Habitation Clément Le François
Historic Martinique estate blending rum heritage, lush gardens, and contemporary art. Explore colonial history and taste fine rhum agricole.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore vast grounds
Habitation Clément Le François
Best Time
Explore vast grounds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Martinique estate blending rum heritage, lush gardens, and contemporary art. Explore colonial history and taste fine rhum agricole.
"A must-visit for its history, beauty, and delicious rum!"
🎯 Download the Audio App
Essential for self-guided tours! Get it before you arrive for a richer experience. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Allow ample time
The grounds are extensive. Give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to explore fully. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Creole House
Main Estate
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved colonial-era Creole house, showcasing traditional Caribbean architecture and decor.
Botanical Gardens & Sculptures
Estate Grounds
Wander through lush botanical gardens dotted with contemporary art sculptures, offering a unique blend of nature and art.
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Rum Distillery & Tasting
Distillery Area
Explore the old distillery and learn about the rhum agricole production process, culminating in a delightful rum tasting.
Art Exhibitions
Museums on site
Discover rotating art exhibitions that add a contemporary cultural layer to the historical estate.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Download the Audio App
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download the Audio App
Essential for self-guided tours! Get it before you arrive for a richer experience. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Allow ample time
The grounds are extensive. Give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to explore fully. :athletic_shoe:
🥂 Enjoy the rum tasting
A highlight for many! Sample different rhums and learn about their unique profiles. :tumbler_glass:
🖼️ Appreciate the art
Don't miss the contemporary art installations scattered throughout the gardens and buildings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download the Audio App
Essential for self-guided tours! Get it before you arrive for a richer experience. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Allow ample time
The grounds are extensive. Give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to explore fully. :athletic_shoe:
🥂 Enjoy the rum tasting
A highlight for many! Sample different rhums and learn about their unique profiles. :tumbler_glass:
🖼️ Appreciate the art
Don't miss the contemporary art installations scattered throughout the gardens and buildings.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking on-site makes arrival easy. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Habitation Clément for its beautiful grounds, rich history, and the unique experience of exploring a historic rum estate. The blend of art, nature, and culture is a significant draw, though some note that the main rum production has moved elsewhere. The rum tasting and the opportunity to purchase bottles are also highlights for many.
"We greatly enjoyed our visit. Self guided tour around the beautiful property with an audio app that you download. Download the app prior to leaving the building. Parking is free and plentiful. We spent about 1.5 hours doing the self guided tour and tastings. Our daughter enjoyed the grounds and different sculptures.
To note, This property is not a functioning distillery, rather the old distillery is on display.
We only visited this distillery on the island. There are plenty to choose from though."
Sheldon Bussey
"We had a wonderful experience at Habitation Clément! We took the guided tour for €22, which not only gave us fascinating insights into the history and culture of the plantation, but also included a delightful tasting of various rhums at the end.
Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, providing us with a thorough explanation of the estate’s history, its production of rum, and the role it plays in the local community. We also got to see the old distillery, though it’s important to note that rum production is now done in the north of the island, while Habitation Clément focuses on barrel aging and growing the fruit used for making the rhum.
I highly recommend visiting earlier in the day, as the grounds are vast and offer plenty to explore. We took the 4 p.m. tour, but we felt like there was so much more to see. The property itself is beautiful, with lush gardens."
dhan p
"It is a Rum Plantation, need I say more. This all was started by a physician named Homere Clement in 1887. After Charles Clement perfected and bottled the rhum agricole, it was exported to France in the 1940’s.
They have plaques all around the place explaining what you are seeing. You even have the ability to see where the politicians met here like President GW Bush and Mitterand. With our tour group, we ran through the plantation in about 30 minutes. There is plenty to see, so if you are on your own, then expect a little longer time to take it all in. I loved the Rum Barrels as you could smell the yummy goodness. It really is interesting seeing the olde parts of the facility that is used to make the Rum. They even have sugar cane farms nearby. Though most of the Sugar Cane is gathered by machine, a small percentage is done by hand for those special rums.
Near the end of the tour of the place, you enter a building where you can smell the aroma of the rum notes. There was a door open next to each station. Inside you would find what rum you were smelling and a recipe card for using it for a mixer.
We were provided with a tasting and I wish I could have gotten more to take home. The store had a large selection of what they sell. Some of them even had real fruit in the bottles. I wanted the Elixir (high end), but I was only allowed the Creamy Vanilla [think Baileys with Rum]. It does make it a pain that you are limited on how much alcohol you can bring back from overseas 🥺"
Daniel Grove
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Habitation Clément is located in Le François, Martinique. It's accessible by car, and there is ample free parking available on-site. If you're relying on public transport, check local bus routes, though a rental car is often the most convenient option for exploring Martinique.
