A large catamaran dwarfed by Diamond Rock off the coast Anse du Diamant
One of our favorite places on Martinique to explore has been the peninsular of Les Trois-Îlets, Les Anses-d’Arlet and Le Diamant. Touring this area by car rather than boat enabled us to see some magnificent vistas as the narrow roads snaked about the hilly terrain and into the small villages. Almost every hilltop exuded a “wow” from us. Sometimes it was a view of the ocean. Sometimes, the valley below with a small red-roof town.
Our day trip to this area began with the town of Les Trois-Îlets. This is the birthplace of Nepoleon Bonaparte’s beloved Joséphine. Her family’s sugar plantation is now the Pagerie Museum where among the exhibits is a few of the love letters from Napoleon. When we arrived in the town, it was clouding over a little bit and looked like it might rain. This time of year on Martinique we often get a little rain shower. But, few last more than fifteen minutes, or so. We ducked into a bakery and had a snack while we waited for the rain to pass. We also discovered a small market where we were able to purchase some of the freshest fruit and veggies we have had for a long time. Pay dirt! We filled up a shopping bag with oranges, apples, potatoes, tomatoes and bananas. It cost us a whopping €5.00. What a deal! We love the small town markets and fruit stands on Martinique. They never disappoint. Sorry! I know. I tend to get more excited about finding a local bakery and cheap fruit than Joséphine’s place. C’est la vie.
Three Isles is know for its pottery. This is the middle of a traffic circle or roundabout outside of the town.
The very old wood ceiling church in the town center of Les Trois-Îlets
The best fruit stand. ever!
If you are going to feature tourist on your billboard for a boat trip to the mangrove islands, it’s best to be sure they are smiling!
Shops on Rue des Bougainvillees
Restaurant Le Barracuda where patrons quickly learn not to judge the book by its cover.
Baguet Shop glass door
Les Anses d’ Arlet – Toes in the sand dining
Grande Anse d’ Arle
Anse Caffard Memorial to the site of a slave ship that wrecked on April 8th 1830 in Caffard Cove. Only a few souls survived. Their descendants still live in the area.
Anse Caffard Memorial
Another “wow” vista
On the way back we found ourselves in a big bicycle race on the N5
Thanks Google Maps
