Lorrain

Where is Lorrain in Martinique?

Away from the urban bustle on the Atlantic coast of Martinique, preserved, almost wild, the town of Lorrain offers the calm of a small country town, bordered by the Atlantic Sea. If you are looking for the experience of a picture holiday, do not hesitate, this is the place for you. Crossed by three rivers, between valleys and hills, the town of Lorrain is renowned for its lush tropical vegetation.

Aimé Césaire Airport is about an hour's drive from Lorrain. The town of Lorrain is located between Sainte-Marie 15 minutes further south and Grand-Rivière further north, 40 minutes by car.

How to get to Lorrain in Martinique?

There are two main roads that will allow you to access Lorrain: the legendary Route de la Trace or the Nationale 3, starting from the center of the island and crossing the interior. It is also possible to take the Nationale 1, which runs along the Atlantic coast of Martinique.

It is by choosing the latter that you will cross the towns of Sainte-Marie and Marigot before arriving in Lorrain.

Magnificent landscapes await you on the road: the ocean as far as the eye can see on one side and the fields of cane and bananas on the other.

The Trace Route, which was marked out by the Jesuits to bypass the Carbet peaks, is also worth a detour. Let yourself be captivated by the lush nature and the surrounding silence, only interrupted by the birdsong of this tropical universe.

What to do and what to see in Lorrain in Martinique?

It is mainly the banana which is cultivated and exploited in the town of Lorrain. It is for this reason that the town is nicknamed the "Kingdom of the banana" and that the banana festival is held there every two years. It’s about a weekend where the streets of Lorrain fill up and dances and tastings of banana products are organized.

Formerly a sugar community, Lorrain has been converted into bananas after the sugar crisis that affected the island of Martinique in the 18th century. At the time, the Lorrain had no less than 17 sugar refineries within its community.

For hiking enthusiasts, discover the coastal path "la crabière". It’s a real immersion in the heart of Martinique’s nature. Immerse yourself in the wild lands of the island where you will discover the vestiges of a sugar factory at the bend of a path.

Some other vestiges crossed on the way will be as many occasions to give free rein to your imagination as for the history of the places.

If you are looking for an authentic touch, go to La Case à Cassava. Here, you can taste the delicious cassava (cassava pancakes) and the fierce avocado (preparation made from avocado, cod and oil) produced by the Ragald Family.

It is also in Lorrain that you will have the opportunity to taste the famous Battery Syrup (a concentrate of cane juice obtained by evaporation, used for the preparation of rum or as a means of sweetening) produced at the Moulin Jouan with respect for pure tradition. It is the last mill on the island of Martinique where battery syrup is still traditionally made. Please note, visits and tastings are done on Saturday morning or by appointment only, so remember to book in advance. And if not for a visit to the mill, the panoramic view from the terrace is worth the detour. In case of hunger, it is possible to have lunch at the restaurant of the mill.

Once in the town of Lorrain, the Saint Hyacinthe church and its naive style war memorial are worth a detour.

In case of strong heat, rush to Chez Tante Jeanne, an artisanal ice cream shop located in a small street in the village. Taste here one of the best sorbets on the island of Martinique!

Another point of interest in Lorrain, when the sky is clear, is to try to see the magnificent Pelée mountain from the heights of the discreet community: lift your nose, it is just opposite!

Finally, the long gray sandy beaches of Lorrain are not recommended for swimming because they are considered dangerous because of the sea currents. However, they are particularly suitable for horse riding and offer a superb view of the Atlantic Ocean.