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Bellefontaine

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Martinique

Bellefontaine - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Martinique
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A peaceful little fishing town on the Caribbean coast, nestling between Le Carbet and Case-Pilote, Bellefontaine has a beautiful built heritage, for instance its majestic stone and wood church, whose bell tower is separate from the main body of the building. As you walk along Bellefontaine's picturesque seafront, look up and you'll see the outline of the famous Torgiléo, a house in the shape of a ship's bow that towers proudly over the area!

In Fond-Laillet, on the way to Case-Pilote, a very moving marine cemetery stretches along the shore of the Caribbean Sea. At the traditional All Saints' Day festival, it's lit up by hundreds of candles as a tribute to the dead…

Additional information
Bellefontaine

Bellefontaine is a coastal town in Martinique, 20 km northwest of Fort-de-France by road.

Its territory of nearly 12 km² is located on the Caribbean coast, and it oscillates from 0 (sea level) to 669 m above sea level.

The locality was only officially created in 1950, its land being detached from Case-Pilote, to the south.

The village was established from the 17th century around a small fishing port, a traditional activity of Bellefontaine, and its economy is also driven by jobs related to the power station, the largest on the island, located to the south, at the outlet of the Fond-Laillet river.

The charm of its heritage, the leisure activities related to the beaches and the green heights that dominate the town make Bellefontaine, which has 1700 inhabitants, a pleasant stopover during a stay in Martinique.

Things to see and do

The locality has a heritage of interest. A discovery trail can begin with the Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens church, built from 1962 thanks to the parishioners. It then replaced a building that had become cramped. Preceded by a forecourt where a statue of Saint-Pierre has been installed, built in stone and cement and covered with scale tiles, the elongated church has trellises on its "north" and "south" walls on which are supported by the foothills. We observe that the bell tower outside is inspired by Mexican architecture, since it houses four overlapping bells. Listed in the Inventory, the church finally retains furniture, sacred objects and its beautifully crafted statues.

Dominating the village with traditional or modern dwellings, it is also worth noting the astonishing house of Torgiléo: dating from 1950, it takes on the silhouette of an old cruise liner that looks like it was stranded in the ground! The property is private but is clearly visible from the outside.

On a different note, the picturesque marine cemetery in the south of the town, in the Fond-Laillet district, where some Martinican celebrities like the painter Jules Marcillac are buried, is worth a visit. According to tradition, on All Saints' Day, hundreds of candles are placed there...

As far as leisure is concerned, many walks are obviously possible. In addition to the coastal path, "ascending" towards the green heights overlooking the small town, viewpoints line the paths: the summit of Morne Capot to the north, the Roussel waterfall or the summit of Morne Rose to the south-east. Also worth seeing during a walk is the Verrier district with its market garden plots.

Larger hikes including neighboring towns are obviously possible: maps and information on +33 5 96 61 61 77.

On the sports side, in the locality, football pitches, basketball courts and tennis courts are accessible: information at the town hall on +33 5 96 55 00 96.

It is then advisable to take advantage of the charms of the sea: a stopover at Bellefontaine must include the fish market which is held along the beach, where the gum trees are moored (colorful canoes typical of the West Indies). In addition, traditional seine fishing is still in force, using a net thrown into the sea and pulled from the coast. A show in itself!

It is also possible to indulge in idleness on Fond Boucher beach, covered with gray sand and a few pebbles. Swimming is allowed and some water sports (jet-skiing, kayaking, flyboarding in particular) are offered by clubs (unless you rent or own your own equipment). Inquire at +33 5 96 61 61 77.

Events and festivities

Late January or early February, opening of the carnival with parade, musical entertainment and night parade.

The first weekend of August, patronal feast.

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Hotels

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