Le Marin

HISTORY of the Municipality of LE MARIN

The municipality of Le Marin is one of the oldest inhabited sites in Martinique. It was formerly called "Cul-de-Sac de Saint-Etienne du Marin" and had 199 inhabitants during the first census ordered by Colbert in 1664, formed by Sainte-Anne and itself.

Colonized in the 17th century, the town saw its port grow very quickly, leading to the development of maritime trade.

Located in the south of Martinique and bordered by the sea, Le Marin was one of the many entry points that the English wanted to use to steal Martinique from the French. It was the scene of numerous naval battles between the French and the British.

After the town was rebuilt following its destruction by the English, 60 militiamen from Le Marin participated in the "gaoulé" (revolt) of Diamant, led by Captain Henri Saint-Amour.

Count d'Ennery laid the first stone of the church in the town of Le Marin after another English attack.

In 1728, Sainte-Anne, having obtained its independence, separated from Le Marin, which, three years later, became the capital of the department to which it belonged and also possessed a royal lieutenancy. With a port (the current marina), Le Marin primarily traded by sea while not neglecting its agricultural activities.

It was in 1839 that it was established as a municipality, and its first mayor, Jean-Baptiste Pelet de Lautrec, was elected.

Woodworking became a real industry around 1868.

The following year, the establishment of the sugar factory of Le Marin brought a certain dynamism to the municipality, which now concentrated all the economic activity produced by the 120 other factories in the region.

The sugar crisis that Martinique experienced in 1969 brought an end to this activity. However, Le Marin did not lose its attractiveness and became the sub-prefecture of the southern part of the island.

It was near this factory that the incident at the origin of the "Southern Insurrection" took place: a conflict that highlighted the ravages of racism and colonization. Several sugar plantations were set on fire in Rivière-Pilote, and the movement was crushed in blood by the government.

In the 1970s, the disappearance of the sugar economy was hastened by the difficulties in the agricultural world.

URBANISM

A Municipality Emphasizing Accessibility

Le Marin is part of the CAESM, or the community of the Southern Space.

There are numerous ways to reach the municipality by both sea and land! Let's begin with the fast routes! The municipality is served by the RN5, the main road that connects Fort-de-France and the Aimé Césaire International Airport.

By taking the N6 or D32 from Le Vauclin, you can be sure to reach Le Marin. Nationals 8 and 5 are also efficient routes from Rivière-Pilote. If you're arriving from Sainte-Anne, you can use departmental roads 9 and 33.

Furthermore, the SudLib network of Martinique Transport is well-established in the municipality with bus lines 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32, as well as A, M, D1, and D2.

GEOGRAPHY of this Municipality in the South of Martinique

Le Marin Between Land and Sea

Le Marin Martinique is one of the municipalities in the Grand-Sud category. Located north of Sainte-Anne, it is the second-to-last municipality at the end of the island. To its northwest border lies Rivière-Pilote, and to its northeast border is the municipality of Le Vauclin.

Its western and eastern coastlines are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, respectively. Furthermore, its 31.54 km² of hilly terrain enjoys a tropical climate. Lastly, the municipality has approximately 8,847 inhabitants.

POLITICS

An Involved and Committed Mayor

Engineer and businessman, José Mirande was elected Mayor of Le Marin in the elections of June 28, 2020.

Thus, he succeeded Rodolphe Désiré and became the 18th Mayor of the municipality. A former opposition candidate, Mr. Mirande intends to further revitalize his municipality. With his project "Le Marin between land and sea," he aims to develop the comfort of the Marinois and tourism.

YOUTH

A Municipality that Invests in its Youth

Le Marin has around ten public educational institutions:

• A preschool: Plateau du Fort
• 2 primary schools: Marin A and Marin B
• 2 combined preschool and primary schools: Cap Marin and Perou
• Gérard Café Middle School
• Montgérald General High School
• Raymond Néris Vocational High School

The municipality is equipped with a skate park, the only one in the municipality, and the Roger-Bonaro stadium for sports gatherings.

Personalities from Le Marin

Le Marin has given birth to personalities who have contributed to and continue to be part of local life:

• Vincent Placoly: writer and teacher, co-founder of the Socialist Revolutionary Group in 1972
• Osman Duquesnay: doctor and Mayor of Le Marin from 1898 to 1902
• Victor Duquesnay: poet and writer
• Victor Coridun: musician, composer, and conductor
• Gilbert Marguerite: former professional footballer for Nîmes Olympique and OGC Nice in the 1970s/1980s
• Simon Jean-Joseph: former racing car driver born in Fort-de-France, double rally champion in 2004 and 2007. He is the CEO of the Port and Marina of Le Marin.

CULTURE

What to Do in Le Marin, Day and Night?

Nature Escape

Strolls, hikes, and swims… Le Marin offers numerous outdoor spots that combine greenery and relaxation:

• Boat excursions to Saint Lucia and the Grenadines
• Marina du Marin
• War Memorial
• Pointe Borgnèse
• Cap Macré
• Anse Four à Chaux
• Anse Grosse Roche
• Grand Macabou
• Chapel of the Virgin of the Mariners
• Morne Aca Botanical Reserve
• Morne Gommier and its 360° viewpoint

The History of Le Marin Through Stone

When it comes to 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'll find in Le Marin:

• Saint-Etienne Church of Le Marin

In the category of museums and cultural sites, you'll find in Le Marin:

• An Mao Heritage

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

Many buildings in Le Marin are protected under designations such as "Historical Monument" or "20th Century Heritage." Among these distinctions in Le Marin, you'll find:

• Saint-Etienne Church of Le Marin
• Habitation Montgérald, also known as Villa Charon

IN SUMMARY Often criticized for its traffic jams, Le Marin remains one of the most important cities in the south of the island, both administratively due to its prefecture status and as a tourist destination thanks to its well-equipped marina, seaside location, and the variety of activities it offers. There's something for everyone in Le Marin!