Jardin de Balata
Martinique
Balata Garden, located about 10 km outside Fort-de-France in Martinique, is a private botanical garden spanning 3 hectares. Established in 1982 by horticulturist and artist Jean-Philippe Thoze, it opened to the public in 1986. The garden is set on former farmland and offers picturesque views of the Pitons du Carbet mountains. It features approximately 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world, including a remarkable collection of 300 palm species. Visitors can admire diverse collections such as anthuriums, begonias, bromeliads, cycads, heliconias, mahogany, Musa nana banana plants, and bamboo species like Dendrocalamus. The garden is thoughtfully designed around a traditional Creole family house, reflecting the founder's childhood heritage and passion for botany. This living tableau is considered one of Martinique's natural treasures, blending botanical richness with cultural and artistic expression.
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Tip: The best time to visit Balata Garden is during the morning hours to enjoy cooler temperatures and better light for photography. It is advisable to purchase admission tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid waiting. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent. The garden offers discounts for groups and children. Guided tours are available to enrich the experience with detailed botanical and cultural insights.
Interesting facts
- •The garden contains about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants, including 300 types of palm trees.
- •Balata Garden is set on former farmland with views of the Pitons du Carbet mountains.
- •The garden was started by Jean-Philippe Thoze, who is also an artist and landscape designer.
- •It features notable collections of anthuriums, begonias, bromeliads, cycads, heliconias, mahogany, Musa nana, and bamboo.
History
Balata Garden was created in 1982 by Jean-Philippe Thoze, a horticulturist and landscape artist who returned to Martinique inspired by his childhood memories in a Creole family home.
The garden opened to the public in 1986.
Over the decades, it has evolved from former farmland into a rich botanical collection featuring thousands of tropical plant species.
Its development reflects both a personal artistic journey and a dedication to preserving and showcasing tropical biodiversity in Martinique.
Place Guide
Creole Family House1980s
A central feature of the garden is the traditional Creole family house, which inspired the garden's design and reflects the founder's childhood heritage. It serves as a cultural anchor within the botanical setting.
Palm Tree CollectionSince 1982
One of the garden's highlights is its extensive collection of around 300 palm species from tropical regions worldwide, showcasing diverse forms and colors.
Tropical Plant VarietiesSince 1982
The garden hosts approximately 3,000 tropical plant varieties, including anthuriums, begonias, bromeliads, cycads, heliconias, mahogany, Musa nana, and bamboo species such as Dendrocalamus.
Contact
Phone: 0596 64 48 73
