Habitation Anse Latouche - History

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.

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