We meet Davy, from Denis Excursions, at the marina in Le François. A little loaded – we bring our coolers, our stuff for the two days – the whole gang (6 of us) boards the yawl and off we go!
Heading forOscar Islet
Set course for Oscar islet, a familiar sight to all Martiniquais. It’s one of the essential stops on excursions to discover the islets of Le François, opposite Josephine’s Bathtub.We sail between the cayes and the islets of Métrente, Pelé, Long… before docking at the small pontoon of Oscar islet. This islet is protected by the coral reef and surrounded bytranslucent waters. We marvel at the view that unfolds before our eyes, the path that leads to the house, shaded by the vegetation and its gallery. Yves, the keeper of the islet, gives us a warm welcome:
“Welcome to Oscar Islet!
La Maison de l'îlet Oscar
He shows us around:
- the wooden Creole house with its old-world charm
- the four bedrooms
- the large living room overlooking the sea, with its beautiful chess table
- the bar where the traditional ti-punch is prepared
- the kitchen in another wing
- the surrounding area with its terrace and deckchairs
- the various carbets and kiosks where we can set up for our meals…
It’s going to be great!
For €250 per room, you take the reins of your stay. The janitor, Yves, is on hand to welcome you, but he can also let you enjoy your privacy. The colonial-style house overlooks the Fonds Blancs and the Baignoire de Joséphine.
Tastefully furnished with period furniture, each of the 4 bedrooms overlooks the sea and has its own en-suite bathroom. Each room has a 180×200 four-poster bed with ornamental mosquito netting. An extra bedroom with 3 beds (without bathroom) can accommodate children and teenagers. Bed linen and towels are provided.
We leave our belongings in the bedrooms and put away our provisions in the kitchen. Just enough time to put on a swimsuit, grab the masks and snorkels provided and off we go to the pontoon! We settle down on the sunbeds in the shade of the straw hut, while the kids dive into the clear lagoon water. Swimming is safe and protected. Relaxation for all! This lunchtime, we’ve planned to have smoked chicken, sweet potato chips and raw vegetables. We don’t feel like cooking, just enjoying ourselves… We spend the afternoon chilling out, swimming and chatting – it just feels so good.
We then take the two kayaks provided and set off on a tour of the islet together. It’s magical! The shades of blue change color all day long, depending on the position of the sun, so it’s a real eye-opener…
Part of the islet is reserved for day-trippers, but there is no interference with the occupants of the house. Protected by a biotope decree, walking around the islet is now prohibited.
While the kids are already in the water, we’re busy in the kitchen preparing our Creole brunch. On the menu: ti nain morue, pain beurre chocolat, juice, plates of fresh fruit, tea and coffee. Settled under the large carbet, everyone enjoys a convivial family meal, just as we like it in the West Indies! Afterwards, there’s nothing like a little digestive break. Rest and serenity stretched out on a deckchair facing the sea, curled up in a hammock on the veranda, perched on a swing contemplating the swimming, flippers, masks, snorkels and sea kayaks are at your disposal to discover the surrounding white seabed. The real luxury here is doing exactly what you want!The afternoon passes quietly, and I take a few photos to capture some snapshots of this adventure…
As agreed, Davy returns to pick us up around 5pm for our return to land and real life.
We’re a little sad to be leaving ” our home “, but we’re also aware that we’ve been lucky enough to live an off-the-beaten-track experience. The kids have stars in their eyes (“Say, Mom, can we come back next weekend?”) and we have precious memories.
It wasa top weekend!
We' d like you to do it for us!
If you stay at the Maison de l’îlet Oscar, there’s plenty to do in Le François and on the Atlantic coast!
- Water sports: discover the islets of Le François and Le Robert, yawl rides, kayak or paddle excursions, sport fishing, boat rentals…
- Culture and heritage: visit theHabitation Clément and the Fondation Clément museum, discover the A1710 distillery, Le François church…