Sites to see on Marie Galante : Art and Culture

Art & Culture on Marie Galante : Sites to see

Windmills

Windmills are a unique sight on Marie Galante, as the island’s flat nature permits the optimal exploitation of sea winds. The first mill was erected in 1738 and the last one in 1843, and the buildings played an essential role in the island’s economy way into the 19th century. The arrival of the Industrial Revolution installed higher-performance factories on the whole island, which eventually replaced the old technology, though windmills continued to be in use until 1946 which is when the last one (Grand Pierre in Saint Louis) finally closed its doors forever. Time and climate have been harsh on the mills, though seventy two are still standing to our days, with the Bezard Mill in Capesterre entirely renovated in terms of both carpentry and mechanics. Take a walk around this gorgeous building with its mobile rudder in full function, and taste the sugarcane juice crushed in the ancient way. Windmills are all around the island and rather hard to miss, but certain ones are in better condition and can thus be more advisable to visit. The ruins of Trianon Mill are situated after Grand Bourg; Agapit Mill in Vieux Fort is one of the most interesting ones with its altering vertical technology; Mayombe Mill, around Saint Louis stands guard over the ruins of the ancient sugar factory and its stone constructions; Boree Mill, towards Capesterre is a lovely pink tower of 9 m high, advertising its birthdate of 1830 as proudly as ever; Chalet Mill, in the north of the island, is one of the most recent ones built just before the age of factories set in: an imposing structure of 7m high and 7m of diameter at its base; Merlet Mill, a couple of kilometers further is also a charming spot to visit: a pink stone mill in the midst of an untamed vegetation; Murat Mill, constructed in 1814 under the island’s last English occupation is one of the most beautiful mills still standing, built in white calcareous stone, 8 m high with 6 wings instead of the common 4-wing model. A historical monument since 1990.

LA MARE AU PUNCH

(Facing Pirogue Factory, 5 km from Grand Bourg). A legendary sight to see. The abolishment of slavery in spring, 1848 had bloody consequences in this region of the world : slaves revolted and plundered the factory, seizing all rum and sugar they could set their hands on. This was poured into the pond to make a gigantic punch that the slaves shared with their neighbouring fellows in the form of a tremendous celebration which lasted three days and three nights. The overflowing joy and rum quickly resulted in great drunkenness which eventually led to the agression of local missionaries, of which not many records remain but a glass or two of rum punch will surely have your imagination soaring in sympathy of the rebels. Ask around in the tourist office for details.

BEZARD MILL

Capesterre. Tel : 05 90 97 20 93. Open every morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The mill is the only one in activity in the Caribbean region, built in 1814 and reconstructed in 1994 after having suffered the serious damage of the region’s harsh weather conditions. A majestic sight to witness, turning its wings to crush the sugarcane into a delicious juice. One of the mill’s rooms has been transformed into an exhibition of days long gone : furniture, kitchen utensils, cartwright tools. Local products (liquor, handicraft..) can be purchased on its ground floor, as well as the famous Christophe calebashes.