Things to see and do The Carbet

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.

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…

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.

On June 15, 1502, during his fourth voyage to the Americas, Spanish navigator Christopher Columbus landed in Martinique and set foot on the beach of Le Carbet. With its three wooden masts representing those of Christopher Columbus' ship, a brand-new memorial pays tribute to this historic event. It is located at the exit of Le Carbet, along the RN2, in the direction of Saint-Pierre, at the edge of the sea, adjacent to the village hut, facing the sea.

The Beauregard Canal is a 2-hour walk along an irrigation path built in the 18th century by Mr. Beauregard, also known as the "Canal des Esclaves". At the time, hundreds of slaves transported the heavy stones used to build the irrigation canal to bring the water from the forest to the Caribbean coast. The hike, surrounded by majestic cheese makers, follows the canal, starts at the place called Maison Rousse and returns by the same path. Sometimes we even walk on the low wall, between the water and the void.

One of the most beautiful churches on the island. Flanked by its cemetery, it shines in its bright yellow dress. It is dedicated to saint James in memory of Jacques du Parquet, the first governor of the colony. The mixture of baroque and neoclassical styles of the 18^th century, with a sober, but charming interior, is rather interesting. Inside, the choir is decorated with effigies of St. James the Greater. Go around and see the presbytery.

Toch's cabin, once his grandfather's, now the Wahoo Café, is a must for Northern leisure activities: hiking, rivers, waterfalls, zoo, beaches... It's the ideal starting point for sea excursions to discover the different species of cetaceans: dolphins, whales, sperm whales and turtles. Explore the flora and fauna, and try your hand at fishing with Captain Toch. Enjoy authentic recipes based on local spices, "boucanés", homemade fish and chips, and the famous fish burger.

The Paul-Gauguin Heritage Interpretation Center in Martinique, opened in July 2017, works to disseminate the Martinican creations of painters Paul Gauguin and Charles Laval. We discover the Caribbean saga of the two painters during their time in Martinique, through the reproductions of their letters and their works. A unique stroll through the paintings of Paul Gauguin through virtual reality. Drawing and painting workshops, among others, are possible.