Good morning from Saint Pierre!
Saint-Pierre Today
Airlocal welcomes you to Saint-Pierre, the historical and cultural capital of Martinique.
Once known as "Little Paris," the city is still remembered as the one that was destroyed by Mount Pelée in 1902. However, Saint-Pierre is not just a collection of ruins and ashes, as many people might think…
History of the Municipality of SAINT PIERRE
Saint-Pierre, City of Art and History
Established in 1635 by Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc, Saint-Pierre is the first colony in Martinique and its administrative capital.
The predominant economic activity was sugar production.
It's worth noting that at the time, the port of Saint-Pierre was a trading hub where slave ships unloaded their cargo of slaves and departed with sugar, rum, and even coffee.
Over the centuries, the town's population evolved, transforming from a small rural area into a haven for the bourgeoisie.
In the 19th century, Saint-Pierre officially became the economic and cultural capital of the island.
Its infrastructure, modern amenities, cultural venues, and atmosphere earned it the nickname "Little Paris of the Antilles."
The film "Biguine" by Guy Deslauriers is a beautiful representation of that era.
Unfortunately, on the night of May 2, 1902, after numerous warning signs, Mount Pelée, located in the neighboring municipality, erupted, unleashing its fury upon the town.
This catastrophe destroyed nearly the entire town, claimed 30,000 lives (approximately 1/5 of the island's population at the time), and sank numerous ships in the bay, the underwater wrecks of which are still visible today.
This tragedy marked a major turning point for the town, which would never again enjoy the same level of prominence it had in the past.
In 1990, Saint-Pierre was granted the label "City of Art and History" by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, recognizing the town's cultural richness and history.
URBANISM
The town of Saint Pierre in Martinique, with a population of 4,500 inhabitants, can be easily accessed.
Firstly, it is crossed from north to south by the Departmental Road 10.
The National Highway 2, on the other hand, allows you to travel to Morne-Rouge, passing through the town from Carbet.
Finally, the Departmental Road 10 allows you to come from Fond-Saint-Denis.
Furthermore, the town, as a member of Cap Nord, is served by a public transport network line called Martinique Transport.
GEOGRAPHY of this commune in the North of Martinique
The activity in Saint-Pierre is mainly concentrated in its plain.
Furthermore, the commune with hilly borders enjoys a tropical and ventilated climate.
To the northwest of the commune lies Le Prêcheur.
To the southwest, you will find the Carbet commune in Martinique and Fonds-Saint-Denis to the southeast.
A bit further to the east is Le Morne-Rouge.
Finally, Saint-Pierre is bordered to the west by the Caribbean Sea, and its beaches have volcanic sand.
POLITICS
The mayor of Saint-Pierre since 2015 is Christian RAPHA.
His first election took place in 2015, unlike the national elections which took place in 2014 because the previous ones were suspected of fraud.
YOUTH
The city of Saint-Pierre welcomes students with:
- its kindergarten
- its 2 elementary schools
- Louis-Delgrès College
- Saint-James Polyvalent High School
CULTURE
What to do in Saint-Pierre, day and night?
Nature Escape
- Earth Sciences Discovery Center
- Volcanic Museum (Franck PERRET Museum)
- Visit the ruins of the city
- Visit of Cyparis' dungeon
- Visit of the old Theater
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Depaz Estate and Distillery
- Beaches
- Mountains
- Diving and underwater excursion
The History of Saint-Pierre Through Stone
In terms of architecture, whether it's religious or cultural monuments, the history of Martinique has left us with traces of the past.
In the category of religious monuments, you can find in Saint-Pierre:
- The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
In the museum category, you can find in Saint-Pierre:
- Sainte-Marthe Battery
- Ruins of the Colonial House of Health (the first psychiatric hospital in the Antilles)
- The Fort Cemetery
- Cyparis' Dungeon
- Underwater statue of "Manman Dlo" (Mother of the Water)
Designations as "Historical Monument" or "20th Century Heritage"
Many buildings, including those mentioned above, are protected under designations like "Historical Monument" or "20th Century Heritage."
Some of these distinctions include:
- The ruins of the Fort Church, the Engineering Office, the Colonial House of Health, the theater, the Bethléem asylum, Bouillé Street, the prison, and Cyparis' Dungeon
- Sainte-Marthe Battery
- Habitation Perrinelle
- Military Bridge
- Roche Bridge
- Verger Bridge Pillars
- Notre-Dame of the Assumption Cathedral
- The Fort Cemetery
IN SUMMARY
Over the years, Saint-Pierre has not lost its brilliance and grandeur; quite the opposite!
The city has managed to benefit from the natural disaster it experienced.
As a monumental city, as described by Mr. Veuve, Saint-Pierre enchants those who dare to explore it.
Stirring curiosity and leaving room for imagination, the former capital of Martinique with its black sand still has bright days ahead of it.
In the charming town of Saint-Pierre, not far from the ruins of the old city and the memorial of the 1902 eruption, is the Cathedral of Our Lady of th...
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