Martinique is a postcard image of heavenly beaches, coconut palms, white sand and crystal-clear water. That's what everyone knows. But Martinique is much more than that. In fact, the island of flowers has some wonderful surprises in store for those who like to get off the beaten track. The wild and generous nature of the north of the island will enchant those with an adventurous spirit.
Anse Couleuvre Martinique: A mysterious beach Located in the municipality of Prêcheur, at the northern tip of the Flower Island, is Anse Couleuvre. ...
What is the North of Martinique?
The north of Martinique is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants, which is about 1/3 of the island's total population. In the collective imagination, it is also, and above all, Mount Pelée.
This volcano, whose eruption caused the greatest tragedy of the 20th century, remains a strong symbol of the "Island of Flowers". It is the volcano that gives the black color to the sand of the northern beaches. The northern part is also more humid and therefore a…
…dorned with lush vegetation and tropical forest.
Main cities in the north of Martinique
Saint Pierre:
The former capital of Martinique, the former economic and cultural hub of the French Antilles, and a martyred city. "Little Paris of the Antilles," as it was called then, has never really regained its former splendor but remains an unmissable destination.
Visiting Saint Pierre means immersing oneself in this catastrophe that seems to have happened yesterday. Several remnants of this devastating eruption are still visible, such as the ruins of the theater and the church of the fort.
Among the must-sees, don't miss discovering the wrecks sunk in the bay, as well as the cell that allowed a prisoner to be one of the only survivors of this catastrophe that took the lives of the entire city's population, around 30,000 people.
Don't leave before visiting the Depaz distillery, which is a dive into the history of Martinique.
Case Pilote:
It may not be the most touristy town in Martinique, but the municipality is nonetheless of interest. Named after an Amerindian chief named Pilote, whose legend says he ceded half of the island to the French before retiring to this place, Case Pilote is one of the oldest towns in Martinique.
Its church is classified as a historical monument. Today, it is a peaceful fishing village that has not lost any of its charm.
Ajoupa-Bouillon:
This small municipality in the north of Martinique was also severely affected by the deadly eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. The area was even evacuated until 1906. The town never really recovered from this trauma. Today, the town is primarily agricultural and benefits from the growing interest in eco-tourism.
Indeed, a starting point for numerous hikes and walks, Ajoupa-Bouillon is a humid and forested area with heavy rainfall that houses a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers.
Fonds Saint Denis:
It is the smallest municipality in Martinique in terms of population but the largest in terms of flowers. The most flowered town, it is also close to the tropical forest, and its surroundings will delight lovers of wild nature.
In the middle of the forest hides the Saut du Gendarme waterfall. It is also where the volcanology center is located, which monitors the activities of Mount Pelée. This center houses a small museum, so take advantage of it.
Le Carbet:
The European history of Martinique begins here. It was at Le Carbet that Christopher Columbus landed for the first time in 1502, just like the French more than 130 years later. It is a city of crucial importance in the history of Martinique and as such, it's worth a visit.
The name Carbet comes from the traditional dwellings of the Amerindians who inhabited the island before the arrival of Europeans. The municipality of Carbet has preserved its picturesque charm and boasts magnificent beaches. As often in the north, it's the black sand that greets the bather.
The Beauregard canal, also called the "Canal des Esclaves," was dug by slaves on the mountainside. It is a powerful testimony to the condition of slaves at that time.
Le Prêcheur:
Destroyed like Saint Pierre during the 1902 eruption, Le Prêcheur is now a charming fishing village on the Caribbean north coast.
If the municipality is not the most popular among tourists, it is nonetheless interesting. You will find beautiful black sand beaches there, such as Anse Couleuvre and Anse Ceron. The former Habitation Ceron is open to the public and has a magnificent tropical garden.
Grand’Rivière:
It is the northern tip of Martinique. The end of the island. Crossed by a river, the municipality is one of the most isolated on the "Island of Flowers." Indeed, only one road leads there, and it's also the only one that allows you to leave. Grand’Rivière is a small fishing town where time seems to have stopped.
Nicknamed the "commune at the end of the world," it has retained its charm and authenticity from yesteryears. The fish market is one of the few attractions in the area. Note that a hiking trail allows you to reach Le Prêcheur
by crossing the steep cliffs.
Le Robert:
Third in population size in Martinique, Le Robert is located on the Atlantic coast. Protected by a coral reef and ten islets, the eight kilometers of coastline in Robert benefit from calm waters.
