Jardin de Balata
A mountain tropical garden with over 3,000 plant species, a water lily pond and a canopy footbridge, with views of Mont Carbet and Fort-de-France Bay.
Jardin de Balata was created over many years by horticulturist Jean-Philippe Thiolet around his grandmother’s Creole house. It opened in 1986 and grows about 3,000 tropical species, including ginger lilies, heliconias, palms, bromeliads and a water lily pond where hummingbirds flit about. A suspended footbridge runs through the treetops, offering views over the rainforest and, in the distance, Mont Carbet. Admission is about €17, and a visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
The garden lies on the “Rainforest Road” about 10 km north of Fort-de-France, a 20-minute drive. It can be combined with the Church of the Sacred Heart in Balata.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00 (last admission 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Sacré-Cœur de Balata
- Saint-James Distillery & Rum Museum
- Pitons du Carbet
- Bibliothèque Schœlcher
- La Savane
- Saint-Louis Cathedral
- Grand Marché de Fort-de-France
- Fort Saint-Louis