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Habitation Anse Latouche - History

Historic site and monument, House , Ruins and remains in Le Carbet
17,5 Full-fare
  • The Habitation Anse Latouche in Le Carbet was partially destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée on 8 May 1902. With its ruins still visible and well-preserved, it is the oldest in Martinique. This historic site is now home to Martinique Zoo.

  • A little history:
    Anse Latouche is listed as the oldest house on the island. It
    belonged to Guillaume d'Orange. The latter gave his daughter in marriage to François
    Samuel de la Touche, who gave his name to the house.

    At the end of the 17th century, Sieur Banchereau became the new owner. He bought 300
    hectares from several owners, making the estate one of the largest in Martinique.
    Nestling in the hollow of a valley, all the conditions were in place to ensure the Habitation's...
    A little history:
    Anse Latouche is listed as the oldest house on the island. It
    belonged to Guillaume d'Orange. The latter gave his daughter in marriage to François
    Samuel de la Touche, who gave his name to the house.

    At the end of the 17th century, Sieur Banchereau became the new owner. He bought 300
    hectares from several owners, making the estate one of the largest in Martinique.
    Nestling in the hollow of a valley, all the conditions were in place to ensure the Habitation's prosperity.
    its prosperity: river, valley, volcanic soil, leeward coastline...

    For more than two centuries, numerous economic activities developed here:
    sugar refinery, distillery, indigoterie, manioquerie, cocoa, coffee and tobacco growing, a blacksmith's and a pottery.
    a blacksmith's shop and a pottery. It became a model for all the other settlements on the island.

    Unfortunately, on 8 May 1902, the Habitation was largely destroyed by the eruption of mount
    Pelée eruption. The ruins bear witness to this prosperous era:
    ● The dwelling: built in a wealthy colonial style, it was built on two levels (a real architectural feat for the time).
    architectural feat for its time),
    ● The ornamental pool: located in the centre of the formal garden, a fountain bears the date
    in the centre, bears the date 1748,
    ● The remains of some workers' huts,
    ● The indigoterie: consisting of 2 staircase-shaped vats. After draining, the indigo
    was dried and used to dye clothes,
    ● The manioc factory: This was where cassava was processed. To be eaten, the
    tuber had to be washed, peeled, ground to a pulp, pressed, dried on heated plates
    to obtain cassava flour,
    ● Mill mechanisms: the sugar mill operated from the 17th to the 20th century.
    In the 17th century, it was equipped with an ox-drawn carousel, then a water-powered mill, with
    with a large paddle wheel. A distillery was installed at the end of the 19th century.
    century with a steam engine to complement the water mill.
    ● The cane slide: you can see the old pillars of the slide, a sort of toboggan that was used to slide the cane through the mill.
    which was used to slide the canes.
    ● The dyke and aqueduct: the Vauban-style reservoir bears the date 1716.

    Unfortunately, on 8 May 1902, the Habitation was largely destroyed by the eruption of mount
    Pelée eruption. The ruins bear witness to this prosperous era:
    ● The dwelling: built in a wealthy colonial style, it was built on two levels (a real architectural feat for the time).

    This unique site bears witness to the importance of Martinique's heritage. During your
    visit, you'll discover some of the protected animal species of this new-generation
    the remains of the Habitation Latouche, and the magnificent garden created by
    Jean-Philippe Thoze.

    Prices 2023
    Adult ticket: €17.50
    Child ticket: €12

    Two-site pass - adult: €31.50
    PASS two sites - child (3 to 12 years): 21€.
    Last admission to Martinique Zoo is at 4.30pm.

    When you arrive, don't forget to mention that you've come on our recommendation. Tell us about your visit and leave us a comment.
  • Spoken languages
    • English
    • French Creole
    • French
Rates
Payment methods
  • Bank card
  • Cheque
  • Holiday cheques
  • Cash
  • Rates
  • Adult
    17.50 €
  • Child rate
    12 €
  • Child rate
    Free
Openings
  • From January 1, 2023
    until December 31, 2024
  • Monday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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