Mont Pelée
Montagne Pelée
An active volcano at 1,397 m and Martinique’s highest peak. Its 1902 eruption destroyed Saint-Pierre, and the summit trail offers views over the island and the Caribbean Sea.
Montagne Pelée is Martinique’s highest peak. The eruption on May 8, 1902 produced a pyroclastic flow that destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre within minutes, killing about 28,000 people. The term “pyroclastic flow” entered volcanology because of this disaster. In 2023 the volcano, along with Mont Carbet, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most common route starts from the Aileron parking area on the north slope in Morne-Rouge. The round trip takes about 4 to 5 hours on steep, slippery terrain. The summit is often shrouded in cloud and wind, so bring a windproof jacket and plenty of water. Do not attempt the summit in poor weather. It is about 40 minutes’ drive from Fort-de-France.
Opening hours
All day (weather permitting)
Nearby sights
- Gorges de la Falaise
- Distillerie J.M
- Habitation Depaz
- Anse Couleuvre
- Saint-Pierre
- Zoo de Martinique (Habitation Latouche)
- Pitons du Carbet
- Saint-James Distillery & Rum Museum