Tourism Guide Le Diamant en Martinique
Located south of the island of Martinique, the town of Diamond got its name from Diamond rock, a 175-meter high volcanic rock, refuge for many birds species. Besides its island look reflecting the volcanic activity of Martinique, this rock is full of history: it was used as a fortress during the conflicts between France and England for the control of the St. Lucia canal.
Le Diamant is home to the longest beach on the island, with 4 miles of white sand, dominated by its highest point, Le Morne Larcher, representing the head of a reclining woman. From the top of its 478 meters, it enjoys stunning views of the region.
History
Archaeological excavations have uncovered many ceramic and terra cotta objects, which show the presence of the Arawaks and the Caribbean from the third century AD.
The colonists began to settle there in the late seventeenth century and formed an village on the current site of the city. Then they grew sugar cane, corn, cotton and food crops.
On May 17, 1717, Le Diamant suffered from an insurrection by colonial planters against draconian measures implemented by the Regent and Louis XV to limit sugar production.
After a reception in the house of Gaoulé, the largest home of the parish (now O'Mullane), farmers held the Governor La Varenne and Intendant Ricouart, who were then led to Saint-Pierre and put onto a ship bound for France.
Diamond Rock, a strategic point in the conflict between France and England for the conquest of the Caribbean islands, was stormed by the British in 1804 and besieged for 17 months. However, they finally abandoned the Rock to the French .
In 1837, Saint Lucia, The Jewel and Anse d'Arlet formed the South city. On March 19, 1862, Le Diamant, separated from the others, became independent.
To see / To do
Anse Diamant Beach: The main beach of Le Diamant is located on the Grande Anse, one of the most visited beaches of the island but also one of the most dangerous. Indeed, because of the current, swimming can be dangerous.
The Bagnard House: Built by Médart Aribot (sentenced to 15 years hard labor in Cayenne in 1925) in the early 1960s, this brightly colored house has a nice view on the Anse of Le Diamant. It was listed as a historical monument in October 2006.
Anse Cafard Memorial: This site pays tribute to the sinking of a slave ship with 300 slaves on board in 1830. These fifteen Trinidad white sand statues were made by sculptor Laurent Valere, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Triangle shapped, they symbolize the triangular trade.
Museum of shells and sea: More than 4000 sea shells from around the world are exposed, including those from Martinique, Guadeloupe and Mexico.
Author : Bérengère© |
