This former 18^th century sugar house is now managed by the Collectivité de la Martinique which is reviving this important place of heritage. The famous Gradis Bridge, which connects this domain to the Eyma house, used to allow the transportation of sugar cane with one of the first steam locomotives.

Josette Nicole is what we call an orchid collector. Over the past twenty years, she has transformed her garden at Le François into a veritable orchid paradise. There are thousands of specimens, with a hundred or so varieties, rare and less rare, that Josette has brought back from her travels or from exchanges with other collectors of the Ionopsis Club association, which brings together orchid enthusiasts on the island. To take care of her little protégés, she has two greenhouses, treatment rooms and potting rooms to multiply them.

For more than twenty years, Dominique Petit has been loud and clear: this is not a zoo! In this 3,000 m² farm that she has transformed into an educational farm, this committed farmer houses pigs, ponies, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, as well as a poultry hotel! Her objective: to make visitors discover what farms can offer and let them experiment. Visits include feeding the animals with cuddling and petting sessions, gardening and planting workshops, with a focus on environmental protection.

2 km hike with 150 m ascent. A beautiful Way of the Cross to discover. The climb is steep and the ground can be wet and slippery, but the walk is magnificent. Chinese cabbages, beacon trees and bamboos line the route. At the highest point, you'll discover a small red-and-white chapel and a splendid panorama opening onto southeastern Martinique, from La Caravelle to Sainte-Anne. You can return by the same route or along the eastern flank to the Ensfelder district (but in this case, it's better to have a second car).

In this small cooperative, it is the women who perpetuate the tradition of basketry, which the Caribs would have transmitted to the new arrivals and then to the “neg mawons” who came to take refuge on the hills. To weave hats, baskets, trunks, carpets, handbags, placemats and jewelry, they use two typical fiber plants of the island: cachibou and aroman. Everything is done by hand: harvesting, drying and then meticulous weaving. Try to come in the morning to see them work and watch a demonstration of the weaving techniques.

The Habitation Beauséjour, skilfully preserved, is probably one of the most beautiful on the island. The estate is still structured as it was in its original form with the wooden mansion (1820), the entrance pavilion, the stone kitchen and the “case-à-nègres” street where the slaves were housed. The old distillery now houses the banana shed. A large water wheel is still preserved there. Since the post-war period, banana cultivation has replaced sugar cane and cocoa on the estate, which covers more than 50 hectares.

Until the middle of the 19^th century, the habitations Chéneaux, Macouba and Bellevue formed a single entity that produced a wonderful tobacco. Of the Habitation, only two pillars remain, which mark the limits of the former domain. The land once dedicated to the cultivation of pétun (tobacco) is now devoted to bananas. A nice hike leads to a hermitage of the time, named La maison du Moine, today a center for seismic measurements. Discover the ruins of the former mansion buried under the vegetation.

Founded in 1758, the Baroque-inspired church dominates the village of Saint-Esprit, making it its first historic monument. Its handsome volumes were altered several times following the hurricanes of 1951 and 1962. It houses a Russian bell known as Sebastopol, brought back from the Crimean War, in which a contingent of Martiniquais took part. To thank Martinique, Admiral Bruat, the island's former governor, brought back bells. Since then, the parish has been animated by numerous Sunday masses and choirs.

Dating back to the second half of the ^17th century, Habitation Basse-Pointe was originally owned by Claude Poquet, a historical figure who wore many political hats. At the end of the ^18th century, the Habitation became the property of Denis Pécoul, deputy public prosecutor, and it was Jean-François Pécoul who gave it its definitive name in 1777. Towards the middle of the following century, Auguste Pécoul diversified cultivation, producing tobacco, coffee and silk in addition to sugarcane. Today, only bananas are grown. The property's layout is organized in such a way that the living space for the workers in huts unfolds around the main house, which is the heart of the estate, overlooking the coconut tree avenue. Listed as a historic monument in 1981, the main house is relatively well preserved. Rectangular in plan with no gallery, it is topped by a wasp-waisted second floor with a smaller perimeter. A sign of refinement on the part of the builders: the ashlar for the buildings was imported from Europe. The ruins of the factory chimney bear witness to the cane industry of yesteryear, while two Hindu temples bear witness to the survival of the ancient Tamils who arrived here in 1853 to make up for the shortage of manpower following the abolition of slavery in 1848. The dwelling was added to the heritage of the famous Habitation Clément (Le François) and Habitation Sucrerie in 2002. It is now managed by the Fondation Clément, which opens it to the lucky public during Heritage Days in September.

