Les Trois-Îlets

History of the Municipality of Les Trois Îlets

A town with a rich history

Formerly part of the municipality of Les Trois-Bourgs, along with Rivière-Salée and Ducos, Les Trois-Îlets became a unique municipality on May 2, 1849, by the decree of Governor Bruat.

The area was home to numerous distilleries that supplied Martinique and mainland France with fruits for many years, as well as some sugar plantations such as Sarcelle and La Poterie.

The town itself was supplied with agricultural produce by farmers from the neighborhoods of Vatable, Beaufond, La Ferme, and La Pagerie.

As for fishing, the Anse à l'Ane neighborhood was renowned as the fishing center of Les Trois-Îlets. Later on, this neighborhood was developed, and a subdivision was created specifically for fishermen. Facilities were established to allow them to store their materials, keep fish fresh with iceboxes, and sell their catch more easily to consumers.

Les Trois-Îlets played a significant role in the history of the wars between European powers on Martinique's soil.

Thanks to their strategic position in the Bay of Fort-de-France, they were able to defend Martinique against English attacks for nearly a century, with forts like Fort d'Alet and Pointe du Bout, to name a few.

Speaking of notable figures, this municipality is the birthplace of iconic personalities such as Suzanne Roussi-Césaire, a dedicated teacher and writer, who was also the wife of poet Aimé Césaire, Empress Joséphine, the wife of Emperor Napoleon I, and the musician Max Télèphe, all of whom were emblematic figures of their time.

Finally, how can we talk about Les Trois-Îlets without mentioning its famous 3-star mythical hotel: Le Kalenda! Named after a traditional Martinican dance, the Kalenda, formerly known as Le Méridien, was established in 1973.

This luxurious hotel included a casino and a nightclub called "Le Vonvon."

Unfortunately, its international reputation could not keep it afloat, and it had to close its doors in 2006.

URBANISM

Located in the southwest of Martinique, Les Trois-Îlets can be reached by sea or by land. Served by the D7 departmental road, this municipality of 7,466 inhabitants is situated between Rivière-Salée to the north and Les Anses-d’Arlet and Le Diamant to the south. A bus network called "Sudlib" connects it to the various southern municipalities.

A Strong Point of this Town?

Ideally situated in the Bay of Fort-de-France, the municipality can be reached by numerous boats that connect it to the capital of Martinique in about twenty minutes. This convenient, pleasant, fast, and affordable means of transportation allows you to avoid daily traffic jams and enjoy a sea ride during a short trip.

Did you know?

• The houses in the town of Les Trois-Îlets have a unique characteristic. What is it? These houses are made of red tiles, bricks, and wood! This project was initiated by the former mayor of Les Trois-Îlets, Mr. Hayot, who also owned the pottery. At the end of the 19th century, he decided to redesign the town with houses reminiscent of the old plantations. Subsequent mayors continued this tradition to the extent that now, within a radius of 300 meters around the church, houses must adhere to this architectural style.

• The roundabouts in Les Trois-Îlets all reflect the history of the place in which they are located. For example, the one at the golf course recalls Habitation Morin, thanks to its boiler, the remains of the old distillery located there, as well as the Bwa Tibom (a native plant of Martinique).

GEOGRAPHY of this municipality in the South of Martinique

A coastal municipality, but not only!

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, specifically the Bay of Fort-de-France, the municipality covers an area of 28.60 km2. Located precisely opposite the capital, it served to defend against English attacks in the past.

Les Trois-Îlets in Martinique also have 500 hectares of forest, allowing them to develop activities related to ecotourism. Finally, the municipality, covering 2,860 hectares divided into 20 districts, is surrounded by other equally touristy municipalities: Le Diamant, Les Anses-d'Arlet, and Sainte-Luce, which together form a tourist hub on the Caribbean coast.

POLITICS

Unwavering loyalty

Mr. Arnaud René-Corail, mayor of Les Trois-Îlets since 1989, and his municipal team have gradually developed this municipality, which was known only as a simple fishing village 30 years ago.

YOUTH

Les Trois-Îlets, a city for all ages!

Thanks to its numerous water activities, developed forests, hiking trails, beaches, and seasonal rentals, Les Trois-Îlets is often a meeting point for young people (but also for all ages!). They can spend the day there while dining at local restaurants in La Pointe du Bout and Anse Mitan, for example.

A day in Les Trois-Îlets is also an opportunity to recharge at places like La Savane des Esclaves.

This iconic place in Martinican identity retraces the real-life conditions of the slaves' way of life!

You can find huts with "old-fashioned" utensils, Creole gardens, as well as historical narratives.

In the same spirit, the municipality organizes heritage tours once a month, and every Friday during the summer holidays.

These tours are conducted as hikes led by a historian, covering various themes such as the fortification route and the plantation route.

CULTURE

What to do in Les Trois-Îlets during the day and at night?

Escape into nature

Between mangroves, beaches, and forests, there's no shortage of activities in Les Trois-Îlets!

• Visit the Mangrove
• Beaches like Anse-à-l’âne, Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan
• Take a walk in the Vatable Forest
• Explore hiking trails

The History of Les Trois-Îlets Through Stone

In terms of architecture, whether it's religious or cultural monuments, Martinique's history has left us with traces of the past.

In the category of Religious Monuments, you can find in Les Trois-Îlets:

• Its Church, "Notre Dame de la Bonne Délivrance"
• The chapel of Anse Mitan
• The chapel of the communal hospital

In the category of Museums, you can find in Les Trois-Îlets:

• La Savane des Esclaves
• The Pagerie Museum
• La Maison de la Canne (Sugar Cane Museum)
• The Alet Battery, also known as Fort d’Alet
• Fort de la Pointe du Bout
• The Seashell and Sea Museum
• The Coffee and Cocoa Museum

In the category of Culture and Entertainment, you can find in Les Trois-Îlets:

• The Pottery Village
• Mangofil
• Acro'kart
• The Casino
• The Creole Village
• The Golf des Trois-Ilets
• La Friday Night (every Friday in July and August)

Designation as "Historical Monument" or "20th Century Heritage"

Many buildings, including those mentioned above, are protected as "Historical Monuments" or "20th Century Heritage."

Among these distinctions are:

• The Church of Notre Dame de la Bonne Délivrance
• The Pagerie Sugar Mill
• The Fort of Ilet à Ramiers
• Fort d’Alet
• The Trois-Ilets Market

IN SUMMARY

The seaside town of Les Trois-Îlets enjoys many geographical, environmental, and historical advantages.

Known for its exceptional architectural heritage and the prominent figures that contribute to its notoriety, Les Trois-Îlets must nevertheless address environmental concerns about excessive urbanization and the identity crisis currently affecting Martinique.

Nonetheless, the direction that former mayor Robert Rose-Rosette sought to take his commune in 1968 seems to have borne fruit. Indeed, the political will to focus communal efforts on local and international tourism through infrastructure construction, road development, memorials, and beach improvements has made Les Trois-Îlets the third most visited commune in Martinique.

Living largely on tourism, it was impacted by the COVID-related health crisis. However, thanks to the will and efforts of its residents, it is slowly rebuilding itself to shine once again in Martinique and internationally.