Fort Saint-Louis
A fortress guarding the Fort-de-France bay since the 17th century. It is still a French naval base, and guided tours take you up the walls for views of the bay and city.
Fort Saint-Louis stands on a peninsula jutting into Fort-de-France Bay. It was first built in the 1640s and later remodeled in the style of Vauban. It was France's key coastal defense fortress in the Caribbean and was besieged by English and Dutch forces several times. It is still a French naval base, so visits are only possible on official guided tours. These last about 1.5 hours, with English-language tours offered at some times. The tour covers the walls, gun emplacements, and green areas where iguanas live, with views over the bay and Parc de la Savane. Tickets are sold at the tourist office next to Parc de la Savane. Bring photo identification.
Opening hours
Guided tours approx. Tue–Sat (check tourism bureau announcements)
Nearby sights
- La Savane
- Bibliothèque Schœlcher
- Saint-Louis Cathedral
- Grand Marché de Fort-de-France
- Pointe du Bout & Anse Mitan
- Sacré-Cœur de Balata
- Musée de la Pagerie
- Anse Noire