Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Martinique

Take a ride on the little train through the large estate, which has been located in the green countryside of Rivière-Pilote since 1749. The famous "Tèt' Maré" will first tell you a few anecdotes, traditions and other historical facts about the site. The guide then leads you into the heart of the distillery to discover the different stages in the production of AOC Martinique agricultural rums. The last stop, a tour of the cellar, allows you to appreciate the art of blending and ageing old rums. Finally, the Cabane à Rhum team accompanies you on a tasting of the different rums and liqueurs.

Your non-French-speaking friends from around the world can board the little train and follow the whole tour thanks to the app, available in English, Spanish, Italian and German (don't forget your headphones).

Enjoy a bite to eat at Kay Mimi, located at the foot of the distillery, before heading to the pretty beach of Anse Figuier, 10 minutes away.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.