L’Habitation Pécoul is an estate located in the commune of Basse-Pointe
Open only on European Heritage Day (third weekend in September)
Thank you to the Clément Foundation for their commitment to the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in the Caribbean.
The visit takes place over the whole weekend and guides are present to tell you the history of this area and show you these architectural particularities.
Itinerary
Departing from Fort-de-France, you can choose to go by the Atlantic coast or go through the center of Martinique. By the Atlantic coast, join the A1 expressway then take the exit in the direction of the town of Robert (N1). You will have to cross the town of Robert then go towards the towns of Sainte-Marie, Le Marigot and Le Lorrain. Cross these towns and follow the direction of Basse-Pointe (N1). Turn right at the roundabout, just after the town of Lorrain (always N1) and continue straight for about ten minutes. Be careful, the entrance to the domain will be on your left.
You can park on the green space and you will have no trouble finding a space.
As soon as you get out of the vehicle, go to the entrance of the house.
Pecoul Habitation
During your visit, you will discover the gardens, the main house, the outbuildings of the servants and industrial equipment which were once used for the manufacture of sugar.
We started the visit by touring the estate. A guide is present on site to tell you the history of the estate and the various buildings that make up this dwelling.
Many vestiges of yesteryear (mill, sugar factory, aqueduct, distillery, purgerie) are still present on site and add to the charm of this site.
Stroll around as you wish to enjoy the many views of the architecture and the main house of the dwelling.
Click on this link to get a first video preview of the house on our Facebook page.
The last building renovated by the Fondation Clément is the hangar which is associated with the dovecote, which has served as a store, workshop and hospital since the 18th century. It was restored in 2013 respectfully keeping its appearance and its manufacture from the beginning of the 20th century.
Hangar
A little history ……
This site was born in the 18th century in a region colonized for its culture. In the 19th century, agricultural activity took a completely different turn with the arrival of steam. Traditional sugar factory then agricultural distillery and finally banana cultivation in the 1950s, this house has evolved to prosper.
In 1801, the Pécoul family became the owners of the house. It extends over 140 hectares, therefore 120 agricultural hectares.
In 1849, the Pécoul family left Martinique following the election of Auguste-François Pécoul as deputy for Martinique.
In 1901, Alexandre Pécoul rediscovered this property of interest to the family through photos of the buildings on the site.
In 1920, the transformation of the house began. His sister, Augusta d’Origny, undertook works to modernize industrial equipment and beautify them.
From generation to generation, the works will last and the site will be recognized as a Historic Monument in 1981.
In 2001, the estate became the property of GBH. The agricultural activity of banana and cane is still present there.
Since then, GBH and the Fondation Clément have tried to preserve this heritage as well as possible in order to pay tribute to the work of Augusta Pécoul.
Let’s continue the visit by discovering the decoration and furnishings of the main house.
End of the visit, it’s up to you to discover it on the next Heritage Day!
| In terms of advice,
Ø Traffic in Martinique: During the week, you will face traffic jams around industrial or commercial areas, especially in the morning, in the direction of the South (Rivières Salée, N5) to the North (Fort-de-France, A1) and from the East (Robert, N1) to the North (Fort-de-France, A1), from 7 am to 9.30 am, and vice versa at the end of the evening from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Think about your route in order to adapt to this traffic which can be dense and easily waste time. Ø Free visit during Heritage Day: – Interest: 5 out of 5, the Habitation is magnificent. A guide is present to discover all the more about the history and the secrets that this site conceals. The setting is very pleasant for strolling and observing the industrial vestiges of yesteryear which were used for the sugar refinery and the distillery of the time. Ø Opening: Open on weekends (third weekend of September). Miscellaneous: located about 30 minutes away by car, you can head to Les Gorges de la Falaise for a cool dip or head towards the town of Macouba (30 minutes) to visit the Habitation J.M. |
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OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide
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