Tourist Attractions & Monuments Martinique

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.

La Favorite is one of the island's last two family-run distilleries, and the last to still operate the traditional steam engine! In 2022, the distillery celebrated its ^180th harvest, bringing out a whole new range of original cuvées! Set amidst sixty-two hectares of sugar cane, the emblematic distillery, founded in 1842, produces around 500,000 liters of pure cane juice rum every year between February and June, using traditional, artisanal methods and its 1906 steam engine. Our white rums (Rivière Bel Air, Digue...), aged rums (the famous Flibuste, Réserve du Château or Privilège pour Lulu) and "hors d'âge" rums, which regularly win awards at national and international tasting competitions, delight the palates of connoisseurs the world over.

The distillery is open to the public, so you can stroll around at your leisure, meet the farm workers on site, and discover the secrets behind the crafting of this agricultural rum in the purest tradition. Here, the cane is still cut by hand, and crushed using the energy produced by the original steam engines. The visit, which we highly recommend if you're a lover of authenticity, ends with the tasting room and the boutique dedicated to the sale of these exceptional rums. The history of the estate and its owners is presented. Prepare to be drawn in by the scent of vanilla, roasted coffee and rum, while the sound of the machines will take you back 100 years.

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.

Through its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the center offers in this symbolic place of the memory of the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelee, a tool to discover and better understand the Earth sciences. In a building designed according to innovative earthquake-resistant techniques, it offers exhibitions on current themes, notably concerning major natural hazards. Several films are also shown, including the moving and instructive Volcans des Antilles.

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.

For a long time, the Savane was only a vast field of military training, on which the soldiers of the Fort-Saint-Louis garrison practiced.

This area, reclaimed from the mangrove by the governor of Blénac, was developed in the 19^th century to become the “Jardin du Roy”, flanked by a parade ground. It was then planted with a multitude of indigenous species: royal palms, bakouas, fig trees and cheese trees. These secular trees were devastated by Hurricane Dean in 2007.

The highlight of the restructuring of the Fort-de-France waterfront in the early 2010s, this vast 5-hectare green esplanade has been completely rehabilitated with, in the center, a mini-forest of royal palms, adorned with bougainvillea and traveler trees. All around, kiosks housing snack bars and souvenir stores line the square, which opens onto the pretty Plage de la Française. It was once lined with statues of Josephine and Pierre-Belain d'Esnambuc, who settled on the island just before the arrival of French settlers in 1635, but these were torn down and toppled in June 2020 by a group of activists.

Today, the Savane is one of the emblematic sites of Fort-de-France and one of the Foyalais' favorite places for walking: it hosts most of the events and becomes every year the nerve center of the island during the carnival. For the people of Martinique, in addition to its historical role, the Savane is also an important meeting place where lovers used to meet.

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.

Initially a simple little wooden church, built in 1640 on a stone base in the early days of colonization, it was rebuilt by Father Farganel in 1678, with a beautiful ship's hull frame and a bell tower separated from the central body, on a small paved square. After losing its roof during the cyclone of 1891, it was destroyed by the eruption of 1902. It was then filled with worshipers. Today, only the remains of the church of the Fort remain, but the place is strikingly emotional.

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.

Typical of the development of metal architecture, the meat market dates from the beginning of the last century. Built in the same year as the large covered market, it is distinguishable for its magnificent ironwork. The stalls are manned by rather discreet men, but its unique atmosphere is due to the housewives who, in a verbal clatter, decide the price of the butchery! The same Creole atmosphere can be found at the fish market, which is held along the canal.

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.

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.

The most complete web directory on Martinique, with an integrated search engine. It consists of very diverse thematic headings: media, institutions, trade, tourism, leisure, health, education…

The Schoelcher tourist office welcomes and informs tourists about current events, especially those organized by the city. The site promotes tourism in Schoelcher: water sports, heritage, culture, accommodation, going out, and gastronomy. You can also book certain excursions and tourist excursions directly on the spot. A lot of information for families.

Organizer of the Lamentin Jazz Project, the Lamantins de la Mode, Danmyé Samdi Glorya, Mad'Akoustik, Bitasyon, or the Nuit du Conte in March, this very active cultural center has many talents. For the pleasure of all, tenors and young prodigies share their love for instruments that are a bit neglected and dance to bewitching rhythms. Other shows and events throughout the year can be found on their Facebook page.

