L’Anse Noire is the only black sand beach located in the town of Anses d’Arlet (volcanic in origin unlike the white sand due to the fragmentation of coral reefs). Like the other four beaches of the town, it has a seabed of significant biodiversity, do not hesitate to bring your mask and snorkel where you will have the chance to observe a green turtle in its natural environment. The town of Anses d’Arlet is also known for these seasonal villas, diving schools and restaurants by the sea.

Itinerary (Click on the picture)

To access the starting point of the hike, go south of the island (A1, N5 then D7A) and take the exit Trois Ilets (D7), cross the town of Trois Ilets, then go towards Anse a l’Ane, go past this beach and continue straight leading you to climb a hill with many bends. You will pass the sign Gallochat then Ravine of Anse Noire, then after a few sharp turns, you will see a bus shelter and a sign telling you to turn right to the two handles, Anse Dufour and Anse Noire. Continue straight until you reach the beach of Anse Dufour. This will be the first you will meet with a first car park. Access to Anse Noire is via the climb where you will find a second car park

You can also access the starting point through the Diamant by taking the D7 which will take you through a roundabout with a conch sculpture. Take the first right, you will reach the beach of Grande Anse d’Arlet (Attention on weekends, there is a sense forbidden to walk along the beach). Pass the cove and climb the hill to get to the same intersection and turn left.

First tip: in high season, l’Anse noire is a popular beach vacationers and it turns out that it becomes quite crowded over the morning. Leave early to arrive before 9 o’clock so you do not have too much trouble to park nearby. There are a few parking places on the shade and are quickly taken. If you go early in the morning you will have no problem to park and you will have the opportunity to have the seabed just for you.

The car parks are not very big and you risk to park on the road by making a U-turn.

La plage de l’Anse Noire

From the parking, you can observe a magnificent view of the beach of Anse Noire in a space with a particular stele that pays tribute to Mr. Alexandre STELLIO, musician, great composer and one of the well known masters of the biguine (dance born in Antilles).

A little of History

Alexandre STELLIO was born on April 16, 1885 at Anse Dufour. Living from fishing, his family decided to move to the town of Saint-Pierre, the economic capital of Martinique at that time. He then went on a first trip with his family to Guyana, where he soon became a star in the dance halls thanks to his clarinet skills. In 1919, he returned to Martinique and was hired to accompany silent films. In 1922, he composed his first biguine. In 1929, he embarked for France in the company of renowned musicians and it is in 1931 that the beguine was born with him an  that will have a great success. From 1929 until his death in 1939, he composed a hundred musics (waltzes, biguines) with great success.

On July 27, he was hit on stage by a heart attack while playing in a Parisian cabaret.

From the car park, go down the stairs to reach the beach

As you can see in the picture, the beach has a little more space in the shade than Anse Dufour. Think, if you go there especially with your family in particular, to provide the protections for children but also sunblock index 50, the sun can be harmful between 10 am to 2 pm

Click on the link to give you a first video preview of the beach on our Facebook page

If you decide to leave the beach during these hours, you can have a picnic in the shade on the table next to the car park.

You can also go to the restaurants of Anse Dufour where you will have the opportunity to enjoy lobster (do not forget to reserve at the restaurant at your arrival) or other Creole dishes.

Do not forget  your mask and snorkel but not only…..

You have the choice between two spots on each side of the Cove, either to the right or to the left of the cliffs. My favorite spot is the one on the left where you will see a multitude of fish, sea urchins, starfish, … you have to open your eyes. Here is a video that gives you a preview of what you will have the opportunity to see (Click on the image below).

You can also enjoy renting kayaks in a small hut, located on the beach, to make a nautical hike to the cave of bats, Anse Dufour or towards Ilet Ramier.

I chose to make you discover the hike to the cave of bats, I have rented a kayak for an hour (for 6 euros) and I went ther  in less than 20 minutes. Like me, you can also sail on the side of Anse Dufour to do a snorkeling or simply admire the view of Anse Dufour from the sea. You will see the beach of Anse, decorated with his magnificent Fromager (tree of the Antilles recognizable by these large conical spines on his trunk). For half day, you will need 13 euros and 20 euros for the day in Kayak. Possibility to rent also mask and snorkel for 4 euros. Here is a video summary of the discovery of the cave of bats (click on the image below).

Finally, you can see that there is an area behind the beach, this is an area where it is possible to sleep, the bungalows are made only from raw materials (wood, stone, walnut coconut, ….). A bungalow in a tree is even available.

another particularity of this beach

Dom panel Leisure and Culture awareness of waste on beaches with beach ashtrays. Think about it! And if you do not have any more, a simple preserve, do the job.

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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service.

OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide

The Dom Loisirs and Culture team is committed to raising awareness of the protection of the biodiversity of the overseas departments.