Carbet

Where is Le Carbet in Martinique?

Located on the North Caribbean coast, Carbet is a fishing town where, according to legend, Christopher Columbus landed in 1 502 during his last voyage at sea. It is also and above all the place where the colonization of the Martinique. As for the name of Carbet, it refers to the wooden dwellings of the natives of the Caribbean. You will also have plenty of time to admire the charm of these carbets that are found everywhere in the city. Many small wooden shelters have been set up on the main street for the sale of local products such as jewelry or gastronomic specialties from Martinique.

From Aimé Césaire airport allow 50 minutes to reach Carbet by following the N2 for 40 kilometers.

The community of Carbet is a 30-minute drive from Saint-Pierre and 22 minutes from Bellefontaine. Finally, the Pelée mountain, which can be admired from the main Carbet beach, can be reached in 50 minutes by car.

What can we do at Carbet in Martinique?

The community of Carbet is full of points of interest. Between natural wonders and nautical activities or hiking, there is something for everyone! The Carbet market is one of the essentials. Here you will find freshly caught fish as well as exotic fruits, vegetables and spices. This is also where you can find all kinds of rum and ti’punch.

Once the tour of the city center and the market has been completed, the afternoon can be devoted to visiting the Martinique zoo, which opened in July 2014. Before the animals (monkey, jaguar, birds, etc.) are introduced, this site already welcomed the public as part of a botanical garden arranged by Jean-Philippe Thoze, creator of the Jardin de Balata. Hundreds of species have now found refuge in this vast park where, along the promenade, we discover the ruins of an old dwelling, which disappeared in 1902 during the eruption of Mount Pelée. Note that there is a pass to visit the Carbet zoo and the Balata garden. If you intend to visit these two sites during your trip to Martinique, opt for this formula! It costs € 26 for adults (€ 3 savings) and € 14 for children aged 3 to 12 (savings of € 2.50).

It is also at Carbet that the Paul Gauguin interpretation center is located (former Paul Gauguin museum). It is a fabulous place that brings together all of the painter's works made in Martinique. Indeed, it was at Carbet that Paul Gauguin resided during his 5 month stay in Martinique in 1887. He painted around thirty paintings there.

For lovers of hiking and discoveries, go to the surroundings of Carbet, a few kilometers from the city center. The Beauregard canal (or slave channel) built at the end of the 18th century to supply water to the Carbet and Saint Pierre distilleries promises a pleasant stroll in the shade of bamboo and tree ferns. Allow 7 kilometers and 3 hours for a round trip to complete the entire route. The edges of the irrigation canal often serve as a path (beware of people with dizziness, we advise you to refrain!) And we sometimes come across goats who wander there freely!

Le Carbet is also one of the must-see spots in Martinique for diving. Between the wrecks of the bay of Saint Pierre and the coral reefs there is no shortage of underwater treasures.

There are indeed around twenty dive sites that are worth a detour between the towns of Le Prêcheur and Bellefontaine. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, professionals will be there to support you! This is the perfect opportunity to carry out your first dive in an idyllic setting.

At the end of the day, stop for dinner at Le Petibonum restaurant, a must in Carbet. Everything is done to make you spend an unforgettable moment. Loungers by the beach, the cocktail menu or dishes prepared with products from the island, are all reasons to get there.

Finally, from Bellefontaine, on the road leading to Carbet, stop at the viewpoint of Anse Marigot. A superb panorama of the sea awaits you.

Discovering the Carbet beaches in Martinique

Lovers of relaxation will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Carbet beaches. Note that all the Carbet beaches have black sand due to their proximity to the volcano. Anse Turin, isolated from the road by a few rows of palm trees, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the North of Martinique. It is on this beach that Christopher Columbus landed in 1502. The size of the beach and the shade of its palm trees make it an ideal beach for families. It is also on this beach that you can witness a fabulous sunset