Facing Fort-de-France, on the other side of the great bay, the Trois-Îlets peninsula brings together everything that makes a seaside stay in Martinique so appealing: light-sand beaches, lively marinas, a golf course, sites of remembrance and a sea shuttle that spares you the traffic jams of the capital. Whether you travel with family, as a couple or with friends, this corner of south-western Martinique ticks almost every box. Here is a complete, hands-on guide to making the most of Les Trois-Îlets, area by area, without missing any of the essentials.
Understanding the Trois-Îlets peninsula
Before diving into activities, it helps to picture the area. The town of Les Trois-Îlets is in fact made up of several distinct hubs, linked by a coastal road: the historic village center, the Pointe du Bout and its marina, the Anse Mitan, the Anse à l’Âne, not to mention the lush hinterland where the golf course, the Savane des Esclaves and the Maison de la Canne are tucked away.
Each area has its own personality. The Pointe du Bout is the liveliest, with its bars, hotels and ferry pier; the Anse à l’Âne is more family-friendly and peaceful; the village center, for its part, retains the authentic soul of a Creole town. Expect about 30 minutes by road from Aimé Césaire airport and around twenty minutes by shuttle to reach Fort-de-France by sea. To explore the south coast freely, a car rental remains the most practical option, as public transport is limited.
The Pointe du Bout and its marina
The tourist heart of the peninsula, the Pointe du Bout is built around a pretty marina where sailboats and catamarans moor. This is where Les Trois-Îlets comes alive, especially at the end of the day.
What we love doing there
- Strolling along the marina at sunset, when the masts stand out against the orange sky.
- Having a drink or dinner in one of the many restaurants and bars lining the harbor.
- Booking a sea excursion: most boat, catamaran and diving trips depart from here.
- Boarding the sea shuttle to Fort-de-France, whose pier is just a stone’s throw away.
The Pointe du Bout is ideal if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, shops within easy reach and sunsets over the water. It is also the most natural starting point for exploring the rest of the bay.
Anse Mitan and Anse à l’Âne: the family beaches
A few minutes from the Pointe du Bout, the Anse Mitan stretches out a light-sand beach lined with coconut palms, with shallow waters perfect for children to swim. You will find beach restaurants there, as well as places to rent sun loungers and water sports gear.
A little further west, the Anse à l’Âne is probably the favorite among families. Its soft sand, calm waters and relaxed vibe make it an ideal spot to spend the day. A few snack bars and Creole restaurants let you have lunch with your feet in the sand, and the sea shuttle to the capital leaves directly from the beach.
Beach tips
- Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the shade of the trees and easy parking.
- Bring a mask and snorkel: the rocky edges often shelter a few colorful fish.
- Pack water and sun protection: natural shade becomes scarce in the middle of the day.
To compare these coves with the island’s finest spots, take a look at our selection of the best beaches in Martinique.
Water sports and sea outings
The bay of Fort-de-France and the southern waters offer an exceptional playground. From Les Trois-Îlets, you can book plenty of outings.
Snorkeling and diving
The surrounding seabeds, especially toward the neighboring baie des Anses-d’Arlet, are home to a rich marine life. Many visitors dream of an encounter with the turtles: follow our tips for swimming with turtles in Martinique to put all the odds on your side, while respecting the animal.
Catamaran and white shallows
Catamaran outings to the famous fonds blancs (white shallows) of François or toward the south are among the most sought-after experiences: waist-deep turquoise water, swimming in the open sea and lunch on board. Expect generally a half-day to a full day depending on the package.
Kayak, paddleboard and jet ski
To stay closer to the coast, clear kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and sunset excursions are easily rented on the beaches of the Anse Mitan and the Anse à l’Âne. A gentle activity, accessible to everyone, for viewing the coastline from another angle.
The Trois-Îlets golf course
Practice-range fans, you will be delighted. The Martinique golf course, laid out in the Trois-Îlets area, rolls out an 18-hole course in a hilly setting offering lovely glimpses of the sea. Lined with coconut and mango trees, it welcomes both experienced players and beginners coming to learn the basics.
