Visit a Rum Distillery and Saint-Pierre
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Port
Fort-De-France, Martinique
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$100
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Go beyond the ordinary with this trip to Martinique’s renowned producer of fine Agricole rum and the historic town of St. Pierre, a captivating town that has risen through the ashes. This immersive experience is full of education, history, and charm as you wind you way through the rain forest.
To start the day, you will stop at Balata Church. Sitting high on the side of a mountain, it is exact replica of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris. Built in 1915, the church offers a spectacular view of Fort-de-France and the bay. Smell the salt breeze and feel the wind in your hair while taking in incredible views of the azure waters.
Next, you’ll take a drive through the rain forest to one of the most prestigious rum distilleries in Martinique. Located facing the sea at the foot of Mount Pelee is Depaz Distillery. Here you’ll hear an explanation of their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional rum-making methods, making it a celebrated destination for rum enthusiasts seeking to savor the authentic flavors of the Caribbean. You will have a chance to taste the famous agricole rum of Martinique, savoring every sip.
Ten minutes away you will find the most famous place in Martinique. The town of Saint-Pierre was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902, killing 30,000 people. The sole survivor was a prisoner in an underground jail cell. Saint Pierre is now France's 101st City of Art & History. Step inside the Memorial Saint-Pierre for a look at the exhibits.
On the drive back to Fort-de-France you’ll pass through fishing villages including Le Carbet, where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502. The artist Paul Gauguin lived here in 1887, painting perhaps his most beautiful canvases here.
You'll also pass through Bellefontaine – known for the house shaped like a boat – and Schoelcher, named for a 19th-century abolitionist who fought for the freedom of slaves in the French West Indies.
Arrive back in Fort-de-France transformed by this day spent witnessing the traditional distillation process, local history, and the driving tour that yields so much scenery of Martinique.