A very dynamic tourist office, managed by director Patricia's bubbly energy. Check its Facebook page to keep posted on the events of the town… because there is always something happening in Le Carbet! Do you want to know about all the good deals in the North Caribbean? Get the information here: seine fishing, sports events, spots with the most beautiful views to impress your friends on Instagram…

Central reservation centre for the entire Caribbean area: accommodation, car rental, airline tickets…

Formerly a courthouse built in the heart of the city between 1905 and 1907, the building now houses the municipal department of culture of Fort-de-France. The neoclassical academic style architecture (columns, architraves, pediments, pilasters) presents an ordered façade on the upper part on which are engraved “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”. In front of the building is a statue of Victor Schoelcher, made in 1900 by a Parisian sculptor, commemorating the abolition of slavery. Rest in its park to the rhythm of its fountain.

Located in the heart of Fort-de-France in the shade of mango, pear and mahogany trees, the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography is one of the oldest bourgeois villas (1887) in the city center. Through the different rooms of the house, a reconstitution of a typical interior of the time, discover a collection of traditional Creole costumes, jewelry, paintings, old books and documents retracing some of Martinique's great historical episodes.

Much more than a cultural action center, this hub of activity welcomes young Martinican talent to discover traditional dance, music, theater and plastic arts. SERMAC's facilities are located in the heart of the floral and cultural park, which is also home to Le Grand Carbet auditorium, a major venue for Fort-de-France's cultural festival. And it's a beautiful green space in the heart of the lower town.

With its well-illustrated website, filled with lots of practical information, the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme offers a superb introduction to any stay on the island. With its beautiful photos and calendar of events, the website meets all types of needs for all types of clientele. If you are not connected to the internet, go directly to the building located on the seafront of the capital to find tips and other valuable advice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Parc Naturel Régional de la Martinique offers "relays" at various points around the island. These are dedicated to providing information and raising public awareness on themes relating to heritage, culture and all the outdoor activities offered by the PNRM throughout the territory. You'll also find information on site visits, hikes and walks in the surrounding communes, as well as a store offering a wide variety of local and artisanal products.

In the bookstore you will find a practical guide for hiking: The 31 marked trails in Martinique (9,50 €). Published by the General Council of Martinique in collaboration with the National Forestry Office, it includes 31 itineraries, 170 km of marked trails, 25 maps at 1/25 000, more than 120 photos, two advisory sheets, 46 field abris on the ground.

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.

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!

From Saint-Pierre, it is reachable by a tunnel, discovering steep ocher cliffs pierced by the cannonballs of English ships in the 19^th century, who thought they were attacking Saint-Pierre. It is here, on this black sand beach, that Gauguin resided from June to October 1887. Few people know it, but this beach is home to beautiful wrecks that are easily accessible because they lie close to the shore in shallow water. Yellow buoys mark them. We get back by going along the sea again, admiring the flight of the pelicans.

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.

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.

It is from a chapel built in the 17^th century around a cross, on a plot of land that served as a cemetery for the slaves of the surrounding dwellings, that this parish church was erected in 1848. It miraculously resisted cyclones and the eruption of Mount Pelee. Of baroque inspiration, its forms are harmonious. The two transepts were added in 1925, and the bell tower in 1962 to replace a previous one dating from 1880.

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.

Guided tours, accommodation offers, activities… this friendly tourist office will be able to help you with all your research and satisfy your curiosity. Many activities await, such as discovering and participating in seine fishing for a morning, an ancestral fishing technique typical of Martinique that will mark your visit to Bellefontaine. Ask for information: agencies offer initiations.

The main square of the village is dedicated to Gaston Monnerville, son of the mayor of the Pierre Monnerville town, who was in charge of the town from 1876. It is surrounded by a group of well-preserved 19^th and 20^th century buildings. Notice the moldings and the wrought iron balcony of the town hall and the old school where the brothers of Christian instruction taught Ploërmel. In the center, the cast iron and blue ceramic fountain, the color of the municipal coat of arms, is decorated with scallop shells recalling the role played by the Dominicans in the foundation of the parish.

A relic of the architecture of the first settlers, this building is probably older than the village church. It may have been part of a sugar mill in Case-Pilote at the very beginning of the 17^th century. The present private residence mentioned at the end of the 18^th century includes a main house and its outbuildings with stables, a chapel, and even a dungeon. Now classified as a historical monument, the house has undergone major renovations over the past few years, and is still undergoing major renovations that make it impossible to visit.

This Dominican church, classified as a historical monument, is one of the oldest on the island. Dating from 1640, it was rebuilt in 1762 after a fire during a battle between armed forces. To the left of the entrance door, a mosaic was made from ceramic shards found in Saint-Pierre after the eruption of Mount Pelee. Note the carved wooden scallop shell on the façade and the barrel vault decorated with scrolls and arabesques.