European Heritage Days 2025: A Journey into Martinique’s History and Know-How

 

This weekend, Martinique will come alive with the European Heritage Days 2025 — a unique opportunity to discover or rediscover the island’s historical, architectural, cultural, and natural treasures. From guided tours and workshops to performances and immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Saint-Pierre, living memory of Martinique

In Saint-Pierre, the former capital continues to fascinate. Highlights include:

  • Guided tours of the city (meeting point at the old prison theater at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.).
  • Escape game “Sauve qui peut” at the old prison (10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
  • Facade drawing workshops (2 p.m.).
  • Theater play “Juste seul Cyparis” at the old theater (7 p.m., admission fee).
  • Digital treasure hunts via the Geogaming app (“La quête du Nharomàn” and “Pompéi des Antilles”).

Don’t miss the exceptional visit to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Martinique (OVSM) on Saturday from 9 a.m. (reservation required). Visitors will learn about the missions and professions involved in monitoring Mount Pelée.

Grand’Rivière: nature and industrial heritage

In Grand’Rivière, three highlights stand out:

  • Habitation Beauséjour: free visits of the centenary gardens and the HBS distillery (9 a.m.–5 p.m.).
  • Metal bridges tour (Saturday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.), a testimony to the engineering feats of the 1960s.
  • Guided stroll through the streets, exploring the parish church, traditional houses, and unique architectural gems (every hour from 8 a.m.–3 p.m.).

Macouba and Carbet: iconic distilleries

  • Fonds-Préville Distillery (Macouba): free and guided tours on Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), plus a rum aroma discovery workshop.
  • Neisson Distillery (Carbet): open days on Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), with guided tours, workshops, and activities. Reservation required.

Tartane and Trinité: authenticity and breathtaking views

  • Hardy Distillery (Tartane): a walkway tour through old machinery leading up to a rooftop with 180° ocean views (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.).
  • Caravelle Lighthouse (Trinité): small-group guided visits (6 people max, every 15 minutes between 10 a.m.–3 p.m.). Access on foot only (30-minute walk).

Lamentin and François: tradition meets contemporary art

  • Château La Favorite (Lamentin): a special evening event on Saturday (6:30 p.m.–10 p.m.) with guided night tours and blind tastings.
  • Habitation Clément (François): guided site visits, storytelling tours, and a sculpture garden experience (Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Gros-Morne: rum and cocoa pairings

At Habitation Saint-Etienne (HSE), visitors can enjoy:

  • A guided tour of the former distillery (9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.).
  • Cocoa plantation visit and rum-chocolate tasting (Sunday at 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.).
  • Exploration of the remarkable gardens and historical remains (Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Fort-de-France and Schoelcher: military and sugar heritage

  • Fort Saint-Louis (Fort-de-France): guided tours, artillery workshops, and lectures on maritime heritage and archaeology.
  • Habitation Fonds Rousseau (Schoelcher): guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (reservation required).

Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Luce, and Rivière-Pilote: living traditions

  • Savane des esclaves (Trois-Îlets): half-price admission on Sunday, cassava tastings, cocoa workshops, and bèlè dance demonstrations.
  • Trois-Rivières Distillery (Sainte-Luce): guided tours, candle-making workshops, cocktail masterclasses, mangrove tours, and rum tastings.
  • La Mauny Distillery (Rivière-Pilote): guided or storytelling train tours, bottle-painting workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Le Marin: history and nature combined

At the Domaine Braud & Quennesson, enjoy guided garden tours, masterclasses, photo exhibitions, and storytelling walks (Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).

 

A living heritage to share

The European Heritage Days 2025 are a chance to immerse yourself in the rich and multifaceted history of Martinique — from industrial legacies to cultural traditions and natural wonders.
An unmissable event for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone eager to reconnect with the island’s soul.

Full program available on Martinique Tourism’s official website.