Inaugurated in 1933, this is Martinique's oldest museum. Renovated in 2019, the new building houses the remains of the volcanic eruption of May 8, 1902, which completely destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre, killing some 30,000 people. Throughout the tour, you'll relive the tragic event through photographs, old films and audio guides featuring testimonies from local residents and survivors of the time.
These 15 monumental statues pay tribute to the victims of the tragic events of April 8, 1830 in the bay of Anse Caffard, and more generally to the victims of the slave trade. On the night of April 8-9, 1830, when slavery had already been declared illegal, a clandestine slave ship carrying slaves ran aground on the rocks of this small bay and sank in this very spot. Of the 300 people on board, only 86 were rescued, and 46 bodies were fished out over the following days. This memorial was erected in 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
Located in the heart of the Martinique capital, this is the most convivial and touristy market in Martinique. It's the equivalent of the large covered market halls in France. As soon as you enter, you'll be transported by the scent of the hundreds of spices and fruits on display, scents you'll remember for the rest of your life. Vendors in traditional dress will be delighted to let you taste the local fruits and produce you usually only see on TV.
Although it's not the first color that comes to mind when you think of a vacation in Martinique, we highly recommend that you visit one of these black sand beaches at least once. This unusual coloring is explained by the island's volcano. Following various eruptions, the volcanic lava was degraded by ocean currents to form these magnificent dark-hued beaches.
You've probably never heard of this mysterious island off the coast of Martinique, which can only be reached on foot for a few months of the year. If you do, you'll be one of the privileged few to be able to cross this ephemeral strip of sand and set off on an assault on the islet of Sainte-Marie.
What could be more surprising than a pink stretch of water? Yes, you're right, it's a pink mangrove. This coloration is due to a high concentration of a species of seaweed of the same color. This sublime sight can be reached after a short fifteen-minute walk. It's easily accessible, even for families with babies.
The island's flagship product, AOC Martinique rum is world-renowned for its taste and organoleptic characteristics. It is the only rum in the world to have an "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée", thanks to its ancestral manufacturing processes. Visit one of the island's 10 distilleries to learn about the different stages in the rum-making process, and enjoy tastings at the end of each tour to become a fine connoisseur of rums, even to the point of knowing how to tell the difference between a rhum agricole and a rhum traditionnel.
Formerly used by local fishermen for offshore fishing, yawls are now used for the famous Tour des Yoles Rondes de Martinique. Every year in early August, several crews compete for a week to sail the island's 350 km of coastline as quickly as possible. This sailing event is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike, for its festive atmosphere throughout the week. You'll also have the chance to try your hand at this activity with various associations, which we'll be happy to put you in touch with.
Another not-to-be-missed event in Martinique is Carnival! Every year, tens of thousands of participants armed with their finest costumes take to the streets to let off steam and go wild during the
To sunbathe, swim, cool off, picnic, rest, relax, enjoy with the kids... what could be better than a sunny day at the beach with beautiful turquoise water where you can admire the seabed and its hundreds of fish, coral and shells, each more colorful than the last. We'll be happy to show you the most beautiful beaches, the least crowded for more tranquility or the wildest for more authenticity...we'll always be at your service to meet your expectations.
After the turquoise beaches to the south and the black sand beaches to the north of the island, we invite you to discover the pebble beaches. Although less comfortable than sandy beaches for sunbathing, pebble beaches lined with coconut palms offer a landscape that's just as breathtaking. During a stroll along these shores, you're sure to find and pick up free "driftwood", tree branches that have fallen into the water, polished and shaped by the sea and sold for a high price in specialized decoration stores.
What could be better than a refreshing dip in the river? Bouliki is the ideal place to take a deep breath of fresh air and recharge your batteries in the middle of nature. The undergrowth created by the high density of trees forms a forest of precious woods such as "mahoganys" and tropical flowers such as "birds of paradise". In this exceptionally diverse setting, even the flowers have soothing, bewitching names. Numerous fish and shellfish inhabit this waterway, which is sure to amaze young and old alike.
Dive into the equatorial forest and discover the Saut du Gendarme waterfall. This is one of the most popular waterfalls on the island. Easily accessible, you can take a dip in the pool at the foot of this several-metre-high waterfall. Kiosks with tables and benches are also available for family and friends. If this "easy" waterfall appeals to you, we'll be happy to point you in the direction of other magnificent waterfalls to explore during your stay.
Covered in lush vegetation, Mont Pelée is home to Martinique's only volcano, which has been dormant for over a century. Wearing closed shoes, those who venture out on the paths marked out by the ONF will never regret it. The 1,397 km-high crater offers a breathtaking 360° view. You can see the sea, the historic town center and the surrounding rainforest.
Incredible but true! Contrary to popular belief, this heart carved into the rock is totally natural. After a relaxing day on the beach at Anse grosse roche, you can admire this natural sculpture after a short walk to the end of the beach.
Built in the 1960s by Médard Aribot, this brightly colored house is distinguished by its smallness and cube shape. Médard Aribot, a former convict sentenced to life imprisonment for sculpting an effigy of Colonel Coppers without his authorization, was exiled to the Cayenne penal colony in French Guiana, where he spent 15 years until his release in 1945 when the penitentiary was closed. He then returned to Martinique, where he built this humble home.
This protected island, located around 2 km off the coast of the town of Le Diamant, is uninhabited. It is home to a wide variety of species both underwater and on land, including many seabirds that come here to breed. Its peculiar relief is reminiscent of a gigantic pebble deposited directly in the Caribbean Sea. You can approach it by boat or jet-ski to contemplate its 324-metre height and its wildlife. Unfortunately, in order to preserve this biodiversity reserve, it is totally forbidden to dock there. For those who are seasick, you can observe the monument from a viewpoint located between the communes of Le Diamant and Anses-d'Arlet, which we will be happy to point out to you. You'll find binoculars in our accommodation to make the view even more spectacular.
PS: some of our partners also offer scuba diving trips to admire the seabed here, and to swim with species of shark that are harmless to humans: thrills guaranteed!