Tommaso and Céline have taken on the challenge of transforming the thorny undergrowth of the Grand Macabou into a fruit forest. Their aim: to achieve agricultural and food self-sufficiency. At the foot of the orchard, made up of some fifty varieties of fruit trees, grow market garden produce and tubers (giraumon, tomato, cucumber, manioc). This passionate couple also offer introductory courses in permaculture and agro-ecological practices.

One of the island's oldest distilleries. JM agricultural rums are one of Martinique's great vintages. In addition to a visit to the distillery, a stroll through the rum garden is a must. The walk begins in the cane garden, where you can discover the 3 varieties of hybrid cane selected for their quality and resistance to mechanical cutting: straw cane, blue cane and red cane. The garden features the typical square layout that once prevailed on cane plantations. The walk takes you past rich vegetation, the result of exceptionally fertile soil and a cross-fertilization of species. In the rum garden, flowers, aromatic plants, shrubs, lianas and tall trees embody the delicious scents that develop during the metamorphosis of sugar cane and the aging of rums.

As you make your way along the trail, you'll be immersed in the typical scents of JM rums. Coffee, cocoa, guava, pineapple, breadfruit, lemon, citron...: the trail blends indigenous plants, present before the arrival of the first settlers, with domesticated plants, brought by Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and then Indians. The spice garden (basil, lemongrass, ginger, pepper, chili, Indian wood, cinnamon, vanilla...) rubs shoulders with ornamental plants (lilies, gardenia, jasmine, datura, ylang-ylang...). At the end of this enchanting stroll, drop by the boutique for a tasting of the divine nectars produced on site.

It's the story of a reopening: that of the former La Salle sugar factory, founded at the end of the ^17th century in Sainte-Marie, and which once produced pure sugarcane juice used to distill tafia, the ancestor of rum. Nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, Habitation La Salle offers a real trip back in time, and a lovely walk through its verdant surroundings. The dwelling was formerly known as the Survilliers sugar factory. It was owned by Claude de Laguarigue de Survilliers, born in 1668 on the island of Saint-Christophe. Driven out by the English in 1690, he took refuge in Martinique, settling in Sainte-Marie and marrying Luce de La Salle in 1695. Just before the French Revolution, in 1786, Jacques Guillaume Seguin de La Salle bought the house that today bears his name. After more than 3 years of restoration, the site reopened its doors in March 2021. Nearly three-quarters of the site's traceability has now been rediscovered, enabling us to share with visitors the history of sugar and agricultural rum in Martinique. During your visit (the audioguides are very well done), you can discover the boiler house and its chimney, the 2 paddle mills in operation, the sugar loaves, the guildhall, the stills and the ageing cellars. Take a look at the Maison du Café, home to a host of old machines. The tour ends with a tasting of the rums produced in collaboration with Saint-James: an organic white, a VSOP and XO.

Raymond Rijo has imagined a Creole garden where market gardening, fruit growing, aromatic and medicinal plants coexist: cocoa, guava, banana, sugar cane, allspice, calabash… and especially cassava, the star product of the farm. The farmer offers themed educational workshops, to learn how to fight against predators, to make compost or bamboo chimes and of course to make the famous cassava-based pancakes. A high place of conservation of the traditional know-how of Martinique to discover.

The Habitation Chalvet contributed greatly to the economic development of Basse-Pointe. It was one of the largest sugar factories on the island. Now dedicated to the cultivation of bananas, sugarcane and pineapples, it is the only house open to the public. The new owners organize guided tours to discover the history of the house, the banana, and to discover some secrets of the local medicinal plants. You can learn a lot about the past of the house and the remains of the slavery era. Very interesting.

Le François is an important and lively town, more authentic than touristic. There is no beach here… but you can guess the coral reef on which the waves break in the distance. Go for a walk to the fish market, where fishermen come to sell their goods that they cut up on the table, under metal shelters. In the town center, besides the church in front of the town hall, notice the huts lined up on Perrinon street: they were built by the workers of the central factory of Emile Bougenot.

If you continue along the seafront road, you will arrive at the end of the cove at a small fishing port, one of the typical places of the city. One can read on a sign: “No throwing away old cars”! An adage that unfortunately is not listened to nor followed to the letter…

Then go and contemplate the banana plantations, at the exit of Le François, which constitute a typical natural scenery. We follow the direction of Le Vauclin (12 km), then we turn to take the D16 towards Bois-Soldat. From the road, the panorama on the islets on one side and the mountain on the other is incomparable.

Finally, go have a look at La Frégate, an old colonial house in the small village called Bonnaire. Continue your journey to the Cap Est Lagoon Resort: the complex has a beach accessible to all, with white sand, with clear waters, ideal for families. It is the only beach in Le François. To swim in the turquoise waters, you will have to reach the famous islets of Le François and Le Robert.

