La Savane des Esclaves – Musée de l’esclavage aux Trois-îlets |

400 years of Martinique history

Nestled in a 3-hectare landscaped park, this open-air museum, built by Gilbert Larose, transports you through 400 years of history, from the arrival of the first peoples to the post-slavery era, offering visitors an enriching and moving experience . It’s been a while since I’ve been to La Savane des Esclaves! In addition to the historical spaces, the park, gardens and variety of activities make it a great place for the whole family to stroll and enjoy culture.

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As soon as I arrive, I’m welcomed into a charming Creole hut, where I’m handed a map equipped with QR codes. This QR code system for visitors is a great idea! Everyone can experience the park with their smartphone, in whatever direction they choose, free to linger in front of each space and the information panels scattered throughout the park, each offering a unique immersion in Martinican culture and traditions.

Allow 1h30-2h for the visit (excluding cocoa and cassava workshops).

Free booking

Themed areas

Memories of our ancestors” museum

I tour the site, starting with the small “Memories of our Ancestors” museum, where life-size statues carved from wood depict the lives of slaves on the plantations. An explanatory video by Gilbert Larose presents the history of La Savane des Esclaves, its approach to preserving and promoting cultural heritage and food… It’s an essential introduction to make your visit as meaningful as possible.

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Antan Lontan Village

Starting from Place de l’Esclave Romain – named after the slave who sparked the revolt that led to the abolition of slavery inabolition of slavery in 1848 – I begin my walk in the Village Antan Lontan and its Rue Case-Nègres , which details the life of slaves in their homes.

Rue Case Nègres

An emotionally rich – and thought-provoking – dive into the daily lives of slaves through an immersive reconstruction of their habitat and way of life. We discover their ti-baume wooden huts, and the way they were treated (and punished…), with the help of tool displays and staged scenes.

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The 25 traditional huts at La Savane des Esclaves are made entirely of ti balsam wood, reeds, cane and latanier leaves.

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Creole garden

Medicinal garden

The village is reminiscent of the post-slavery past, with its traditional huts and its Creole and medicinal gardens providing sustenance and passing on the knowledge of the ancestors. The many species planted there still survive today in the Creole garden of the Martiniquais, brought up to date by the quest for organic produce and healthy eating…

Kalinago Village

Further on, the Kalinago Village pays tribute to the Amerindian civilization, the first inhabitants of the island before the arrival of the colonists.The village museum, with its various “carbets”, highlights ancestral traditions: way of life, rituals… Numerous information panels and displays transport me back in time. From the top of the stone amphitheater, there’s a lovely panoramic view of the Savane des Esclaves site. This is where the various shows organized by the Savane des Esclaves take place.

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Savanedesesclaves35 Troisilets Martinique

Cassava & Vegetable Flours

I then head for the new Maison de transformation de légumes pays, perched high above Kalinago Village.

The view is splendid: the site is 180 degrees above us !

Here you can meet Ti Gilbert and his son, in their new workshop. These enthusiasts will show you the secrets of processing cassava, various vegetables and fruits, including a range of flours (dachine, cassava, breadfruit, banana…) and powders (mango, peyi currant…).

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Kassav Savanedesesclaves Troisilets Martinique

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You can buy, order or sit on the terrace of the little snack bar: I ordered a cassave with cod chiquetaille and a crepe with kako stick, and my friend ordered cod accras and sweet potato fries.

Artisanal ice creams

We continue strolling through this beautiful place. Before leaving, I indulge in La Manioquerie, home to La Case à Glaces, where I enjoy an atoumo sorbet made with fruit and plants from the bo kay garden.

Of course , all the products come from the garden.

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The artisans' boutique

I end my visit at the Boutique, where I find a selection of “Made in Martinique” handicrafts, books on the nature and history of Martinique, Gilbert Larose’s comics, spices, jams, flours, soaps and other local specialties.

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Workshops & Shows

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Throughout the year, the Savane is a place to meet and exchange ideas, it’s a real place of life. We organize :

Cocoa stick-making workshops
Craft and organic markets
Migannaj Kiltirel” traditional dance performances, presented by Ballet Tifermasc
Concerts

Agenda

La Savane des Esclaves is much more than just a museum, it’s a journey through time and the history of this thousand-faceted island. It’s also the commitment of a man, an entire family, a team, collaborators and historians who have made this place what it is.

Thank you Gilbert for this constantly evolving place, your success is well deserved!

Information & free booking

Discovering La Savane des Esclaves