Even without clubs, the place is worth the trip for its atmosphere and view. Remember to book your tee time in advance and to play early in the morning to avoid the heat. A clubhouse lets you grab a bite after your round.
History and remembrance: Savane des Esclaves, La Pagerie and Maison de la Canne
Les Trois-Îlets is not just about the beach: the town is also a major site of Martinican memory and history.
La Savane des Esclaves
Inland, the Savane des Esclaves is a reconstruction of a village of times past, created by an enthusiast to pass on the memory of slavery and Creole traditions. There you will discover wattle-and-daub huts, a medicinal and food Creole garden, and a moving educational trail. It is one of the area’s most striking visits, well worth doing with the family to understand the island’s history.
La Maison de la Canne
Set in a former distillery, the Maison de la Canne traces the history of sugarcane cultivation, rum and the sugar estates that shaped Martinique. An instructive detour, a perfect complement to the Savane des Esclaves.
The La Pagerie estate
It was in Les Trois-Îlets that Marie-Josèphe Tascher de la Pagerie, the future empress Joséphine, wife of Napoléon, was born. The La Pagerie museum, set up on the former family estate, displays period objects and remains in a peaceful park. The village center also preserves a historic church and the memory of this local-born figure.
The village center and the Poterie village
Take the time to wander through the Trois-Îlets village center, with its shaded square, its church and its colorful Creole houses. The atmosphere there is noticeably more authentic than in the seaside areas.
Nearby, the Poterie village carries on an age-old ceramic tradition. Now transformed into a welcoming hub of life, it brings together artisan workshops, galleries, designer boutiques and restaurants in a green setting. Ideal for bringing home a locally made souvenir and having lunch in the shade.
The sea shuttle to Fort-de-France
This is one of the great assets of Les Trois-Îlets: a regular sea shuttle connects the peninsula to Fort-de-France in about twenty minutes, from the piers of the Pointe du Bout, the Anse Mitan and the Anse à l’Âne.
Why choose it
- You avoid the traffic jams and the often complicated parking in the capital.
- The crossing offers a beautiful view of the bay and Fort Saint-Louis.
- It is economical and relaxing, especially for a day trip.
Take the opportunity to discover the covered market, the town center and its monuments: find our ideas in our guide on what to do in Fort-de-France. Just check the schedule of the last evening shuttle before you set off.
Where to eat in Les Trois-Îlets?
There is no shortage of dining options, from Creole eateries to more international addresses. On the beaches, snack bars serve accras, smoked chicken and grilled fish at gentle prices. Around the Pointe du Bout marina, the offering is more varied, with terraces facing the water. For a quieter evening, the village center and the Poterie village hold a few lovely surprises. It is best to book in high season and on weekends.
Why stay in Les Trois-Îlets?
If you are unsure where to base yourself in Martinique, Les Trois-Îlets offers a rare balance: the calm and the beaches on one side, express access to the capital on the other, all punctuated by cultural visits and water sports. It is an ideal base for exploring both the seaside south and the center of the island.
For a family stay, you will appreciate the shallow beaches, the accessible restaurants and the educational visits. For a couples’ stay, it is the sunsets over the marina, the catamaran outings and the tranquility of the coves that win you over.
Where to stay in Les Trois-Îlets?
Our accommodations in the Anse à l’Âne / Les Trois-Îlets area offer sea views, a pool and easy access to the beaches — ideal for a stay with family or friends. You enjoy the peace of the peninsula while staying just minutes from the shuttles and the area’s most beautiful coves.
Want to compare with other corners of the island? Browse all of our accommodations and our selection of rentals in Martinique to find the base that suits your trip.
Ready to set down your bags facing the sea? Book your accommodation with Hostel Toucan and live Les Trois-Îlets like a local: beaches in the morning, a shuttle to the city in the afternoon and sunsets over the marina in the evening. Discover our accommodations in Martinique right now and plan your dream seaside stay.