Tourist Attractions & Monuments Martinique

The Martinique Zoo is housed in one of the island's oldest dwellings. Founded in 1643, the Latouche dwelling covered an area of 15 hectares. By 1664, sugar was the main product, followed by rum, cocoa, manioc and indigo. When Mount Pelée erupted, most of the buildings were destroyed, but some magnificent remains remain (dwelling house, indigoterie, manioquerie, sugar mill, aqueduct, etc.). In the hands of Jean-Philippe Thoze, creator of the famous Balata garden in Fort-de-France, the Latouche dwelling has been transformed into a unique place, sublimated by beautiful botanical compositions, that absolutely must be visited. Not just to meet the residents, who live in semi-liberty and live out their days in peace: monkeys, jaguars, pumas, lorikeets, anteaters, raccoons, as well as the more insular mongooses, touloulous crabs, turtles, iguanas and, of course, snakes. But above all for its unique atmosphere and its wild nature, skilfully staged by the magician Thoze. A precious testimony to local and subtropical fauna, this exotic bestiary is brought together at the heart of the Latouche dwelling, where visitors can banter and follow a specially-designed educational trail, not only to discover unexpected animals but also to interact with them. In one of the zoo's immersion aviaries, visitors are treated to a singular spectacle as lorikeets come to rest on you and eat out of your hand. These colonial relics, nestled in the hollow of the valley, are now the markers of a whole part of the island's history, made up of an agricultural economy and progressive industrialization. A visit to the zoo reveals the entire dwelling: the main house, of course, and the various farm and business buildings. You'll also note the rich aquatic network, to which the aqueduct and the paddle wheel still bear living witness. At the end of the visit, a large exhibition on piracy will delight visitors of all ages and recall another feature of the island's history: Madinina was home to many freebooters. Both the zoo's layout and facilities have been designed with the animals' well-being and visitors' comfort in mind: when you enter the Latouche dwelling, you're in for a rich journey in what can now be called a new-generation zoo.

Fifteen statues look out over the sea and the Diamond Rock, their shoulders slumped and their gaze lost. This monumental triangle-shaped ensemble (evoking the triangular trade) was created in 1991 by the sculptor Laurent Valère for the 150^th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. It evokes the shipwreck of a slave ship in 1830 off the baie du Diamant. The chained slaves could not escape, and the survivors were sent to prison…

The highest point on the island at 1,397 m, Mount Pelée is now a Unesco World Heritage Site, and inspires respect among the island's inhabitants, who still remember the tragedy of May 8, 1902.

There are four different routes to the summit, each different in length and difficulty. Before setting off, find out if the path you want to take is open, and always take water, a hat and sun cream, good walking shoes and food with you. The weather at the summit is fickle and rarely predictable, and can turn a sunny hike into a storm.

2 circuits from Morne-Rouge. The Aileron trail. 2h30 return. Medium level. Starts from the parking lot of the Refuge de l'Aileron bar.

The caldera. 6h return. Difficult level. Steep path joining the Palmistes plateau and overlooking the explosion crater. Cross three refuges before descending on the Aileron trail.

From Grande Rivière. 5 hours 30 minutes return. Difficult level. Start at the corner of the Beauséjour farm road and the D10. Cross the banana plantations, take the forest track for 1 km, continue on a steep slope up the north side of the crater (Morne Macouba).

From Le Prêcheur. 3h return. Moderate level. From the D10 at the entrance to the town, follow signs for La Charmeuse, continue for 5 km to the Grande Savane parking lot. Perhaps the most beautiful of the ascent trails. First you cross cultivated land, then steep, rocky paths.

A pleasant excursion to do with your family. Embark on board a yole to discover the mangrove of Trois-Ilets and Rivière-Salée, stroll among the mangrove trees and meet the “mantu” crabs… A professional guide will explain everything you need to know about the fauna and flora. A drink and a small snack are served on board. The duration of the excursion is 2h30. Reservation is strongly advised on site or by phone.

The tourist office now covers the 4 communes of Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Saint-Joseph and Schoelcher. It offers guided tours of Fort-de-France off the beaten track. We highly recommend the "audioguided tour of the city center", to discover the most incredible corners of Martinique's capital! The team is super friendly and ready to guide you according to your preferences for unforgettable events and discoveries.

