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©4x43 Otantik4x4 Martinique|MDES
In the heart of Martinique with O'tantik 4x4

4×4 excursion with O’tantik 4×4

Enjoy an unforgettable 4×4 experience with O’tantik 4×4. From Les Trois-Ilets and Rivière Salée, embark on a picturesque adventure and discover the island’s unspoilt natural beauty.

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©Olivier2 Banana Otantik4x4 Martinique
Olivier Breleur

O'tantik 4x4 manager and guide

Discover the North of Martinique

Today I tested for you a day in the north with O’tantik 4×4. The promise? Discover Martinique off the beaten track, immersed in a terroir deeply rooted in the island’s landscapes. And this promise is more than fulfilled! We’re discovering and learning a lot thanks to Olivier, our guide and driver… We meet at Rivière Salée for a 7:30 am departure. As we’re a group of 10, we’re leaving in two vehicles, with Joris as our second guide.

If you’re staying at Pointe du Bout aux Trois Ilets, Olivier can pick you up in front of your hotel or vacation rental.

Unusual roads

Olivier’s 4×4, a big 7-seater Nissan, is very comfortable and takes all the small roads without a hitch. With him, I discovered a Martinique I’d never seen before, along little roads I’d never have taken on my own! Signposts mark our route: D28, D15, D25… as the landscape around us changes. Plains of Rivière Salée and Le Lamentin, farmland, forest, banana and sugarcane fields. The route follows the Route des Crêtes, a magnificent road that skirts the peaks of the Mornes, offering spectacular views of the interior of Martinique and the Atlantic coast.

Breathtaking views

to take your breath away!

Get your cameras ready, as Olivier makes a number of stops to take in the breathtaking views! On the heights of Rivière Salée, the view of Trois-Ilets and the bay of Fort de France is spectacular. On the route des crêtes, at Morne Poirier, it’s one of the best views of Tartane, Trinité and the Caravelle peninsula I’ve ever seen.

At Marigot level, we discover a breathtaking panorama of the sugar loaf of Anse Charpentier and the neighbouring island of Dominica!

The Caribbean banana

The tour takes us through numerous banana plantations, including a stop at a processing plant. Here again, Olivier tells us all about the Guadeloupe & Martinique banana, from planting to packing and shipping to mainland France. We see the various processing phases of this emblematic fruit. Super interesting! We even take the opportunity to taste…

A top-notch guide

Olivier is a super-friendly bilingual guide, absolutely passionate, whose knowledge of Martinique and its flora is impressive! His good humor is pleasant and infectious.

Creole and marketgardens

All around us, the countryside and farmland remind us that Martinique is rich in terroir, fruit and vegetables, incredible trees… Much of the land is devoted to growing sugar cane and bananas, but the heart of the island is also devoted to market gardening. Our guide reminds us of the particularities of the Creole garden, the traditional “bo kay garden” of the Martiniquais.

A veritable encyclopedia, he shows and describes numerous trees, medicinal plants and fruits, and his explanations are clear and full of sympathetic anecdotes.

Culture and traditions

As we drive through the Morne des Esses district, Olivier takes the opportunity to evoke two of Sainte-Marie’s cultural traditions that have endured over the centuries: basket-making and bèlè!

Visit to the J.M distillery

The North Martinique day includes a visit to the J.M distillery in Macouba, one of our most beautiful distilleries, particularly renowned for its aged rums. It’s also one of my favorites, and I’ve already told you all about it. This time, Olivier takes us on a guided tour. Of course, the tour ends with a tasting session and a few purchases of J.M. rums.

A feast for the senses

The whole day is punctuated by gourmet breaks. Here a Martinique banana, there star fruit, guava wedges andpineapple cubes, accompanied by fresh juices, arranged rums and a deliciousplanteur. At lunchtime, Olivier takes us to a typical Creole restaurant. Sometimes the tour includes a lunch break at a local‘s home. The meal is full of the flavors and aromas characteristic of West Indian cuisine. Fish kebab, chicken colombo and coconut blancmange. Very tasty!

Swimming break at the waterfall

On the way back, we pass through the small commune of Ajoupa Bouillon before stopping at the Saut Gendarme waterfall. Immersed in the lush vegetation of the north, the trail leads to a basin into which the waterfall cascades. Perfect for our swim stop!

The Route de la Trace and the rainforest

The return journey to Fort-de-France takes you along one of Martinique’s most beautiful roads: the Route de la Trace, in the heart of the rainforest. Lined with giant beacon trees, tree ferns, bamboo and gigantic trees, it winds its way over rivers and streams. We grab a bite to eat at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur de Balata church, with its panoramic view over Fort-de-France and Les Trois-îlets. We return in good spirits, our heads full of images, sensations and shared memories.

We' d like you to do it for us !

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