In south-west Martinique, on Le Diamant peninsula opposite Fort-de-France Bay, the coastal community of Les Trois-Îlets offers a most pleasant environment, traversed by the Coves Road (Route des Anses). Before going to relax on the famous Mitan Cove beach or taking a walk along the marina docks at Le Bout headland, take a little tour of the typical town of Les Trois-Îlets, where you can visit the church where the future Empress Joséphine was christened. Then you can go shopping at the covered market or enjoy a stroll along the pleasant seafront.
There are also several places of interest to visit in the area. You can't miss the Pottery Village and its brickworks, in operation since the 18th century. Visitors and holidaymakers love the pottery workshops, arts and crafts, and gift shops. A little further along, towards Rivière-Salée, the Cane House (Maison de la Canne), based in an old distillery, welcomes you with its museum dedicated to the history of sugar cane, with a permanent exhibition entitled "A land, a plant, a people". You can also see temporary exhibitions as well as an area with exhibits about the rum-making process, before heading off to explore the lovely park with its old steam locomotive.
Deep in the countryside of Les Trois-Îlets, at the edge of the forest, lies the Savannah of Slaves (Savane des Esclaves), a two-hectare park where you can learn more about Martinique's past and traditions. On a guided tour through the peaceful gardens, you'll see an old-fashioned village with traditional huts. You can learn about the history of slavery in the Antilles, see how local products like manioc flour and cocoa sticks are made, and discover the beneficial properties of Caribbean plants.
The Pagerie estate, located within the territory of the municipality, is famous as the birthplace of a famous figure in French history: Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, aka Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, was born there on 23 June 1763. The Pagerie museum, entirely devoted to the empress' memory, is based in an old 18th-century plantation house and tells the story of Joséphine's life through a collection of letters, autographs and other rare period objects.
Golfers will find plenty to enjoy at the magnificent 18-hole golf course by the seaside.