At the bend in the road to Balata, in the heart of a tropical environment, stands this building, which is a replica of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre on a scale of 1/5, the work of the English architect Charles Albert Wulfleff (1929). At the base of the dome is the following inscription: “Au Sacré-Coeur, la Martinique reconnaissante (To the Sacré-Coeur, Martinique is Grateful)”. In addition to its remarkable stained-glass windows and mosaics, the site offers a splendid view of Fort-de-France and its bay.

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.

This small beach is reserved for those who know about it, because you can't see it from the road. Access has to be earned: to get there, you have to take the direction of Mabouya, continue towards the sea on a road that looks more like a track and finally cross a housing estate. Ten more minutes of walking and you are there! The sea is beautiful and calm. The view on Morne Larcher is breathtaking. In the evening, many Martinicans meet there to admire the shimmering colors of the sunset on the sea. A very beautiful place.

This is the commune's star attraction. It is accessed via the Montagne Pelée road on the left from Morne-Rouge. It's a walk along a river between two huge cliffs in the middle of the rainforest; the gorges are spectacular for their steepness and their location in the greenery. Gradually, you climb back up to the waterfalls. The surrounding waterfalls provide an impressive backdrop. Watertight cases to protect your souvenirs and camera are available. Swimsuits and towels recommended.

The Maison du volcan is an information and documentation center specialized in vulcanology, with a library on the eruptions of Mount Pelee in 1902 and 1929 in geology and astronomy. The permanent exhibition “The ballet of the continents and its consequences” informs about the seismic risks affecting the region as well as the Caribbean volcanoes, and shows a rich collection of rocks and sands. If the visit can sometimes be difficult to access for the youngest, it provides a better vision of the volcanic phenomena.

It is one of the most beautiful and oldest in Martinique. Built at the end of the 18^th century, with its bell tower standing in the center of the village, the structure dedicated to Saint Étienne, patron saint of the town, follows the Jesuit aesthetic codes and shows two orders of superimposed Tuscan columns. The vault in the shape of an inverted ship's hull reminds us that the building was built by sailor carpenters. The remarkable high altar would have been originally intended for the cathedral of Lima, Peru. The shipwreck of the vessel carrying it stopped its journey in Le Marin.

In the middle of the tropical forest, a waterfall of more than ten meters, fresh and limpid, flows into a small basin where it is good to refresh oneself (the water temperature is around 16 degrees!). Its name would come from the numerous gendarmes who, coming from Saint-Pierre, stopped there to make their horses drink. It is said that one of them fell while trying to climb the rock face from which the waterfall flows. This green area with its clear water is ideal for picnicking and listening to the birds sing.

Without question one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. It is not difficult, over 2.8 kilometers with an average difference in altitude of 170 meters. Discover rich fauna and flora, historical vestiges… Not to mention the river that you will cross in some places. And the best for the end: a breathtaking waterfall of more than 120 meters high, forming a fine curtain sliding along the rocks and the vegetation. Its access is forbidden in rainy weather because of the river, which makes its fords too dangerous. Count 1h30 in total.

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.

Renovated with sand from Guadeloupe, this pretty beach is very popular with families. Calm turquoise waters, coconut palms and a large lawn make for a picture-postcard setting. There are a number of children's games (slide, swings), picnic tables and carbets for shelter from the sun. The underwater world is beautiful, with colonies of sea urchins, large starfish and colorful tropical fish. Don't forget your mask and snorkel. And don't forget to visit the nearby Ecomuseum on your way out.

This superb tropical domain extends over 75 hectares north of Sainte-Luce. The giant cheese tree is king on the edge of the marked out paths: one of them even reaches 5,50 meters in circumference. The originality of the place lies in the presence of engraved rocks dating from the pre-Columbian era. The site was in fact one of the settlements of the Amerindians. The Anoli trail of 900 meters and the Mongoose trail of 1.6 km will take you to meet the plant and animal species of this mysterious forest.

