Things to see and do Le François

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.

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.

This recent church is the heir to a succession of earlier buildings. The plans for an avant-garde church, imagined by Federico Genovese and Olivier Dubosq, after waiting for some 40 years, have finally been realized. The congregation can once again hear the five bells engraved with the names of their patrons (Saints Joseph, Michael the Archangel, Lawrence, Philomena and Our Lady the Great)—they were blessed on Christmas Day 2009. The materials used for its construction and the façade are similar to those of the building destroyed in 1973.

Josette Nicole is what we call an orchid collector. Over the past twenty years, she has transformed her garden at Le François into a veritable orchid paradise. There are thousands of specimens, with a hundred or so varieties, rare and less rare, that Josette has brought back from her travels or from exchanges with other collectors of the Ionopsis Club association, which brings together orchid enthusiasts on the island. To take care of her little protégés, she has two greenhouses, treatment rooms and potting rooms to multiply them.

Raymond Rijo has imagined a Creole garden where market gardening, fruit growing, aromatic and medicinal plants coexist: cocoa, guava, banana, sugar cane, allspice, calabash… and especially cassava, the star product of the farm. The farmer offers themed educational workshops, to learn how to fight against predators, to make compost or bamboo chimes and of course to make the famous cassava-based pancakes. A high place of conservation of the traditional know-how of Martinique to discover.

Le François is an important and lively town, more authentic than touristic. There is no beach here… but you can guess the coral reef on which the waves break in the distance. Go for a walk to the fish market, where fishermen come to sell their goods that they cut up on the table, under metal shelters. In the town center, besides the church in front of the town hall, notice the huts lined up on Perrinon street: they were built by the workers of the central factory of Emile Bougenot.

If you continue along the seafront road, you will arrive at the end of the cove at a small fishing port, one of the typical places of the city. One can read on a sign: “No throwing away old cars”! An adage that unfortunately is not listened to nor followed to the letter…

Then go and contemplate the banana plantations, at the exit of Le François, which constitute a typical natural scenery. We follow the direction of Le Vauclin (12 km), then we turn to take the D16 towards Bois-Soldat. From the road, the panorama on the islets on one side and the mountain on the other is incomparable.

Finally, go have a look at La Frégate, an old colonial house in the small village called Bonnaire. Continue your journey to the Cap Est Lagoon Resort: the complex has a beach accessible to all, with white sand, with clear waters, ideal for families. It is the only beach in Le François. To swim in the turquoise waters, you will have to reach the famous islets of Le François and Le Robert.

Denis is a fisherman with a big heart who smiles radiantly 365 days a year and who is always in a cheerful mood. For nearly 25 years, he has been showing the splendors of the famous Baignoire de Joséphine and its white sea bottoms on board his motor yole. Davy, his son, has joined the team and a second boat is now available. For an unforgettable day of relaxation, in a friendly atmosphere around delicious apéritifs, a succulent Creole meal and the captain's wise explanations on the natural treasures of his native island.

Côte au Vent is a boat excursion agency located in Le François. Their services include half-day trips along the island's Atlantic coast, where visitors can discover the fauna, flora and picturesque sites such as the mangrove swamp, coral reef, white seabed and iguanas. In addition to boat trips, Côte au Vent also offers other activities such as catamaran excursions in Robert Bay, private boat trips, gift vouchers and unusual experiences.