Le François: Rum, Art and Yole Ronde

Le François brings together rum culture and art with lively traditions on the water. At Habitation Clément, visitors can learn about the techniques and production of Rhum Clément; the estate is surrounded by sugar cane plantations. There is also an extensive garden, a permanent sculpture garden and excursions out to sea. These different themes offer various starting points for planning your trip—from culture and landscape to maritime experiences.

Habitation Clément: Rum, Garden and Art

Habitation Clément puts the production of Rhum Clément at the heart of the visit. Those interested in the techniques can find a practical introduction to the rum culture of Le François here. The estate is surrounded by sugar cane plantations, and its garden covers 16 hectares.

The sculpture garden offers another aspect: artworks acquired specifically for this location are displayed there on a permanent basis. Rum production, the garden and art have different emphases, but they are brought together at one named location. This makes Habitation Clément a fitting subject if you want to include cultural impressions and a distinctive landscape in your trip.

Haute Taille and Yole Ronde

Le François is considered the birthplace of Haute Taille. The town hosts a Haute Taille festival every two years, with the Quadrilles du Monde also taking part. Over the years, the festival has developed into an international event. If you want to plan your trip around this cultural event, check the dates of the next edition in advance.

Yole Ronde also shapes the town’s maritime tradition. Le François is an important place for building and practising Yole Ronde, a traditional sailboat found only in Martinique. At weekends, Yoles Rondes from Le François compete against boats from other municipalities, particularly those from Le Robert. The festival and Yole Ronde thus offer two different ways to experience local culture: Haute Taille as a living tradition, and the yole as a combination of boatbuilding and sailing.

Sea Excursions and Places to Discover

Activities in Le François include excursions out to sea. The catamaran tour by Les Balades du Delphis departs from Le François and includes a stop at Baignoire de Joséphine. Its programme also includes a guided tour on Îlet Chancel of the 18th-century brickworks. For planning, it is worth confirming the current route and availability with the operator.

The Petite France viewpoint, located in the hills above Le François, offers a different perspective on the surrounding area. Taken together, these are different ways to explore: a cultural visit to Habitation Clément, Haute Taille and Yole Ronde as local traditions, and a catamaran excursion. Deciding which of these you want to shape your trip can help you choose a holiday rental in Le François as a base for your own plans—without implying any particular order for the experiences.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Anne, Les Anses-D'arlet, Le Marin, Les Trois-Îlets, Ducos, Le Diamant, Le Vauclin, Sainte-Luce.

For the main travel overview: Le Marin.