The municipality is appreciated by tourists for the richness of its marine life, especially its white sands. From the port, you can embark on beautiful walks and enjoy water sports and activities.
Le Morne-Rouge:
This municipality is located at an altitude of 500 meters between Mount Pelée and Piton du Carbet inland. It is the wettest and coolest municipality in Martinique. As a result, the vegetation here is lush and magnificent.
It is therefore an essential stop for lovers of wild nature and long hikes.
The town is also known for its charming little Notre Dame de la Delivrande church with its statue of the Virgin Mary. To extend the visit, the Emeraude estate offers trails to discover the tropical forest and its wild flora.
Sainte Marie:
Originally, a fort dedicated to the Virgin Mary built by the first French settlers in 1658. The municipality has had a basketry culture since its origins, initiated by the first Amerindian occupants. Sainte Marie is also famous for its famous Tombolo.
It is an uncommon natural phenomenon that occurs four months a year, during which it is possible to cross on foot, without getting wet, the distance that separates the coast from the island Sainte Marie.
Other attractions of the town include the Banana Museum, with its 70 cultivated varieties, as well as the Saint James distillery, which produces one of the most famous rums in Martinique, and whose museum is also worth a visit.
La Trinité:
Located at the mouth of the Caravelle peninsula, the municipality of La Trinité is strongly marked by sugar production and trade. The famous Le Galion estate, which belonged to the rich and powerful Dubuc family, shaped the country's history.
It is also in La Trinité that the last sugar factory in Martinique is found. On the nature side, the Caravelle peninsula offers stunning landscapes. Part of it is now a nature reserve of almost 400 hectares housing fauna and flora as rare as they are threatened. It is within this reserve that the ruins of the Dubuc estate, also called Château Dubuc, are located.
Gros Morne:
Large in size, the municipality of Gros Morne is also important. It is nothing less than the island's pantry. A town mainly dedicated to agriculture, especially pineapple production.
The word Morne refers to a small mountain, so it is a mountainous environment with generous nature that welcomes visitors. Many hikes are possible from Grand Morne, including the Saut d'Agis waterfall.
The village itself has retained its old-world charm, with its small church Notre Dame de la Visitation built in the 18th century. The Habitation Saint Etienne completes the picture, an opportunity to taste the national drink of Martinique.
Le Lorrain:
The municipality of Le Lorrain, located in the north-central part of Martinique, was once populated by Arawak Indians before the French chased them away or exterminated them.
Today, Le Lorrain is an agricultural town, specifically dedicated to bananas. The coast is beautiful with its steep cliffs, and it is the setting for very beautiful walks. The black sand beaches of Le Lorrain are absolutely beautiful.
Bellefontaine:
The municipality of Bellefontaine is known for agriculture, especially market gardening and fishing. Martinique is resolutely turned towards the sea, and fishing is important throughout the island.
In Bellefontaine, you can admire the local fishermen engaging in Seine fishing, which is a very ancient technique widely practiced in Martinique. To illustrate this particular relationship with fishing, there is a singular building shaped like a boat, named Tergiléo, which proudly faces the sea. The place now houses a restaurant.
Macouba:
Right at the north of the island, the municipality of Macouba takes its name from a local freshwater fish. Here, we are at the end of the world, far from the crowded tourist beaches.
The view is breathtaking with its steep cliffs swept by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Tobacco was the predominant crop in past centuries; now, bananas and pineapples are cultivated there. Fishing, once again, is omnipresent.
Must-do activities in the north of Martinique
You will have understood by now that the north of Martinique will delight lovers of wild nature, hiking, and tranquility. The "Green Martinique" lives up to its nickname, and it would be a shame to miss it.
Mount Pelée is essential in this part of the island, as the volcano shapes the territory and even gives a unique color to the sand of the northern beaches. Ascending Mount Pelée should therefore be on your list of must-do activities. However, beware of the significant differences in altitude.
Black sand beaches symbolize the north of the island and bring a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. Among the main ones are the beach of Carbet, Anse Ceron, the Baie du Trésor located near the Caravelle peninsula, which is a reward after a beautiful hike. And finally, Anse Couleuvre, which is also a reward for courageous hikers.
The islets of Robert. The municipality of Robert and its ten magnificent islets are among the most visited places in Martinique.
The Gorges of the cliff at Ajoupa-Bouillon. A must-see attraction for those who enjoy slightly sporty activities. Descend the river between two cliffs in the middle of lush tropical forest. A unique experience!