Yes, Habitation Clément is a well-known landmark in Le François and is generally easy to find with GPS navigation. Look for signs directing you to the estate.
Many visitors find renting a car to be the most flexible way to explore Martinique, including reaching Habitation Clément. Taxis are also an option, but can be more expensive for longer distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. While some reviews mention a guided tour costing around €22, self-guided options are also available. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and tour options.
While not always mandatory, booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Self-guided visits are generally more flexible.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Habitation Clément website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit. Some visitors suggest arriving earlier in the day to explore.
No, parking at Habitation Clément is free and plentiful, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While some tours include a rum tasting as part of the experience, it's not always explicitly stated as free. Guided tours often include this as a highlight.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic Creole house, wander through beautiful botanical gardens with art sculptures, visit the old rum distillery, and enjoy art exhibitions. A rum tasting is also a popular activity. +1
Habitation Clément is primarily a historical site showcasing the old distillery. While they focus on barrel aging and growing sugarcane, the main rum production now happens in the north of the island.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the property, especially if doing a self-guided tour with the audio app. Guided tours might be shorter, but allow extra time for the gardens and exhibits.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended by some visitors for their in-depth insights into the history and rum-making process.
The audio app enhances the self-guided tour experience by providing historical context and information about the various points of interest on the estate. It's recommended to download it beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While some visitors have mentioned the restaurant, one review noted it wasn't a highlight. It's advisable to check recent reviews or their website for current dining offerings.
Yes, there is a large shop where you can purchase a wide selection of their rums, including some unique varieties.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The estate offers stunning photographic opportunities with its historic architecture, lush gardens, contemporary sculptures, and the picturesque surrounding landscapes.
The botanical gardens with the art installations, the colonial-era house, and the old distillery buildings are all excellent for photography. The aerial views of nearby banana fields are also striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the rum tasting is for adults, the historical aspects of the estate, the old distillery, and the beautiful grounds can keep younger visitors entertained. Consider downloading the audio app for a more structured exploration that might appeal to older children interested in history. It's a good idea to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited or not ideal for very young children. The open spaces allow kids to move around, but supervision is always recommended, especially near any water features or art installations. The free parking also adds to the convenience for families traveling with children.
🏛️ History Buffs
The self-guided tour with the audio app is particularly beneficial for history buffs, providing detailed context and stories behind the estate's evolution. Pay attention to the plaques scattered throughout the property, which offer insights into significant events and figures associated with Habitation Clément.
🎨 Art & Culture Aficionados
+1 The estate also regularly hosts temporary art exhibitions, showcasing diverse artistic talents and adding a modern cultural layer to the experience. +1This fusion of art with history and nature creates a unique and stimulating environment. It's an opportunity to appreciate artistic expression in a setting that is itself a work of art. The visual interplay between the sculptures, the lush greenery, and the colonial architecture offers endless photographic possibilities and a memorable cultural immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legacy of Habitation Clément
Today, Habitation Clément is more than just a distillery; it's a vibrant cultural hub. While the primary rum production has moved to the north of the island, the estate preserves its heritage by focusing on barrel aging and cultivating sugarcane. Visitors can explore the original distillery, learn about the historical production methods, and appreciate the legacy of the Clement family. The site also features plaques detailing its history, offering a comprehensive understanding of its past.
The estate's commitment to preserving its history is evident in its multifaceted offerings. Beyond the rum-making heritage, Habitation Clément has transformed into a space for contemporary art and culture. It hosts rotating exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions, and its beautifully maintained botanical gardens are adorned with striking sculptures, creating a unique dialogue between history, nature, and art.
+2Exploring the Gardens and Art
+1These art pieces, ranging from abstract forms to more figurative works, create a captivating contrast with the historical architecture and the vibrant greenery. The integration of art into the landscape encourages visitors to engage with their surroundings in a more thoughtful and interactive way. It's a place where you can stroll through nature while simultaneously appreciating artistic creativity, making for a truly unique and enriching experience.
+1Many visitors are delighted by this fusion of art and nature. The visual appeal of the sculptures against the backdrop of tropical plants and colonial buildings provides excellent photo opportunities. The estate also hosts temporary art exhibitions, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to discover, blending the historical significance of the habitation with a dynamic, modern cultural offering.
+1The Rhum Agricole Experience
+1Visitors can delve into the world of rum production by exploring the old distillery, where the historical processes are showcased. While the main distillation may have moved, the estate's focus on barrel aging is crucial. The aroma of aging rum in the barrels is a sensory experience that many visitors find captivating.
The experience often culminates in a rum tasting, allowing visitors to sample various expressions of Clement rum. This tasting provides a chance to appreciate the nuances of rhum agricole, from lighter, more aromatic styles to aged, complex varieties. The on-site shop offers a wide selection for purchase, allowing visitors to take a piece of Martinique's rum heritage home with them.
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