This beautiful baroque building, inaugurated in 1829 and classified as a historical monument, is particularly striking because of its location: immaculately white, the church faces the sea and Le Diamant with its breaking waves that slap against the beach. The church has been renovated many times and destroyed by natural disasters, but it has a splendid frame, rebuilt in 1983 by the Compagnons de France, in the manner of an overturned ship's hull. Made in France, it was dismantled and reassembled on the church in 1983.

Martinique's oldest museum, founded in 1933 by American volcanologist and philanthropist Frank A. Perret and owned by the city of St. Pierre, was completely renovated in 2019 by the Clement Foundation. This new ultra-modern concrete building houses the remains of the May 8, 1902 eruption. The new burnt wood façade is a sober yet powerful symbol in the heart of the city. The collection presented in the permanent exhibition bears witness to the eruption of Mount Pelee and the destruction of Saint-Pierre in 1902. The tour, organized in three sequences, allows visitors to discover the city on the eve of the eruption, to relive the sequence of events around May 8, 1902 and to understand the consequences of this disaster that killed nearly 30,000 people and wiped Saint-Pierre off the map. The exhibition presents objects bearing the traces of the eruption, photographs and old films on the city around 1902, while audio guides provide visitors with accounts from the inhabitants and survivors. Finally, the memorial lists the 7,000 victims identified to date out of the estimated 28,000 missing. The collection of glassware distorted by the high temperature and two bells show the impact of the fire that hit the city after the fiery cloud. A powerful experience. It is a great introduction to the city and the ruins of Saint-Pierre.

The birthplace of Marie-Joseph-Rose de Tascher de la Pagerie, the future Empress Josephine (1763-1814), who married Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) on March 9, 1796, this former sugar mill, formerly known as "Petite Guinée", is a place of remembrance that we highly recommend you visit. The museum has recently been refurbished to showcase the large slave community that lived here: up to 300 slaves at the height of the sugar industry in the ^18th century. For almost three centuries, these 500 hectares were home to a variety of crops: cotton, tobacco, cocoa, followed a little later by sugar cane and market gardening.

The tour begins at the mill, where the sugarcane passed through, and continues in the museum housed in the former kitchen of the main building. Through letters, souvenirs and rare objects from the period, as well as antique furniture that once belonged to Joséphine, the historical tour immerses us in the daily life of the empress. From now on, the museum will focus not only on Joséphine, but also on the slaves, recreating their way of life. The new museum space brings them to life by displaying their first names. Thanks to archive material, actors have lent them their voices, and we can now hear them. An emotionally-charged experience in which the women, men and children who lived here come to life. The tour continues through the lush garden, which, in addition to its beautiful plants, is now home to an area dedicated to medicinal plants.

Take time to discover this colorful traditional market: it is one of the most beautiful shots of the city. Under the big hall, the stalls overflow with seasonal fruits, vegetables (avocados, yams, chayotes), flowers (shell ginger, anthuriums, ginger flowers), spices and condiments (nutmeg, chili pepper, banded wood, cinnamon, India wood). The “doudou, vini-vini” are the characteristic calls that set a sudden family atmosphere. It doesn't take long to get friendly with the market people while shopping.

It is one of the jewels of Fort-de-France. Several times destroyed (notably by the terrible fire of 1890), the old straw and pitchfork chapel was replaced in 1891 by the current cathedral. Its framework is entirely metallic in order to resist earthquakes, but also in reference to the techniques used in France by Gustave Eiffel. It houses the tombs of several governors of the island, whose exact location is kept scrupulously secret. It was classified as a historical monument in 1989.

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.

It is one of the closest beaches to the town of Sainte-Luce. Very popular with families (ideal shaded areas for picnics, calm sea, clean showers and toilets, not to mention a few snack bars and restaurants here and there), Gros-Raisins beach is very accessible and ideal for a quick sunbath or a moment of aquatic relaxation. The only drawback is that you won't be alone! The area is popular with a number of nearby residences and hotels. Nevertheless, the stopover remains very pleasant. Large, convenient parking lot.

Built on the ruins of an old distillery, part of an archeological site on the beach, this beautiful museum exposes the living history of a community, from prehistoric times to the present day, through various collections: terracotta, costumes, instruments, a rehabilitated distillery, and the presentation of a Creole interior from the 1950s. A dive into collective memory, in a beautiful natural setting. A must-see!

