Tourism Guide Le Lamentin en Martinique
Second city of Martinique behind Fort de France, Lamentin is in the center of the island, in the Fort de France Bay. Lamentin covers the only plain of the island whose landscape is made up of mangroves. The town is surrounded by sugarcane and banana fields.
If the tourist attraction is not its greatest asset, Lamentin is nevertheless the most dynamic city of Martinique.
History
The town, which dates back to the seventeenth century, was named after the marine mammal which once inhabited the Fort de France Bay, "the manatee." Manatees have been hunted to extinction for their skins and fat by the first Amerindian and European occupants. It is said that a manatee was found beached on the banks of the river and the town has been named Lamentin (Manatee) since then. A statue outside the town hall pays tribute to the aquatic animal.
Economy
In the 60s, Lamentin was growing rapidly and became economically important thanks to the creation of several industrial and commercial areas. As such, the town was recognized as the economic heart of the island, home to Aimé Césaire International Airport (one of the most modern in the Caribbean) and a major refinery.
To see / To do
La Favorite Distillery: This small family industry was create in 1842 and works only with steam. Its white rum is is the sweetest of Martinique.
Perrine Farm: this wildlife park that covers 12 hectares hosts farmyard animals running free but also exotic animals: parrots, jaguars... Visitors will evolve into a lush and green area with palms and mangroves.
Burnet Rose Garden: large private property producing temperate flowers (80,000 roses) and tropical flowers. Author : Bérengère© |
