THE NORTH - SAINT PIERRE, LE CARBET AND THE MAJESTIC MOUNT PELÉE
The north of Martinique is dominated by the majestic Mount Pelée, rising to 1,397 metres. At its centre stand the five Pitons du Carbet, each reaching close to 1,000 metres and covered in dense rainforest. This dramatic landscape offers one of the most striking natural settings in the Caribbean.
This region lies on the active volcanic fault line of the Caribbean, which also includes Montserrat, western Guadeloupe, Dominica, southwest Saint Lucia and northern Saint Vincent. By contrast, the east and south of Martinique sit on an older, eroded fault, giving rise to reefs, islets and the island’s famous white-sand beaches.
NATURE, ADVENTURE & RUM HERITAGE
The northern area provides easy access to the rainforest thanks to excellent infrastructure. Activities include hiking and walking trails, waterfall climbs descending from Mount Pelée, buggy rides along mountain tracks, and visits to renowned rum distilleries.
The Depaz sugar cane crushing and rum distillery operates approximately from early February to June. The site is well presented and allows visitors to walk very close to the impressive cane-crushing rollers, still driven by a 100-year-old steam-powered flywheel.
The adjoining plantation house was rebuilt by the sole survivor of the Depaz family after the 1902 eruption, as he was studying in Paris at the time of the disaster.
SAINT-PIERRE - THE POMPEII OF THE CARIBBEAN
With the support of archaeologists and leading historians, Douglas Yacht Services brings the remarkable story of Saint-Pierre back to life.
In 1902, Mount Pelée erupted, destroying the entire city of Saint-Pierre and wiping out much of Martinique’s economic and cultural elite. The scientific study of this eruption led to the classification of explosive ‘grey’ volcanoes, as opposed to ‘red’ volcanoes producing lava flows — forming the foundation of modern volcanology. The event is often compared to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Pompeii in AD 79.
For a detailed presentation on Saint-Pierre, its origins and its former reputation as the cultural capital of the Caribbean, please view the full PDF of our Saint-Pierre tourist guide.
HABITATION CÉRON
Habitation Céron is a privately owned plantation offering a peaceful escape within a luxuriant tropical forest and garden. Its monumental Zaman trees are over 300 years old. The historic plantation house can be fully privatized and offers refined local cuisine using produce from its gardens and selected farms across Martinique. Horseback riding through the grounds completes this memorable experience.
This site perfectly illustrates the harmonious relationship between people and their natural environment.
ANSE LATOUCHE & ZOO
Set within beautifully maintained gardens, Anse Latouche is a fine example of an 18th- and 19th-century plantation, showcasing sophisticated water management systems and engineering structures essential for survival at the time.
Since 2014, a zoo featuring South American fauna has been seamlessly integrated into the historic ruins. The estate was founded by an ‘official corsair’ who later became a less official pirate — a story told at the small pirate museum at the end of the visit.
SCUBA DIVING
Diving in the Saint-Pierre area is primarily for experienced divers. The most significant wreck from the Mount Pelée eruption lies at approximately 50 metres. Additional dives are available near Le Prêcheur at around 20 metres, though these are considered technical due to reduced visibility caused by volcanic black sand.
BEACHES & ANCHORAGES
The coastline is lined with grey and black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity. A long, relatively uncrowded beach stretches south of Saint-Pierre towards Le Carbet.
Anchoring is straightforward, framed by the Pitons du Carbet on one side and Mount Pelée on the other. Le Carbet offers several lively beachfront restaurants and bars, ideal for relaxed evenings ashore.
TOURS & RESTAURANTS
For tailored tours, reservations and local recommendations, please contact Douglas Yacht Services.