📖 About Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie is a commune on Martinique's Atlantic coast, the largest commune by area on the island. With approximately 16,000 residents, this historic town was an important sugar-producing region and claims deep connections to Martinican Creole culture. The dramatic Atlantic coastline features powerful surf and rugged beauty.

The commune is home to the Habitation Fond Saint-Jacques, where the famous Dominican priest Père Labat lived and documented Caribbean life in the late 17th century. The Saint James rum distillery, one of Martinique's oldest, continues production. Sainte-Marie represents authentic Martinican heritage—sugar history, Creole traditions, and wild Atlantic beauty.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Sainte-Marie's economy blends agriculture with cultural tourism. Sugar and rum production continue at Saint James—AOC Martinique rum is prized worldwide. Banana cultivation is significant. Tourism focuses on heritage sites and distillery visits rather than beaches. Services support the population. The economy maintains agricultural traditions while developing heritage tourism.

Deep Creole culture characterizes Sainte-Marie—this is heartland Martinique. French is official; Creole is everyday language. Catholicism predominates with strong community ties. Traditional music, storytelling, and customs persist. Cuisine features classic Creole dishes—court-bouillon, boudin créole, and rum punch. The culture preserves authentic Martinican heritage in its agricultural landscape and communities.

📜 History

Sainte-Marie was established as a parish in the 17th century. Sugar plantations dominated the economy. Père Jean-Baptiste Labat lived at Fond Saint-Jacques (1694-1705), documenting Caribbean life and improving sugar and rum production. The Saint James distillery was founded in 1765, among the oldest in Martinique.

Slavery abolition (1848) transformed the sugar economy. Agricultural production continued with paid labor. Rum production became Martinique's signature industry. Sainte-Marie maintained its agricultural character through departmentalization. Today it honors its heritage—rum distillery tours, cultural sites, and Atlantic coast beauty preserving this Martinican heartland commune.