Schœlcher: Sailing, Hiking Trails and History

An international sailing regatta, water sports at Anse Madame and hiking trails with historic connections offer different ways to explore Schœlcher. The Semaine Nautique Internationale de Schœlcher takes place every year during the February or March school holidays. Dates and the programme may vary from year to year. As an international dinghy sailing regatta in Martinique, it is listed in the official calendar of major nautical events of the Fédération Française de Voile. In its recurring format, nearly a hundred participants from Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean islands compete against sailors from Martinique; the number may vary from year to year. The competitions include dinghies, sport catamarans, Tempest boats and windsurfing. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant year.

Water sports at Anse Madame

The Cercle Nautique de Schoelcher offers windsurfing, Laser and Optimist sailing, Hobie Cat sailing, coastal rowing and stand-up paddleboarding on the waters of Anse Madame. The club also rents out windsurf boards, dinghies, catamarans, kayaks, rowing boats and stand-up paddleboards. Nautical activities include courses for beginners and more experienced participants. This offers several ways to get out on the water, from lessons and paddling to sailing and rowing. Operating hours, course offerings and rental options may change; check with the Cercle Nautique directly before your trip.

Architecture and historic sites

The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité was completely restored in 1988. Its bright, clean style combines simple design with brick, sand, glass and wood. These materials and its understated form give the church a distinctive architectural character.

Another trace of history leads to the Batterie Sainte-Catherine. It was built in 1778 as part of the defence system of the Baie de Fort-Royal, the former name of the Baie de Fort-de-France. The system stretched from Case-Pilote to Îlet à Ramiers and the Anses d’Arlet. Today, a hiking trail runs through the battery grounds, a place for discovery and remembrance. Fonds Rousseau is also part of Schœlcher’s history: the site is protected and included in the inventory of historic monuments.

Hiking and climbing

For a hike with specific route details, An Ba So offers a clear guide: the trail is 1.4 kilometres long, has 120 metres of elevation gain, and is rated Level 1, with a stated duration of 30 minutes. It starts in the hinterland of the Fond Lahaye neighbourhood in Schœlcher. Trail conditions may vary; take this into account when planning. Another hiking trail runs through the Batterie Sainte-Catherine grounds, combining exercise with this place of remembrance.

Clip’n Climb Martinique offers climbing experiences in a fun and sociable atmosphere. Check current operating hours and booking information before visiting. When choosing a holiday rental, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your vacation: will your trip revolve mainly around the regatta, activities on the water, hikes or historic sites? If you are looking for these experiences in Schœlcher, they may tip the balance in favour of considering the town as a destination for your holiday rental search.

Discover more destinations: Le Lamentin, Saint-Joseph, Fort-De-France Bay.

Return to the main travel overview: Fort-De-France.