In 1658, Dominican monks built a monastery in Saint-Jacques on the island of Martinique. From 1693 to 1705, it was the residence of French Dominican priest Père Labat, who was also an explorer and architect. The property later became a sugar plantation.The chapel and windmill still stand, along with a renovated purgery: the area within the sugarhouse where molasses is extracted from the sugar.
Fonds Saint-Jacques
Quart Saint-Jacques 97230
Sainte-Marie, Martinique
The Saint-James Distillery and Rum Museum, also called Musée du Rhum, is located inside a colonial home on Martinique's St. James sugar plantation. Exhibits dating from 1765 showcase the island's history of rum and sugar cane through etchings, implements and machinery, among other items. According to the Martinique Bonjour website, the distillery presents two annual events---the Harvest Festival in June and Rum Festival in December---along with sample tastings of rum poured from the renowned square bottles.
Saint-James Distillery and Rum Museum
Usine 97230
Sainte-Marie, Martinique
In past centuries, Martinique's ornate Saint-Louis Cathedral was rebuilt seven times, with the last reconstruction occurring in 1895. The towering cathedral boasts a 200-foot steeple, glorious pipe organ and stunning stained glass windows portraying the life of St. Louis. Several of Martinique's former governors are buried on the premises.
Saint-Louis Cathedral
1 Rue Abbé Lecornu 97200
Fort-de-France, Martinique
In 1902, the volcanic eruption of Martinique's Mont Pelée caused massive destruction in the town of St. Pierre. The volcano obliterated the wealthy municipality and all but a few of its 30,000 residents, according to the Doyle Guides website. Founded by American volcanologist Dr. Franck Perret, the musée, or museum, is located atop ruins on a small hill. Unusual remnants from the catastrophe are on display, including lava-coated teapots, contorted musical instruments and warped clocks that stopped at 8:00, the hour of the volcanic annihilation.
Musée Volcanologique
Rue Victor Hugo 97250
St. Pierre, Martinique
