Sunday 23 to Tuesday 25 March 2014

 

On Sunday we drove north east through the centre of the island to the east coast.  The valleys and mountains are picturesque and the scale of the island has taken us by surprise as has the volume of traffic.  We passed through ‘Le Robert’ on the way to ‘La Trinite’ both of which were uninspiring.

 

Just off La Trinite is the Caravelle peninsular which is a national park.  We stopped in the Baie de Tartane to find a place for lunch.  There were many cafes and restaurants in Tartane but they were nearly all full with people out for the weekend.  At one place we grabbed a table as it was being vacated.  We thought all of the dishes were reasonably priced and then discovered that they all came with a starter and dessert which made them ridiculously cheap.  The food was simple but beautifully done and served with pride.  Our Sunday roast dinner was postponed.

 

 

Basic but nice (the cafe/restaurant!):-

 

 

 

 

At the end of the peninsular, overlooking the sea is Chateau Dubuc.  This is a restored sugar and coffee plantation complete with slave accommodation.

 

 

The foundations and remains of three small long narrow warehouses:-

 

 

 

 

 

The animal driven mill.  Mule used to be tethered to the three central arms:-

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday we had a look at the south east.  The village of Le Vauclin was pretty and we drove on to Le Francois which was not.  It was quite industrial and run down but in complete contrast there is a small peninsular nearby with pleasant beach facilities with well tended grassy areas and picnic benches.

 

 

 

Beachside picnic area:-

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday morning we toured the nearby areas before returning the car at midday.  There is a long, beautiful beach at Pointe des Salines at the south west tip of Martinique:-. 

 

 

 

 

There are frequent stalls by the roadside selling barbequed chicken which are well frequented, especially on Sunday.  Some sell fruit, vegetables and fish as well:-