When French settlers came to Martinique in the 17th century, they built Fort Saint-Louis on a peninsula in the capital city of Fort de France. It was built for self-defense purposes against the British. Fort Saint-Louis was expanded throughout its history to add stone walls for defense and space for cannons. Although part of the fort still belongs to and is used by the Navy, visitors can visit various sections and see a pierce of Martinique history. Fort Saint-Louis is open to the public Monday through Saturday.
Fort Saint-Louis
Boulevard Alfassa
Fort-de-France, Martinique
+0596-60-54-59
The ruins of Chateau Dubuc, an old French castle, sit on the eastern end of Martinique. This 17th-century castle was home to a French settler named Pierre Dubuc and his family. The castle was a long time in disrepair, but in 1974, the Regional Nature Park got control of the ruins. Visitors can now visit the site and have a guided tour. There is also a small museum at the site that displays relics from Martinique's past. Chateau Dubuc is open to visitors each day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Chateau Dubuc
Presqu'ile de la Caravelle,
Tartane, 97220 Trinite
+0596-58-09-00
Martinique's most important cathedral, the St. Louis Cathedral, is also in the capital city of Fort de France. The original structure for the cathedral was built in 1671, but because of two earthquakes, sieges by the Dutch and a cyclone, it was partly destroyed many times. According to Zananas-Martinique, the current structure was built in 1978. The cathedral's biggest draws are its massive pipe organ and ornate stained-glass windows. The cathedral is open to the public for visits but is closed during the afternoon on Monday and Saturday.
St. Louis Cathedral
Rue Schoelcher, Fort-de-France
Court House & Old City Hall
Rue Schoelcher et Rue Victor Hugo
97200 Fort de France