Just off Les Salines beach, a 10-hectare stretch of desert stretches out its surprising scenery. Situated on the site of an ancient volcano, it was once dotted with the geological remains of a forest engulfed by lava. Petrified wood blocks, agates, polychrome jasper and chalcedony could be found here, plundered by disrespectful collectors. All that remains is the bare site, which nevertheless lends itself to an enchanting stroll.

Five kilometers north of Saint-Pierre, a sign indicates the direction to this enormous rock. Legend has it that the valiant Caribbean chiefs preferred to throw themselves off this cliff, after swallowing a violent poison, rather than be enslaved by the French colonists. No one knows if this legend is true, leaving only large engraved rocks that can still be deciphered. Nevertheless, it is here that Native Indian memory is regularly honored by certain independence groups.

The small Bakoua beach nestles in a quiet cove of Pointe-du-Bout. It's the perfect place for a relaxing day on the stilt bar, the famous Coco Bar, overlooking the turquoise waters - a must at the Bakoua hotel. The beach is open to the public, and deckchairs are available for hire. You can also have lunch on site at the La Sirène restaurant. A very pleasant stopover in Trois-Ilets, between coconut palms and white sand. For more information, contact the hotel of the same name.

Dillon changes its identity to Maison Dillon. The Dillon brand has been part of Martinique's history and heritage since 1779. The distillery grows its own sugar cane to produce its wide range of quality rums. Its rich saga includes rhums vieux, rhums blancs, punches and cane syrups. Now closed to the public, the industrial site continues to produce, developing its recipes and know-how away from the public eye. Visit our online boutique for a unique selection of exceptional rums.

It is one of the few places devoted to West Indian prehistory. Located near Place de la Savane, in a former 19^th century military commissariat building, the museum details the history of Amerindian settlement in the Lesser Antilles. The collections bring together more than 2,000 pieces from the pre-Columbian era, in particular ceramics and stone or shell tools dating from the Native Americans up to 4,000 years BC!

The Atlantic coast from Grand-Macabou to Cape Macré is wildly beautiful. It is bordered by two very pretty beaches, notably Anse Grosse Roche in the north, fringed with grape trees on the seashore. Although the sea is often a bit rough (it's the ocean), swimming is still quite possible and the water color varies between deep blue and turquoise. To the south, the Caribbean coast of Pointe Borgnèse, at the entrance of the bay of Le Marin, the sea is calmer. Don't forget to take a mask and snorkel: the sea bed around the Pointe Borgnèse is beautiful.

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!

Also called Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Port, the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, listed as a historical monument, with its two steeples, dominates the harbor. Built in the 18^th century and remodeled in the middle of the 19^th century, it did not survive the eruption of 1902 and was destroyed. Thanks to the financial support of Victor Depaz, the façade was rebuilt. The stained-glass windows made by the Martinican artist Victor Anicet date from 2006. Renovation work is currently underway.

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.

A visit to the tiny center of Morne-Vert would not be complete without admiring the carved marble tabernacle of the late ^19th-century Saint-Martin church and its breathtaking view of tropical "Little Switzerland". Note the plaque paying tribute to the abbot whose generous donations made it possible to commission the altar (without whom the church would not be completely finished!). On the left, the view of the surrounding area is superb. Take a look inside the presbytery. An unpretentious but charming church.

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.

Also known as the Salle de la Comédie, the theater of Saint-Pierre used to be, during the 18^th century, a famous stage in the West Indies where renowned troupes performed. It hosted the most popular plays of the time such as The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro and Le Déserteur by Michel-Jean Sedaine. Like the rest of the city, the theater was swept away by the disaster of 1902. Its ruins are now relatively well-preserved and attract many visits. A very nice walk with the Montagne Pelée in the background.

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.

In Schoelcher, a monumental sculpture has come to sublimate the Place des Arawaks since 2001, forming one with the surrounding nature. Created by the Martinican artist Henri Guédon, a man of peace, a committed anti-racist, the Trees of Freedom represent eight ornaments inherited from the Abakua writings of the Caribbean Indians: they symbolize the freed Man. These five bronze sculptures are statues halfway between Man and plant, evoking the fraternity and symbiosis that linked nature to the first inhabitants of the island.