ÎLET RAMIERS
A small strombolian volcano a few hundred thousand years old, this islet was quickly fitted with an artillery piece and fortified to the point of becoming an essential device in the defense of the bay of Fort-de-France. Between 1703 and 1739, over 200 cannons were built in Martinique! From a simple battery around 1728 to a fortification project in 1746, the fort forbade any intrusion into the bay, aligning itself with Pointe-des-Nègres. Ilet Ramiers (or Ilet-à-Ramiers) is the gateway to Fort-de-France from the south coast, and Pointe-des-Nègres is the gateway to Fort-de-France from the north Caribbean coast.
This virtually impregnable islet is nestled on a steep rock. Attackers could only approach it from one point: a landing stage protected by a guardhouse. At the top is a flat plateau - only accessible by a ladder 70 feet above the sea - containing three coastal batteries, military accommodation and a gunpowder magazine; several of these buildings are listed historic monuments. The rock played a defensive role until 1876, then served as a lazaretto and military hospital for brief periods, in addition to the Pointe-du-Bout fort. A military rest center in the 1960s, this 3-hectare islet is now a site protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral for its flora and fauna, in particular the endemic Lesser Antillean iguana. It is forbidden to enter.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on ÎLET RAMIERS
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners
