House14 Iletoscar Francois MartiniqueHouse14 Iletoscar Francois Martinique
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We rented a house on an islet...La Maison de l'îlet Oscarin complete freedom!

A weekend at the Maison de l’îlet Oscar

This weekend we had a unique experience: with some friends and their children, we rented the Maison de l’îlet Oscar in Le François, as if it were our weekend home! No set times, no constraints, just the pleasure of living at our own pace. Meals, swimming, relaxation and discovery are all on the agenda. For our young Robinsons, the weekend already has a whiff of adventure about it…

Heading forOscar Islet

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!

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!

An exceptional site steeped in history

Historically built on the neighboring islet Thierry, the house was lost in a game of chance by its owner to the owner of Oscar islet.It was dismantled piece by piece, then set adrift on the banks of Oscar islet, where it was rebuilt in 1935. Both comfortable and authentic, the house is maintained with constant respect for the environment: photovoltaic panels providing all the electricity, solar water heater, rainwater recovery system, no discharge of wastewater into the sea, of course….L’îlet Oscar is listed in the inventory of historic sites to be preserved. The biotope is protected by a prefectoral decree.

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!

The rooms

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.

Sunrises and sunsets at Maison de l'îlet Oscar

Just breathtaking!

While I prepare the ti-punch and cocktails, my friends take care of the meal in the kitchen. We sit on the veranda and watch the sun set over the sea. Contemplative moonlight, with the feeling of being alone in the world… This simple pleasure is priceless: it’s the gentle Creole way of life and the happiness of a privileged moment. Exhausted by a day of playing and diving, the children collapse into sleep in their rooms. Outside, it’s absolutely calm. In the bedroom, it’s cool thanks to the steady trade winds, and I don’t even turn on the available fan.

   The next morning, we’re up bright and early to watch the sunrise behind Islet Thierry.

New colors on the pontoon and on the sea, absolute calm and serenity, nature awakens…

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!

  • Once a family home, then a guest house, the house on the Oscar islet is now available to rent for a day, a weekend or a vacation in the Robinson spirit… That’s what seduced us and gave us the desire for this getaway.
  • A unique setting for your events. For a special day, a wedding, a family reunion or a seminar, the Islet Oscar house is available by the day. Your guests can sleep in one of the 4 bedrooms (+ 1 for young people). It’s the magic touch that will make your event an exceptional moment.

We' d like you to do it for us!

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