2024 Heritage Days program in Martinique

© Credit: Ministry of Culture What to See in Martinique During the 2024 European Heritage Days ? Every year, hundreds of visitors gather during the European Heritage Days in Martinique. Featuring activities, unique events in exceptional locations that are sometimes closed to the public for the rest of the year, this is the cultural highlight of September. As your mobility partner in Martinique, and with our deep knowledge of local heritage, we provide all the information you need about the Heritage Days!

2024 Dates and Theme of the Heritage Days

The 2024 European Heritage Days will take place in Martinique on: 📅 Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024. This year’s theme, "Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections," invites you to explore the historical, cultural, and natural links that shape the identity of Martinique.

💚 Our Selected Highlights from the 2024 Heritage Days Program in Martinique

To help you fully enjoy these days, we’ve selected the most captivating visits and activities for the 2024 edition in Martinique. These carefully chosen events will offer you a unique insight into Martinique’s heritage.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover these iconic places and participate in unforgettable experiences!

1. 📍 Free Guided Tour of Fort Saint-Louis in Fort-de-France

© Crédits : UHF / Wikipedia

Fort Saint-Louis, overlooking the magnificent bay of Fort-de-France, is an iconic site classified as a historical monument since 1973. This imposing fortress, witness to several centuries of Martinique's history, offers breathtaking views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Why Visit ?

Take the rare opportunity to visit this historic site and learn more about its strategic and defensive role over the centuries. Guides will reveal the fort's secrets through lectures and interactive QR codes.

Scheduled Activity

The guided tour includes a walk through the ramparts and historical rooms, enriched with itinerant lectures. A full immersion into the military history of Martinique.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Dates and Times: Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, from 9 am to 4 pm (last admission). - Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours. - Price: Free with prior registration and ticket presentation. - Accessibility: Accessible to people with reduced mobility, with some narrow passages and stairs. - Recommendations: Walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and water recommended. - Registration: Online at www.my.weezevent.com/jep2024 or on-site.

2. 📍 Special Visit to the Fortin de l’Îlet à Ramiers + Escape Game in Trois-Îlets

© Crédits source : unidivers.fr The Îlet à Ramiers, located off the coast of Trois-Îlets, is an exceptional historical and natural site, offering a panoramic view of Fort-de-France Bay. Originally a volcano, the islet was named after the wild pigeon known as "Ramier."

Why Visit ?

Visits are not allowed on Îlet Ramiers for the rest of the year. The 2024 Heritage Days are a rare opportunity to explore this protected islet while participating in a life-size escape game. Enjoy an unforgettable view of Anse Bellay and Fort-de-France Bay.

Scheduled Activity

A narrated visit tracing the history of the fort between 1650 and 1850, followed by an escape game titled "In Pursuit of the Fort's Treasure." The day also includes an introduction to Amerindian culture and local flora and fauna.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Dates: September 20 and 21, 2024. - Duration: 1h15 per rotation (3 rotations per day). - Price: €10 per person (includes yole transfer and one-time association membership). - Registration: By email at karisko@orange.fr or by phone at +33 5 96 63 18 90 / +33 6 96 30 56 12.

3. 📍 Women's Yole Competition “Yol-Ladies” at Vauclin: Pointe Faula Beach

Pointe Faula, located in Vauclin, is a beach known for its shallow waters and kitesurfing spot. It is also a gathering place for traditional yole enthusiasts.

Why Visit ?

Attend a bold and inspiring race where women's teams navigate the bay in a traditional Martinican yole, connecting the coastal towns of Vauclin, François, and Robert.

Scheduled Activity:

The Yol-Ladies Challenge features all-female crews, offering an exceptional sporting and cultural spectacle while celebrating Martinique's maritime heritage.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Dates: September 21 and 22, 2024. - Registration: Online at www.layoledemartinique.com or by phone at +33 6 17 21 48 39.

4. 📍 Visit to the Three-Masted Schooner Le Toumelin in Le Marin

Crédits : Association Martinique Voile d'Antan Le Toumelin, the first ship classified as a Historical Monument in the Overseas Territories, is a majestic three-masted schooner docked at Le Marin port. This ship symbolizes maritime heritage and sailing traditions.