From Le Lorrain to Grande-Rivière, the sugarcane and banana fields give way to the tropical forest, a real wild jungle. This stretch of the D10 is familiarly called “Route des Habitations” in memory of the sumptuous plantations that once stood there. Today, some of them are still visible but remain private: you must book an appointment or ask for permission from the local tourist offices for the Habitation Beauséjour in Grand-Rivière, the Habitations Perpigna and Chénaux in Macouba, and the Habitations Leyritz and Pécoul in Basse-Pointe.

From 1848 until 1885, Basse-Pointe welcomed tens of thousands of Tamil workers from Pondicherry in India. These “coolies”, as they are called here, kept their traditions and built temples, including two particularly important ones in Basse-Pointe. The first is located after the Pocquet River, facing the pond; the second is near the Gradis Habitation. They can be visited on Sundays and during the “Bon dit coolie” ceremony.

Here you are in front of a hike of a good level (10 km - 2 hours of walk) which offers you a beautiful immersion in the green of the north of Martinique (hygrophilic vegetation, with breathtaking colors and possibility to meet a tarantula) but also the possibility to fly to the river for a moment of refreshment at the bend of a rather unknown path.

Take the Route de la Trace to the Fond-Saint-Denis Deux-Choux crossroads. Follow the D1 to the right until kilometre point 19. A small rustic sign indicates "Trace de Trous-Matelots vers Desgrange". You go into the forest on a path maintained by the ONF. No signpost. The altitude is 620 m. We descend slowly (tree ferns, bamboos and white gum trees). A few tens of meters later, a clearing with red porcelain roses and a small dreary covered with markers. On the left, you can hear the rumbling of a river: after a 200 m difference in altitude, you reach the Deux-Bras gully in 40 minutes.Two solutions: the short track (fork on the left and head towards Falaise-Isaïe) or take a right towards Duchesnetaux and cross the Lézarde river before joining the forest road la Palourde. It is better to take the first one because the second one is very busy. From coast 421 to coast 540, there is a 120 m slope (difficult ascent, unmaintained path, river): it leads to the national road. There are 4 km to go on the asphalt (the least pleasant part) to get back to the starting point.

Denis is a fisherman with a big heart who smiles radiantly 365 days a year and who is always in a cheerful mood. For nearly 25 years, he has been showing the splendors of the famous Baignoire de Joséphine and its white sea bottoms on board his motor yole. Davy, his son, has joined the team and a second boat is now available. For an unforgettable day of relaxation, in a friendly atmosphere around delicious apéritifs, a succulent Creole meal and the captain's wise explanations on the natural treasures of his native island.

Come aboard the Angel of the Seas with Matthieu for a customized sea tour around the islets and the white sea bottoms of Le Robert and Le François. A commented visit, highlighted by swims in the white sea bottoms and, of course, an apéritif for the rum baptism! Matt then welcomes you to his home on the beach to enjoy a local Creole meal with your family. A sunny day that can be customized according to your desires.

Côte au Vent is a boat excursion agency located in Le François. Their services include half-day trips along the island's Atlantic coast, where visitors can discover the fauna, flora and picturesque sites such as the mangrove swamp, coral reef, white seabed and iguanas. In addition to boat trips, Côte au Vent also offers other activities such as catamaran excursions in Robert Bay, private boat trips, gift vouchers and unusual experiences.

Captain Omer is at the helm, taking you aboard his fishing skiff. The program includes the Dominica Channel and the wild coastline of Martinique's far north, rich in a thousand secrets: discover inaccessible coves and inlets, and learn about the history of the region, the first settlers, the slave revolts... Discover the secrets of deep-sea fishing, get up close to dolphins, sail to Dominica... Here, you are the master of your own desires, and it's by sea that you enter this capricious but generous North.

Several packages are proposed by Luc, the master of the place. He will give you a detailed plastic map of the routes, a waterproof case to protect your belongings and off you go to discover the islets and the exceptional fauna and flora of this little piece of paradise. On your return, you will be able to use the showers and the locker room at your disposal. And to end this day in beauty, a small local snack. Luc also takes you on walks combining hiking and kayaking with an experienced guide.

Visit the Robert Islands on board a catamaran led by Loïc, professional of the sea, and Céline. You will enjoy the Isle Chancel for its iguanas, its ancient sugar factory,  its white funds, and the islet Madame for a unmissable Ti-Punch. Céline and Loïc are at your disposal and can adapt the outing to your convenience. Good friendly and family atmosphere. Departure at 9am from the pontoon of Robert and return towards 4pm.