La Savane Park
Martinique
La Savane Park, located on Fort-de-France Bay in Martinique, is a charming 12.5-acre green space known for its Caribbean gardens and historical significance. Originally called Jardin du Roi, it was reportedly used for scientific experiments on new plants introduced to the colony. The park is open without fences and offers scenic views facing Fort Saint Louis. Adjacent to the park is the Schoelcher Library, a remarkable Romanesque-Byzantine building relocated from the 1889 Paris Exposition. La Savane also housed a controversial statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais, Martinique-born Empress of France and Napoleon's first wife. This Carrara marble statue by Vital Dubray suffered repeated vandalism due to Joséphine's association with the reinstatement of slavery, culminating in its destruction during 2020 protests. Visitors can enjoy the park's relaxed atmosphere, tropical vegetation, and a small vibrant market offering exotic goods and snacks, making it a cultural and historical hub in the city.
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Tip: The best time to visit La Savane Park is during the daytime when the market is active, allowing visitors to experience local crafts and snacks. Since the park is open without fences, it is accessible at all hours, but daytime visits ensure safety and full enjoyment. No advance ticket purchase is required as it is a public park. Visitors should consider exploring nearby landmarks such as Fort Saint Louis and the Schoelcher Library for a fuller cultural experience.
Interesting facts
- •La Savane Park covers approximately 12.5 acres on Fort-de-France Bay.
- •The park was formerly called Jardin du Roi and was used for plant experiments.
- •The Schoelcher Library next to the park was originally built for the 1889 Paris Exposition and relocated to Martinique.
- •A statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais by Vital Dubray once stood in the park but was vandalized and destroyed due to her link to the reinstatement of slavery.
- •The park hosts a small colorful market selling exotic items and local snacks.
History
La Savane Park was originally known as Jardin du Roi and served as a site for botanical experiments with plants new to Martinique.
Over time, it became a public park facing Fort Saint Louis.
The adjacent Schoelcher Library was constructed for the 1889 Paris Exposition, later dismantled and reassembled in Fort-de-France.
The park once featured a statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais, created by Vital Dubray, which became a focal point for controversy and vandalism due to her historical association with slavery policies.
The statue was ultimately destroyed in 2020 during protests sparked by global movements against racial injustice.
Place Guide
Schoelcher Library1889
A Romanesque-Byzantine style building originally part of the 1889 Paris Exposition, dismantled and shipped to Martinique where it was reassembled in Fort-de-France. It borders La Savane Park on its west side and is a significant cultural landmark.
Contact
Phone: 0596 63 18 54