Why Visit ?

Step aboard this historic vessel to discover its fascinating history, technical features, and ongoing restoration projects.

Scheduled Activity

The visit includes a tour of the deck, a presentation of historical photos and documents, and an exploration of the interiors, including the engine room, navigation post, and cabins.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Dates: September 21 and 22, 2024. - Price: Free, mandatory reservation for groups. - Registration: By phone at +33 6 96 41 04 21 or online at www.troismatsletoumelin.com.

5. 📍 Guided Tour of the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Martinique in Saint-Pierre

Crédits : OVSM - IPGP

The observatory, located on Morne la Rosette in Saint-Pierre, is a cutting-edge research center dedicated to monitoring Mount Pelée and regional seismic activity. It plays a crucial role in natural risk prevention in Martinique.

Why Visit ?

The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Martinique in Saint-Pierre is usually closed to the public. The 2024 Heritage Days offer a rare opportunity to discover the missions and activities of this unique observatory, which continuously monitors the island's volcanic and seismic activity, while participating in international research projects.

Scheduled Activity

A guided tour will immerse you in the workings of the observatory, with presentations on monitoring instruments, IPGP's missions, and scientific collaborations.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Dates: Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9:00 am to 9:45 am (sessions limited to 30 people). - Registration: Online at www.ipgp.fr/ovsm or by phone at +33 5 96 78 41 41.

6. 📍 Heritage Village and Visit to the Underwater Sculptures in Saint-Pierre

The city of Saint-Pierre, the former capital of Martinique, is rich in history and maritime heritage. The bay of Saint-Pierre is home to shipwrecks and underwater sculptures created by artist Laurent Valère.

Why Visit ?

Dive into the underwater history of Saint-Pierre by discovering the shipwrecks and sculptures that pay homage to sea goddesses. The heritage village also offers activities and exhibitions on Martinique's maritime traditions.

Scheduled Activity

Free exploration of the underwater sculptures "Manmandlo" and "Yemaya," with the possibility of snorkeling to admire these submerged artworks. On land, enjoy exhibitions on the bay's shipwrecks and marine life.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Dates: Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm. - Location: Place Bertin and waterfront in front of La Guinguette hall. - Registration: By phone at +33 5 96 78 35 60 or +33 6 96 17 64 34. Other events also in Saint-Pierre during the 2024 Heritage Days: - Introduction to sailing in a gommier - Visit to the city's maritime heritage - Free visit to Château Depaz

7. 📍 Exclusive Guided Tour of the Main House of Galion in Trinité

The Main House of Galion is a historical monument usually inaccessible to the public. Traditional architecture, period objects, and captivating anecdotes await!

Why Visit ?

Discover an unknown part of Martinique's history and flavors in Trinité, with exclusive explanations during a guided tour.

Scheduled Activity

Guided tour with an exclusive circuit ending at the Baie des Trésors Distillery.

ℹ️ Practical Information

- Mandatory reservation at https://my.weezevent.com/journees-du-patrimoine-bdt-2024 - Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am

8. 📍 Free Visit to the Gardens of Habitation Beauséjour in Grand-Rivière

The park of Habitation Beauséjour is a precious vestige of life from the 18th century to the present day. With a garden consisting of several terraces, numerous canals, and a remarkable pleasure park, it features a wide variety of species: jade vine, papyrus, blue fern, yellow canna, passionfruit, bamboo, latan palm, orchid, mango tree…

Why Visit ?

The park of Habitation Beauséjour is only open to the public during the Heritage Days of Martinique.

Scheduled Activity

Free visit to the century-old gardens classified as historical monuments, offering over 400 species and varieties of trees and plants. The hydraulic network with several basins dates back to the early 19th century.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• Visit on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

And many other events!

Find the full 2024 Heritage Days Program at : https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/programme#/search@14.6261451,-60.9758193,10.61

♻️ Need a vehicle for Heritage Days?