Moulin de Val d'Or

The Moulin du Val d'Or (Val d'Or mill) is one of the many witnesses to Martinique's slave-owning past. It was erected in the 18th century on the Habitation du Val d'Or to facilitate the crushing of sugar cane. With a height of 18 meters, it was the central element of the old plantation and the point of connection between the plantation, i.e. the place of the sugar production, and the pier of the seaside from where the goods were transported.

Concerning its operation, the mill was operated by mules and was a symbol of the mechanical technology of the time to produce sugar cane. Later, it was completely restored in order to repair the walls, the roof and the carousel mechanism. It continued to be used even after the installation of the steam engine in 1882. The construction of the Marin factory will cause its usage to decrease until it is no longer used.

The Val d'Or mill is to this day, the only animal mill still in use in the Caribbean. It is one of the sites of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Martinique (Regional Natural Park of Martinique). It is classified today as a Historical Monument.

During the guided tours, you will be able to discover the remains of the sugar factory nearby and attend an animation where donkey-makers and guides will make you discover the techniques of the time of crushing of the cane.

Presqu'île de la Caravelle

The Presqu'île de la Caravelle (Caravelle peninsula) is a natural area of Martinique located on its "arm" to the east, on the Atlantic side. In a few figures, the Caravelle peninsula is 12 km long and the highest point, the Morne Pavillon with a height of 189 meters.

From a geological point of view, it is the oldest part of Martinique with the region of Sainte Anne. It is a region which is characterized by its many sugar cane fields, its beaches (Anse L'Étang, Anse de la Brêche, Anse Bonneville) and its nature reserve managed by the Parc Naturel Régional de la Martinique. It is a protected site where dry savannah and mangroves coexist, site where crabs and tarantulas reproduce in the area.

This arm of land juts out into the Atlantic, which outlines rugged coasts. The Caravelle peninsula, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sites on the island, offers various activities and places that are worth seeing.

In addition to the beaches mentioned above, it is also on the Presqu'île de la Caravelle that you can visit the ruins of Château Dubuc, another site managed by the Parc Naturel Régional de la Martinique where you can go hiking.

Two signposted circuits are present there. The longer one (3h30) will take you along the beautiful coast of the tip of the peninsula passing near the Caravelle lighthouse while the other shorter (1h30) will take you to discover the mangrove halfway between land and sea.

To get there, direction the town of Trinité then follow the direction towards Tartane and then Château Dubuc. This is the starting point for the two hikes.

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Panneau indiquant le départ de la randonnée longue Grand Sentier
Panneau indiquant le départ de la randonnée longue Grand Sentier
Départ de la randonnée longue Grand Sentier
Départ de la randonnée longue Grand Sentier
Parcours de la randonnée
Parcours de la randonnée

Anse Madame

Anse Madame beach is located in the heart of the commune of Schoelcher, close to the village beach. It's a small beach of fine grey sand, best known for its important nautical base, the Cercle Nautique de Schoelcher.

It is for this reason that many people go there, as it remains a beach that suffers from competition from the town's other beaches.

A waterfront restaurant enables visitors and residents to enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the sea.

There are also play areas for children.

To get there, head for the town of Schoelcher and then follow the signs for Anse Madame.

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Anse Madame
Anse Madame
Anse Madame
Anse Madame
Anse Madame
Anse Madame
Anse Madame
Anse Madame

Anse Lévrier

If you're a keen hiker, Anse Lévrier is the place for you, as it's only accessible after a walk through the abundant nature of the north of the island. Grab your walking shoes (especially not white ones, as you'll have to wade through mud and small fords to reach it), head for Anse Couleuvre and off you go.

In addition to being a secluded, quiet, and little-known beach, Anse Lévrier boasts the island's darkest sand.

railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae) have made their home here. They're home to many varieties of crabs and hermit crabs, and birds sometimes wander in looking for food, so if you can, avoid walking on them.

Likewise, if you see mygale spiders (matoutou cliff spiders) on your walk to the site, you can touch them and put them on your hand - they're neither dangerous nor poisonous. However, put them back where you found them, as they don't tolerate all climates or habitats.

On your way there, you'll be able to see a superb panorama of the north of Martinique, and if the sky is clear, catch a glimpse of the island of Dominica to the north of Martinique, so remember to take your camera with you. Even if the walk to get there doesn't require an athletic level, access remains difficult for small children.

What's more, there's a "hole" in the cliff called a blowhole. We strongly advise against swimming in this hole, as in the event of a strong swell, you could be swept down and drown. So be careful!

To get to L'Anse Lévrier from Fort-de-France, take the N2 towards Saint-Pierre, then the D10 towards Le Prêcheur, and continue on the D10 towards Anse Couleuvre until you reach the beach and its small parking lot. Once there, put on your shoes and set off for a 15-20 minute walk to Anse Lévrier.

It's worth noting that this beach can also be seen on the "Anses du Prêcheur" tour (boat tour to visit all Le Prêcheur beach).

Plage la Charmeuse

Plage la Charmeuse is the southernmost beach of Le Prêcheur and therefore the closest to the town. It is also a black sand beach, like all the others in the municipality.

It is little frequented, and bathers are mainly residents.

Small rocks sometimes replace the sand on the beach, so be sure to bring appropriate footwear to avoid sore feet.

From the beach, you'll have a magnificent view of the town and, in particular, the church, whose bell tower was built in the 17th century as a gift from King Louis XIV to the Marquise de Maintenon. Indeed, the Marquise, secret wife of the Sun King, adored Martinique and especially Le Prêcheur, where she spent part of her life.

