Robert
Le Robert is spread over 4,487 hectares between the communes “Le François” and “Trinité” on the Atlantic coast.
Endowed with the most beautiful bay on the island, Le Robert is greeted in these terms by Father Labat who in 1694 was to found the parish which was previously called “cul-de-sac Robert”: “the cul de sac is a natural harbor of the most beautiful that one can imagine, capable of housing a naval army however large it may be “.
The Robert occupies the bottom of a bay 8 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, protected by a constellation of islets, ten in total, including the Chancel islet which is the largest islet in Martinique, l Madame islet, Le Lougarou islet, Petite Martinique islet … Robert’s bay is surrounded by a series of hills which extend into the sea, eleven in total, which form points, the best known of which are Pointe Larose in the South, Pointe Lynch and Pointe Savane in the North, Strong white sand …
Le Robert enjoys a privileged location in a very unusual picturesque site, almost too beloved by nature which endowed it, in a fairly modest space with all the possible charms beaches, coconut grove, mangroves located around the bay, forests tropical, wide variety of plant species, several rivers with evocative names: Yoyoye river, Cacao river, Gaschette river, …, idyllic temperatures between 23 ° and 28 °, wide seafront, sugar cane plantations and banana plantations in the inland, an extraordinary wealth of seventy-five districts and places rivaling charm and with poetic names: Beauséjour, Cinnamon, Fonds d’Or, L’Heureux, La-Haut, Sabine, Providence, Moïse, Raisin …
HISTORICAL MARKS
Father Labat attests to the presence of the Caribbean after 1660 in a small community.
1694 Father Labat founded the parish of Robert.
1793 the Vert-pré quartier du Robert was the scene of bloody clashes between republicans and monarchists. Victory in the same year of Rochambeau over the royalist army at Vert-Pré.
1809 the English admiral Cochrane disembarks in Robert Bay at the head of 8000 English who will occupy Martinique.
1837 Le Robert is established as a commune. The municipal council, then composed of eight members, is chaired by Louis Louveau de Laguigneraye, first mayor of Robert, who held this office from 1839 to 1846.
ROBERT AT THE HEART OF A FAIRY TALE
With her real name Aimée Dubuc de Rivery, this young Martinican born in Robert in 1764 had a destiny worthy of a fairy tale. Raised within a large Robert family, the young girl then aged fourteen was sent to France to complete her education. The ship on which she was embarked was attacked by Barbary corsairs. The crew and passengers were taken as slaves to Algiers. The girl was bought by a slave trader. A very rich Turk, struck by his grace, bought it and offered it to the Great Lord.
Aimée, who entered the Serail, was noticed by her beauty and her qualities and soon became the favorite sultana. She gave birth to Prince Mahmoud II who became sultan and reigned over Constantinople. Aimée was elevated to the rank of validated sultana and her very great influence spread beyond the borders of the Ottoman Empire.
WELCOME TO ROBERT
You will arrive at Robert by the seaside and take the time to appreciate this maritime facade and this exceptional bay. Along the seafront lined with coconut palms are parked the many boats of fishermen who recall the maritime vocation of the town, open to the sea. You may be lucky enough to spot a skiff race. In general, they are housed in closed shelters.
Le Robert is an essential stop on the Martinique skiff tour; this great sporting and traditional event is unique in the world and moves thousands of passionate spectators every year.
You must absolutely not miss a start or finish of a skiff race at the Robert. Le Robert is one of the rare towns where there are carpenters specialized in the manufacture of skiffs and as a general rule several skiffs of the Robert regularly take part in the skiff tour of Martinique. Several trophies have been won since the start of the tour by the Robert yoles which remain a benchmark in this sporting event.
Under the effect of the sun you will take a moment of respite in one of the bars on the seafront and you will plunge into the special atmosphere of these people of the sea, these fishermen fishermen with frank speech and thundering laughter.
On the seaside you will not miss the fountain dating from the 19th century. Previously located on the Place de l’Eglise, it was moved for the renovation of the covered market and transported to the seaside. Let yourself be guided by the church bell tower and visit this 18th century religious building erected on the site of a sanctuary.
Sites to visit:
The Robert islets (Chancel, Madame, Lougarou) Anse Coco beach The Bois Pothau trail Nautical excursions (skiff, catamaran, canoe kayak) Raid of the Werewolf
Entertainment & Shows:
Anbians Bo Lanmè Robè Patronal Feast of Vert-Pré Fishermen’s Day Patronal feast
Fittings & Crafts:
The Holy Rose Church of Lima The Green Pré Church City Hall The Saint Joseph Chapel of Pontaléry The seaside fountain Lime kiln, Old houses
