Pearl of the French West Indies, Little Paris, Tropical Venice, Pompeii of the Caribbean, Phoenix rising from the ashes—these are just some of the nicknames given to Saint-Pierre. A unique city of art and history ripped apart by a volcano, its architecture and heritage can be discovered beneath and above the ashes of the eruption. A magnificent city, a destroyed city, a resilient city.
Perched at the foot of Mount Pelée, Saint-Pierre invites you on a unique journey of memory, culture, and heritage. The first city founded in Martinique in 1635, it was the starting point for French colonization in the Caribbean. It became the largest port in the Lesser Antilles, welcoming ships and merchants from Europe and America. On the eve of the 20th century, with its 30,000 inhabitants, numerous infrastructures, renowned theater, and elegant streets, Saint-Pierre embodied modernity and prestige; its influence made it the cultural and economic capital of Martinique for nearly three centuries.
But on May 8, 1902, at 8:02 a.m., everything changed. A devastating pyroclastic flow erupted from the volcano Mount Pelée, razing the entire city in a matter of minutes and killing nearly 28,000 people. An unprecedented tragedy that forever marked the history of Martinique.
In 1923, with its status as a commune restored, Saint-Pierre began its reconstruction, often on the very foundations of the old city. This renaissance gave life to a unique city where modern architecture rubs shoulders with historical ruins in a grandiose setting. Today, Saint-Pierre is classified as a Town of Art and History—the only one in Martinique—and offers you an unforgettable journey into its past and vibrant culture.
Throughout the year, experience cultural events and modern mediation to help everyone understand its unique past. The Carnival, the May of Saint-Pierre, guided tours, urban games and Escape Games, as well as highlights around heritage, archaeology, and architecture, allow visitors to discover the warm and resilient soul of this phoenix city. Saint-Pierre is not just a great historical site, it is an experience to be lived.
