What makes the native spirit of Martinique one of the most characteristic of the Lesser Antilles?
You'll begin to discover it in Sainte-Marie, on a visit to the historic distillery of St. James with your guide. Here, you'll learn all about how the island's most popular rum is made: from "vesou", the purest sugarcane juice, to the refining process that takes place in traditional "Creole columns".
It will all become clear as you wander through the museum: from carvings to mills and agricultural machinery, the liquor of the Caribbean will hold no more secrets for you. Not even its origins, which are linked to a religious alchemist from 1765.
Then, it's off to Morne Rouge, where a lunch break in a typical restaurant is a celebration of Creole flavors and music. And of course, rum is an essential ingredient! Here, it's a daily ritual.
Then, the change of scene is moving: wander through the ruins of Saint-Pierre, the former capital that was destroyed by the fiery La Pelée volcano in 1902. And keep an eye out for the remains of an old barracks: part of the cell of the sole survivor is still standing!