On arrival, I’m greeted by Carine, daughter of “Tante Arlette”, who passionately carries on the tradition of this emblematic place. Founded over 70 years ago, this hotel-restaurant is an institution of Creole cuisine, rooted in Martinican culture. It has witnessed three generations of dedicated women, including Lucie Charpentier, nicknamed “Tante Arlette”, who have devoted their lives to authentic West Indian cuisine.
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Hotel** - Restaurant Tante ArletteCreole Cuisine and Family Traditionin Grand Rivière
CreoleHeritage and Tradition
A family affair!
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Carine, who has been at the helm of Tante Arlette for almost 15 years, continues to carefully preserve the family culinary heritage while running the commune’s only hotel. The establishment, with its 10 comfortable rooms, attracts a varied clientele, from vacationers to hikers and residents, all looking foran authentic stay. Planning to extend my stay until the following day, I booked a superior room for the night. Before enjoying my breakfast and touring the hotel, I take a moment to sit on the terrace and chat with her.
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Authentic Creole cuisine
Ancestral Martinique recipes– Carine, what do you think contributes to the success of Tante Arlette?
“I think it’s a combination of factors. First, there are our family recipes, handed down from mother to daughter since 1950, which are now part of our culinary heritage. Our cooks continue to use local ingredients, cooked using the same ancestral techniques. Hospitality is also essential. Our customers, both holidaymakers and residents, particularly appreciate the warm, family atmosphere, and have remained loyal over the years. Martiniquaislove coming to us to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, Mother’s Day, Easter, New Year’s Eve…”
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– What dishes have contributed to the restaurant’s reputation?
“Being located in a fishing commune, our specialties are logically based around seafood. We’re the only ones on the island to offer Accras de titiris, the rare little fish from the north of Martinique.
Our signature dishes include Boudin de poisson (fish pudding), Langouste grillée aromatisée au beurre de roucou ( grilled lobster flavored with roucou butter), Marmite du pêcheur (a generous blend of lobster, fish, crayfish and crabs), Grillade du pêcheur (grilled lobster, crayfish and catfish) and Fricassée du écrevisses (crayfish fricassee served with a gratin).crabs), Grillade du pêcheur (grilled lobster, crayfish and catfish), Fricassée d’écrevisses, served with gratin and local vegetables.
As for desserts, our customers love our Moelleux de patates douces, Bananes flambées and Blanc-manger coco, which is also my favorite!
These dishes have become staples of our establishment.”
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Gastro BananaGastro Banana
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Hotel Tante Arlette ** (French only)
The only one in the North AtlanticAfter a delicious lunch, Carine shows me around the hotel and its facilities. Originally a simple guesthouse, the growing demand for accommodation from tourists and locals led to the creation of a 2-star hotel. The hotel comprises 10 rooms, all carefully furnished in a zen and natural style. Guests can choose between two room categories: Chambres Confort and Chambres Supérieures. Each air-conditioned room has a private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi access. Reservations are highly recommended, as rooms are often fully booked!
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Spa and Solarium
For relaxation, the hotel offers a cosy lounge area overlooking part of the garden,
as well as a solarium and spa on the roof terrace.
This wellness area is particularly appreciated, especially after a hike, when a relaxing session in the spa is more than welcome…
Grand'Rivière, a unique commune
It’s 4 p.m. and I’m off for a stroll through the village of Grand’Rivière, a unique commune that embodies the soul of Martinique’s North Atlantic region. The atmosphere here is special: a soothing tranquility reigns, and the inhabitants are extremely friendly, revealing the authenticity of a deep, unspoilt Martinique.
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Sinai Beach Grand'Riviere Martinique
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Riviere Ville Grandriviere MartiniqueBattery recharged, it's time for a new day !
Following a restful night’s sleep in comfortable bedding, I wake up to enjoy breakfast on the terrace, with a choice of savory or sweet options. I greet the guests I met the day before, who are getting ready to go hiking. Carine, always attentive, has prepared a special packed lunch for their excursion. To return to Grand’Rivière after the hike, they will call on the “boat-taxis” of the Baspin brothers from the ” Terre Mer ” company.
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Andnow it’s time for me to leave. On the way back, I stop at the Grand’Rivière bridge to take a souvenir photo, my heart full of emotion and happiness after this unforgettable experience.
Thank you Carine for your warm welcome, your generosity and your kindness.
Traditional Creole cuisine handed down from mother to daughter.
Tante Arlette’s philosophy
