Natural Crafts Martinique

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A short but sporty hike… It starts on the small path that goes along the water treatment plant on the right. After a steep descent, you will cross a dark tunnel and will reach in twenty minutes a first waterfall. After crossing the river and following a narrow path, you will then reach a second crystal clear waterfall (another 20 minutes walk). Don't forget your bathing suit, a flashlight and especially your picnic! Not recommended for children under 8 years old because some passages are very steep.

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).

A few fathoms away from the village beach is an underwater path, among the most beautiful of Martinique, accessible to all with a simple mask and snorkel. You can spot it thanks to the four educational buoys placed in the sea to mark the path. This path, in the heart of a 2,600 m² site, aims to raise awareness of marine ecosystems that are an integral part of the island's natural heritage. An underwater trail, for the whole family, not to be missed.