Le Vauclin is a coastal town of Martinique, in the south-east of the island, on the Atlantic coast, 35 km from Fort-de-France.
Its territory includes beaches and a fishing port, which is the main economic activity of the town, with a hundred boats and 200 tons of fish caught all year round.
However, it is the cultivation of tobacco then sugar cane which are at the origin of the city, after the count of Vauquelin which gave him his name settles on this part of the island in 1720.
During the 18th century, houses were built on the slopes of the mountain and the city was officially created in 1837.
Culminating at 504 m, the mountain that dominates the city and the coast is still partially wooded and on the agricultural level, sugar cane has given way to the production of bananas and vegetable crops but also to cattle breeding.
With just over 9,000 inhabitants, Le Vauclin is now also a popular tourist destination, especially for water sports enthusiasts and hikers, the city has maintained a quality of life, sea side and inland.
In terms of built heritage, a walk in the city allows you to admire some old houses of character in the historic center such as the house Gold Dalg stone and the house Auguiac entirely in wood.
The Saint-Jean Baptiste church dates from 1977 and was built in a contemporary style. It should be noted that the nave is contained under a light metal frame and modern stained glass windows dominate the porch. A concrete spire was built in 1991 to replace the tower deemed dangerous.
On the market square, to see also, the bust of Louis-Joseph Landa, former mayor and industrialist who was the first Martinican business leader of non-European origin, while a calvary marks the summit of the mountain of Vauclin.
Finally, rue de l'abbé Brack, an original contemporary fresco by artist Christophe Mert is worth a visit.
However, it is its natural heritage that makes the city famous.
On the slopes of the mountain, one can still cross forests with xenophilous species, adapted to periods of drought. And on the coast, mangroves (composed of tropical plants enjoying the salty environment) form a protected and amazing ecosystem.
So there are still virgin spaces on the coast of the town, even if its 3 kilometers of beaches are popular. This is the case of Point Faula, where swimming is secure, and Small and Big Macabou.
With coral reefs, these beaches form bodies of water suitable for navigation and the practice of windsurfing, sea kayaking or kitesurfing.
For hikes including the remarkable sites of the town, sea side or reliefs, documentation and information at +33 5 96 78 29 66. For boat trips or sailing, contact the club Fleur d'O in +33 6 96 50 25 35, the nautical base of the UCPA association on +33 5 96 74 21 90 or, for kitesurfing, the Air Fly club on +33 5 96 76 25 31.
As for sport, for horseback riding, contact the Ranch de l'anse Macabou at +33 6 96 21 34 22.
Small and big can also try tree climbing and archery at the Lions Park Club (information +33 5 96 67 32 26) or mini-golf (information +33 6 96 37 60 48).
In another register, finally, several cultural centers offer shows and exhibitions throughout the year. Information on +33 5 96 74 40 40 or +33 5 95 74 15 38.
From the last weekend of June to the third weekend of July, the patronal festival of the city program concerts, exhibitions, fairground attractions and craft markets.
The second weekend of July, feast of the products of the sea.
The second weekend in September, the Forum of Activities brings together sports and cultural associations.
The third weekend of October, song festival yesterday and today.
Finally, each end of the afternoon, with the return of the boats, is held a fish market on the quays where one also finds stalls of fruits and vegetables. An opportunity to discover the gastronomy and regional products of the region in an authentic and friendly atmosphere.
