The European Heritage Days invite you to explore the unique links that unite our island to the sea.

 September 21 and 22 discover iconic sites, captivating exhibitions and immersive activities under the theme “Maritime Heritage and Heritage of Networks and Connections”.

 Dive in the history of lighthouses and forts, admire the remains of ancient maritime activities and traditional boats, explore ancient navigation and fishing techniques ….

 Join we to celebrate the maritime heritage of Martinique and discover the links that unite us to the sea!

This year visitors are invited to discover or rediscover:

Le Toumelin ©Martinique veils of yesteryear

Presentation of the restoration yard of the school ship "Le Toumelin"

Born from the passion of Pierre Brenet in 1971, this amazing ferro-cement ship inspired by the last Newfoundlanders has been protected as a historical monument since 2018. Currently under restoration, with the support of DAC Martinique and the Heritage Foundation, it will be open to the public for JEP 2024 and for schools on Friday. On the site, the public will discover thanks to the Association Martinique voile d'antan its history and the specific know-how mobilized today for its restoration.

To complete its restoration, the association calls for donations to mobilize the generosity of the public.

To contribute, it is here: Kitty: Help save "Le Toumelin" jewel of the maritime heritage of Martinique - Leetchi.com

Fort of the Ilet with ramiers©chopins editions

Exceptional discovery of the fort of Ilet in Ramiers with the association "Karisko" 

Located south of the bay of Fort-de-France, its name comes from a wild pigeon. From a simple battery in 1728, it was fortified from 1746. Property of the Conservatoire du Littoral, this exceptional historical monument both by its heritage, natural and geological, was selected in 2018 by the Mission Patrimoine en Péril to support the project of its restoration. For the JEP 2024, the association Karisko, manager, will bring in traditional yole the public on the islet to attend scripted tours and participate in an escape game «In pursuit of the Treasure of the Fort».

La Yole©lyph association

This year come discover or rediscover the Yole and encourage and celebrate the women of the Martiniquaise yole who go to conquer their heritage  The YOL-LADIES challenge promises to be sporty, bold and inspiring!

The round yole of Martinique is listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage and the regattas of yole go beyond the only event dimension: ``It is a matter of a whole people'' Aimé Césaire. The history of this traditional boat begins from the 17th century. Originally the yole was used for fishing, transporting people, equipment and products of all kinds. Over time, this element of Martinique culture aroused a real enthusiasm for round yole regattas.

 Caravelle lighthouse©chopin editions

Exceptional visit of the Caravelle lighthouse

In the heart of the classified site of the peninsula of Caravelle, protected for its landscape value and its unique biodiversity, the Regional Natural Park of Martinique, will exceptionally open the doors of the Lighthouse of Caravelle. Built in 1861 and oldest in Martinique, this historical monument is the highest lighthouse in France, it culminates in 162.55 metres above sea level. Little modified since its commissioning, the public will be able to discover this witness of the richness of the maritime heritage of the island of Martinique. 

These days are also an opportunity to discover:

Chantiers Rempart and their involvement in the preservation of our heritage 

Two volunteer sessions were held from 8 to 17 and from 19 to 28 July, which brought together 16 volunteers to intervene again on the restoration project of the old neighborhood school of Balata. These projects were organized with the support of the city of Fort-de-France, RSMA, DRAJES and DAC. On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the site will be open to the public.

Battleyard©dacMartinic

^{The Culture Pass is a partner of the 41st edition of the European Heritage Days, on 21 and 22 September 2024, to help its young users discover the richness and variety of Martinique’s heritage.}
 

Click on the QR code to find the program of the 41st edition of the European Heritage Days in Martinique