Castle Dubuc

Chateau Dubuc: An old colonial estate in Tartane

Chateau Dubuc was constructed in 1721 by the prosperous heir Louis Dubuc de Galion, grandson of the Norman settler Pierre Dubuc, who arrived in Martinique following a duel.

He redeemed himself to France through battles he won, and he was granted lands in Trinité and Marigot as early as 1671. He established sugar factories and made the land prosper!

Formerly known as Château de la Caravelle, it was renamed Dubuc and was, at that time, a sugar refinery, as well as a place for storing cocoa and cultivated coffee ready to be shipped to France.

It was, in fact, the supplier of the Château de Versailles during literary events and other grand receptions. Although it is called a chateau, it is actually a manor house.

Due to bad weather, the chateau was damaged as early as 1727.

It was also plundered by the English: henceforth, it became just a secondary residence, before being completely abandoned by the chateau's heirs who left to live in France again.

Since 1992, it has been listed among the historical monuments.

Moreover, it was indeed the hard work of slaves in a real pattern of human trafficking that drove the economy of the chateau. Therefore, it is a significant historical site that recalls the slave trade and the exploitation of an entire people deprived of their freedom and forced to work. Several elements prove this, including disproportionately sized sugar cane sheds compared to the actual needs of the refinery, as well as the presence of dungeons!

A castle cannot be a castle without its share of myths and legends! It is said to have been the scene of numerous acts of smuggling, trafficking in various goods, and slave trading, as mentioned earlier.

Visiting the ruins of Château Dubuc

During your visit, you'll be transported back to the 18th century and discover objects that belonged to the previous occupants of that time within the heart of the ruins. Among these items, you'll find a lime kiln or a water tank, books, and maps.

Unfortunately, the dwellings of the slaves are no longer present; only the places dedicated to sugarcane and coffee cultivation remain.

Useful information about Château Dubuc

The chateau is located on the Caravelle Peninsula in Trinité. You can take advantage of the hiking trails offered at the site, which are highly appreciated by visitors.

Visits are available from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

The entrance fee is 2 euros for children, 5 euros for adults, and 3 euros for seniors, students, and high school students. Additionally, you have the option to request a guided tour during your visit.

For further information, you can contact 0596 58 09 00.

Feel free to call ahead for a better experience during your visit.