Shootin' the Breeze: ST PIERRE, MARTINIQUE

ST PIERRE, MARTINIQUE

Arriving in Martinique

Clearing in at the local tourist office, St Pierre

We love the French islands and were keen to get to our furthest point South yet, Saint Pierre in Martinique. We weren't disappointed! It is a beautiful French seaside village with quaint shuttered buildings, lovely walks, spectacular wreck dives, amazing pastries and cheeses and lots of history. You know you're back in a French island when the church bells wake you at 5am and chime every hour, you hear French police sirens and your jaw is sore from eating baguettes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

St Pierre Town Hall

The seaside village of St Pierre

The Mount Pelee volcano provides a beautiful backdrop but caused absolute devastation in 1902 when it erupted. There was no warning and the entire town was wiped out, other than one prisoner who was in a solitary confinement cell, protected by the thick walls. It is so sad to see the aftermath of blackened ruins caused by the lava flow throughout the town.

Our anchorage

Sidewalk cafe drinks on arrival

The ruins after the Mt Pelee volcano eruption

The solitary confinement cell that held the only survivor of the volcano eruption

The remains of the old theatre complex

We timed it well and arrived the day before Abolition Day, a public holiday, and were part of the happy celebrations. There were street parades, markets, music and fireworks until late in the night.

Carnival Time

Street Markets

It's a great anchorage and we met some lovely people during our stay. There were 4 South African yachts moored here and we all got together for a beach braai one evening. We also walked and caught taxi's to the DePaz Rum Distillery with about 20 other cruisers and got to know the little village really well. We met our new friends the 'French Fries' on Ercolusa here. They have 2 children ages 13 and 14 so it was great for the kids to have some company, even though there is very little communication because they speak French. Michaela and Tayne went scuba diving on a surrounding wreck with the family. We also met up with John and Joanne from Out of Africa, who come from Tokai, our neighbouring suburb in Cape Town. They are great at getting everyone together and have been sailing these waters for 4 years now.