The bay of Robert is remarkable for its 9 islets that stretch along the coast, well protected by the coral reef. The Chancel islet is the largest of all Martinique with an area of 2 km by 805 m. It is part of Martinique's heritage and is renowned for the presence of a species of iguana endemic to the Caribbean: the Iguana delicatissima commonly known as the Lesser Antilles Iguana, a nationally protected species.
Formerly called "îlet de Monsieur", then called "îlet Ramville" after its acquisition by Dubuc de Ramville, it is now called "îlet Chancel" since its purchase in 1891 by Mr. Lagrange-Chancel. Today it's a private island owned by the Bally family
Michel Bally lives alone on his island and he imagined some time ago to make discover and share this fabulous place on the occasion of a completely atypical excursion: the visit of the islet in a horse-drawn carriage, commented by himself! What could be better indeed than a guided tour by the owner of the premises in person!
The interest of the walk is also to discover unpublished panoramas on the bay of Robert, the peninsula of the Caravelle in the north, with the coral reef that is lost on the horizon... The island is indeed accessible to the general public in only one place, according to the laws of the coastline; however during the visit, you have access to the whole site which remains completely private and therefore inaccessible!
The departure for the island is from the port of Le Robert; a fisherman will take you aboard his skiff to the meeting point fixed in advance with Michel Bally. He welcomes you on the spot with his carriage and his faithful mount... the so-called "Colibrette", an imposing 15 year old Norman nag, with wide buttocks, very useful for climbing in the rock in the middle of the dungeon!
Everybody gets on board the carriage and it's off for a 2h30 ride at the rhythm of the horse. One has the impression to be out of time, the site is splendid and the nature completely preserved. Here, nothing "commercial", the island has remained "in its juices": we cross birds, fish eagles or ospreys, sheep in freedom, the famous iguanas of the Lesser Antilles... We cross an old airstrip ..
Michel will tell you the story of l'îlet, his family and all the twists and turns to claim ownership of this little lost paradise ..
But the sun is beating down hard, it's getting hot and we reach a remarkable point of view on all the islets of the Robert ... It's time to take a "ti punch" break to quench our thirst! Michel prepares an excellent ti punch well arranged in his own way, which is enjoyed almost religiously facing the sea... Then a second one, so as not to "stand on one foot" as they say in the West Indies!
A few drinks later, we're back to where we started. We end the walk by taking a path that leads to the ruins of the old sugar factory, the only current witness to the cultivation of sugar cane on the islet. We also discover the remains of the "Lime Kiln", a pottery and a dungeon where slaves were locked up. One of the spawning sites that have been set up to promote iguana reproduction is observed
It's already time to go back to the mainland! We thank "Colibrette" for his sturdiness, Michel for his kindness and the fisherman comes to pick you up with his skiff ... the unusual escapade ends like a dream, a journey through the history of Martinique.
It's an idea for a completely timeless ride, unheard of before. To be done as a family or in small groups. Maximum 4/5 people. Reservation is mandatory. We need to call Michel Bally directly on his cell phone. The rate is 45 € per person, transfer included from the port of Le Robert. Departure preferably in the morning.
Michel BALLY - Tel 06 96 23 89 26 - Email : [email protected]
