ACTIVITIES IN THE SURROUNDING AREA
From Villa M'Bay , put on your sandals: before you, beaches that change mood, sea spray of spices and sugar cane, paths that stray beneath the greenery, village laughter and drums that rise with the evening. Everything is within reach, within sight, within reach of delicacies. Here, the North Atlantic of Martinique is experienced like a dream to be shared.
Beaches & Rivers
Anse Charpentier
Just across from Villa M'Bay, Anse Charpentier stretches for nearly 800 meters between the mouth of the Charpentier River and the impressive "Pain de Sucre," a volcanic peak covered in tropical vegetation. Its sand varies from blond to dark gray and contrasts with the intense green of the cliff and the foam of the Atlantic rollers—a picture-postcard setting, but in its raw state!
Tartane Beach
In the center of the small fishing village of Tartane, the eponymous cove stretches for about 600 m of golden sand lined with coconut trees, right in front of the multi-colored boats that return each morning laden with fresh fish. Sheltered by the shallows of the bay, the sea is almost lagoon-like calm: you can swim in complete peace and quiet
Anse Azerot
Less than 10 minutes from the village of Sainte-Marie, Anse Azérot stretches in an arc between Morne Bataillon and Pointe Martineau. Its golden sand, its sometimes rough turquoise waters, and the fringe of coconut and grape trees that shelter it create an ideal setting for lazing around... or picnicking in the shade.
The Lorrain River
Approximately 18 km long, the Lorrain River rises on the humid slopes of the Pitons du Carbet (≈ 900 m) then winds through a lush tropical forest before flowing into the Atlantic at Grande Anse du Lorrain.
Cosmy Beach
At the northern exit of the village of La Trinité, Anse Cosmy stretches for nearly 500 m of golden sand lined with coconut trees, right opposite the islet of Saint-Aubin. Behind the barrier reef, the turquoise waters are very calm: it is one of the rare corners of the Atlantic coast where you can paddle in complete peace.
Culture and Heritage
Saint James Distillery and Rum Museum
Nestled in the heart of the cane fields of Sainte-Marie, the Saint James distillery has been bringing to life all the know-how of AOC Martinique agricultural rum since 1765. Strolling freely, you pass through the cellars shimmering with barrels, the Creole column still in use and the boutique where you can taste the hand-bottled vintage cuvées
Right next door, the Rum Museum (opened in 1979) tells the story of this sugar epic: copper stills, animal mills, the 1925 Corpet-Louvet locomotive, and archive photos immerse visitors in three centuries of history. From the esplanade, the Plantation Train winds its way to the neighboring banana plantations for a panoramic ride through the crops. Set aside 1.5 hours for the full tour—and plan to return with your arms full of bottles.
Cassava House – Immersion in the art of kassav
In the Vallon district, on the green heights of Lorrain (15 minutes from Villa M'Bay), the Ragald family has been perpetuating the artisanal processing of cassava for five generations: peeling, grating, pressing, sieving then cooking on a large plate over a wood fire. The visit ends with a tasting of crunchy kassav (plain, cod chiquetaille or jam!) and a handful of gluten-free flour to slip into your basket
The Banana Museum
Located on the Limbé estate in Sainte-Marie, the Banana Museum takes you to the heart of a 2-hectare plantation-park where more than 64 varieties of banana trees from five continents grow. The visit begins in an interactive museum space that traces the epic story of the banana: from the great discoveries to current trade, including the agronomic and nutritional secrets of the " golden fruit ."
La Salle Housing
Just a stone's throw from the Saint-James distillery, the former La Salle sugar refinery (founded around 1690) has been restored to its former glory after five years of painstaking restoration: a collection of volcanic stone buildings surrounding a vast paved courtyard lined with palm trees and irrigation canals. Open to the public since 2020, it tells the story—with an audio guide in hand—of the long journey from sugar cane to AOC agricultural rum.
The House of Bèlè
Ten minutes from Villa M'Bay, the Espace Zéphir in Sainte-Marie is home to the Maison du Bèlè: a unique resource center dedicated to this dance-music born on the Martinique plantations. Featuring interactive exhibits, a drum-making workshop, and frescoes retracing the history of slavery, the exhibition showcases the tibwa rhythms, responsorial chants, and gliding steps that have been stirring gatherings for over three centuries.
Here, culture is practiced as much as it is contemplated: school groups, individual visitors and music lovers can attend demonstrations, learn the drum or the “broken grace” of a bèlè step, or even take part in the famous “ Bèlè Bo Lari ”, dance evenings where generations and drummers respond to each other until nightfall.
Emblematic places
The Tombolo
Twice a year, the coastline of Sainte-Marie offers a rare spectacle: a strip of sand about 200 m long forms between Petite-Anse beach and Sainte-Marie islet, opening a pedestrian path worthy of Mont-Saint-Michel… tropical version! This phenomenon, created by the combined play of trade winds, currents and tides, only lasts four to five months.
The Philippe Forest
A few minutes north of Sainte-Marie, the La Philippe State Forest (approximately 60 hectares) hugs the basalt ridge overlooking the coast. Planted in 1944 with mahogany trees and then Caribbean pines, it was opened in 1974 as Martinique's first tourist forest site; today, its shaded paths offer a haven of freshness, punctuated by spectacular views of the Pain de Sucre and the Atlantic swell.
The Marigotin Baths
Nestled in the cliffs of Pointe Baignoire, just behind the Marigot primary school, these natural basins carved out by erosion resemble small bathtubs of turquoise water, lapped by the foam of the Atlantic. It only takes a short ten-minute walk to go from the quiet village to this rugged setting where waves explode on the black basalt.
Restaurants
The point of view
Located at the end of a coconut avenue, just above the surfers' beach, Le Point de Vue lives up to its name: from the vast covered terrace or the bakoua leaf carbet, you can have lunch facing the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Sugarloaf Mountain – a setting that is worth the trip in itself.
The Aquarium
Nestled against the small cliff overlooking the fishing port, L'Aquarium combines three pleasures: a wooden deck restaurant, a creative rum bar and... an infinity pool open to guests! Enjoy freshly landed fish and house cocktails while watching the colorful skiffs return to the dock.
North Beach
Located on the Sainte-Marie seafront, a stone's throw from the start of the tombolo, North Beach combines revisited Creole cuisine with a wide-angle view of Sainte-Marie islet: from the dining room with bay windows or the high terrace, you can literally eat lunch above the Atlantic rollers.
The Ghetto
Opened in the 1980s, facing the colorful boats of the harbor, Le Ghetto is a favorite canteen for Marigotin residents (and passing gourmets): you can enjoy seafood straight from the dock, in a volcanic stone setting covered in posters by local artists. Owner Félix has been delighting guests with his family recipes for over thirty years, while the waves rhythm the terrace.
