Saint Pierre

Saint-Pierre Martinique: Pictures and Description

Saint-Pierre, once nicknamed "Little Paris," was wiped off the map in 90 seconds during the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée on May 8, 1902. Out of around forty ships anchored in the bay, only the Roddan escaped the pyroclastic flows. In the city, 30,000 people perished, with only 2 survivors. History would remember only one, the prisoner Cyparis, who was sheltered by his cell.

History

The colonial history of Martinique began in Saint-Pierre when Pierre Belain d'Estanbuc, accompanied by a hundred settlers, dropped anchor in September 1635. The city of Saint-Pierre grew rapidly, and by 1660, it already had over 5,000 inhabitants. During the 18th century, numerous ships made port calls there, and it quickly became the commercial capital.

As it prospered, Saint-Pierre acquired a cathedral, the largest theater in the Caribbean, running water, a botanical garden, electricity, and even a tramway at the end of the 19th century. It was also known for its sinful pleasures, considered the most immoral in the Caribbean, yet one of the most beautiful and cultured. After the eruption of 1902, Fort-de-France became the commercial capital (unopposed), and the site of Saint-Pierre remained uninhabited for over 20 years.

Activities to do in Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre had a challenging time recovering from its ashes. In 1990, this village of 5,000 inhabitants was designated the 101st "City of Art and History." A pilgrimage to Saint-Pierre will allow you to discover the few remnants of the city's heyday: the old theater, the ruins of the fort, Cyparis's cell, and more. A small train offers a guided tour, recounting the history of the city and the eruption in detail.

The volcanology museum is also worth a visit, showcasing various objects transformed by the heat of the pyroclastic flows and displaying several images of the city's destruction. Saint-Pierre is a magnificent site, facing a beautiful bay and nestled against the foothills of Mount Pelée. Numerous hiking trails start from Saint-Pierre.

Staying in Saint-Pierre

Spending a few days in Saint-Pierre to explore the northern part of the island can be a wise choice and avoids the long drive from other Martinique house rentals options.