A small bridge nearby is the starting point for a tour of the Prêcheur coves, where an alcoholic snack is offered at the end of the course.

To get there from Fort-de-France, take the N2 towards Saint-Pierre, then once in Saint-Pierre, the D10 towards Le Prêcheur. Shortly after the village, a sign announces the entrance to the beach.

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Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse
Plage la Charmeuse

Anse Désert

Anse Désert is located next to the Karibea Resort, notably the Résidence Corail, and is frequented mainly by Resort guests. Like its Sainte-Luce counterparts, it offers ideal bathing conditions. Its golden sands and turquoise waters are second to none in the south.

Its great distinction is undoubtedly the many trees lining the beach, which provide pleasant shade for picnics and a more balanced exposure to the sun. What's more, the large boulders have created natural bathtubs that are ideal for children.

Anse Désert is not very popular during the week or even at weekends.

To get there, take the D7 departmental road, then the N5 national road leading to the Sainte-Luce beaches. Then take a dirt road for about 200 meters past Karib Pizza. On-site parking is available.

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Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Carbet à l'Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Carbet à l'Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion
Anse Désert / Fond Larion

Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre

The Earth Sciences Discovery Center (CDST) of the Martinique General Council was inaugurated in 2004. This earthquake‑resistant building is designed as a key venue dedicated to Earth sciences—geology, volcanology, petrography, and soil science—and to showing how such knowledge can help protect people from natural disasters.

The CDST was built next to the ruins of the former Pérrinelle estate, near the Fort district, which was declared an archaeological sanctuary in September 1989. On this land, granted in 1640 by Jacques‑Dyel Du Parquet, the first governor of Martinique, the Jesuits built their convent and the first sugar mill of Saint‑Pierre. They cultivated the estate until the suppression of their order in 1762.

In 1770, Mr. Pérrinelle purchased the property, which regained its prosperity, producing 400 tons of sugar and 400,000 liters of rum per year until the 1902 eruption.

Symbolically located at the foot of Mount Pelée, the CDST plays a key role in promoting scientific outreach on the island, particularly in the northern region.

The visit is conducted with audioguides, and exhibitions are held regularly.

From Fort‑de‑France, head toward Saint‑Pierre. As you leave Saint‑Pierre toward Le Prêcheur, 700 meters after the Roxelane River bridge, turn right toward the CDST.

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Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre
Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre
Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre
Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre
Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre
Centre de découverte des Sciences et de la Terre

Anse Collat

Located in Schœlcher, Anse Collat also called Plage du Lido is a wonderful little beach. It will charm all those who are looking for a beach where they can enjoy peace.

With its white sand, turquoise-blue water and coconut palms, it's sure to delight anyone staying around the central Caribbean area or Fort-de-France.

To get there from Le Lamentin, take the freeway, after that, use the Rocade, then the N2 towards Saint-Pierre. Between Schœlcher and Case-Pilote, a sign on the left reads "Anse Collat." Take the long, dead-end descent. At the end, on the left, you'll see the Lido beach.

From Saint-Pierre, take the N2 towards Fort-de-France between Case-Pilote and Schœlcher. A sign on your left will indicate the entrance to Anse Collat beach.

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Anse Collat ou Plage du Lido
Anse Collat ou Plage du Lido
Anse Collat ou Plage du Lido
Anse Collat ou Plage du Lido
Anse Collat ou Plage du Lido
Anse Collat ou Plage du Lido

Anse des Raisiniers

Anse des Raisiniers beach is located near the town of Trinité. It owes its name to the sea grape trees (raisiniers in French) that border it.

It's a wonderful little beach between the town of Trinité and Tartane and will appeal to families in search of peace. It is a little frequented during the week and slightly more so at weekends. The water is clear and turquoise, and the sand is fine white.

It is similar to its neighbor beach, Anse de Tartane.

To get there, head for downtown Trinité. Just before the village, a small slip road leads to Tartane.

Don't head for the main road leading to Tartane, which will take you to Tartane's four beaches: Anse de Tartane, Anse de la Brêche, Anse l'étang and Anse Bonneville.

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Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers
Anse des Raisiniers

Pointe Faula

Located 2 km from the town of Vauclin, the beach of Pointe Faula is unique in Martinique.

The water is shallow and for a comfortable swim, adults have to walk a lot before reaching normal-sized water for swimming. Lined with coconut trees, it offers a nice shade for those who wish to picnic.

Another advantage of this beach, the warmth of its waters. Indeed, the water is one of the hottest throughout the Caribbean.

This beach is frequently affected by the various episodes of sargassum that hit the Atlantic coast.

Many activities are offered there (sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing). It is the beach par excellence for water sports requiring wind due to its totally unobstructed exposure on the Atlantic coast. Also, you can come there only to admire the magnificent kitesurf wings.

Snacks are available on the beach for those who wish to eat there. It also has tables and benches in the shade of the sun.

Concerts are sometimes organized there, like the Baccha Festival or Music on the Beach, or the Jazz à la Pointe.

To get there, go to the southeast of the island and the commune of Le Vauclin. Once you arrive in the city, several signs will guide you to the beach of Pointe Faula.

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Windsurfing at Pointe Faula
Windsurfing at Pointe Faula
Windsurfing at Pointe Faula
Windsurfing at Pointe Faula
Pointe Faula
Pointe Faula
Kite-surf at Pointe Faula
Kite-surf at Pointe Faula
Kite-surf at Pointe Faula
Kite-surf at Pointe Faula
Pointe Faula
Pointe Faula
Windsurfing at Pointe Faula
Windsurfing at Pointe Faula
Pointe Faula
Pointe Faula