The 2026 European Heritage Days will take place on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. During this weekend, historical monuments, old estates, gardens, and institutions will showcase the richness of Martinique's heritage.
This 43rd edition highlights two themes: "Heritage of Photography" and "Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine."
These themes resonate particularly in northern Martinique, where the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée profoundly transformed the landscape and left behind numerous ruins. In Le Carbet, the former Habitation Latouche, which now houses the Martinique Zoo, stands as a testament to this past.
What to do in Martinique during the 2026 Heritage Days? Discover our selection of historical tours, activities, and discoveries to share with the family.
What are the European Heritage Days?
Created to make heritage accessible to as many people as possible, the European Heritage Days are a cultural event organized every year in September.
For two days, the public is invited to explore monuments, museums, historical buildings, and sites that are sometimes closed to visitors. Guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and meetings provide a better understanding of their history and the challenges of their preservation.
In Martinique, this event offers an opportunity to discover the different facets of the island's heritage: its architecture, old estates, volcanic history, as well as its gardens and biodiversity.
What to do in Martinique on September 19 and 20, 2026?
Several sites are participating in the 2026 Heritage Days with tours and activities specially designed for the event. Here are some outing ideas to help you plan your weekend.
A guided tour of Habitation Latouche at the Martinique Zoo
Why not take advantage of the Heritage Days to rediscover the historical part of the Martinique Zoo in greater depth?
Located in Le Carbet, the zoological park spans the site of the former Habitation Latouche. Behind the tropical gardens and animal enclosures, the ruins of an estate with a history dating back several centuries are revealed.
The site was notably involved in sugar production before being devastated during the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée. Its ruins were later integrated into a landscaped garden created by Jean-Philippe Thoze, the creator of the Balata Garden, preserving a piece of the site's memory.
Activity suggested: "Habitation Latouche Through Time"
On Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 AM, the Martinique Zoo invites you to step back in time during a guided tour dedicated to the history of Habitation Latouche.
As they explore the site, visitors will discover the various remains of the former estate and learn about the events and anecdotes that shaped its history.
A tour to understand how this historic site became the home of the Martinique Zoo and to uncover the traces of the past that still remain within the park.
Practical information
- Location: Martinique Zoo, Le Carbet.
- Date: September 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM
- Reservations required by clicking here
An event featuring the soapberry tree at the Jardin de Balata
Martinique's heritage is not limited to monuments and historic buildings. It can also be discovered through the diversity of its plants and the traditional knowledge associated with the botanical world.
In Fort-de-France, the Jardin de Balata is hosting an event dedicated to the soapberry tree, a plant whose fruits contain natural substances with cleansing properties.
Activity suggested : "The western Soapberry "
Through hands-on experiments on skin and fabric, participants will discover the cleansing properties of the soapberry tree and learn more about this plant species.
The workshop concludes with a small experiment to try at home: each participant will take home a seed to grow themselves.
A family-friendly activity designed to spark curiosity in both children and adults about plants and their uses.
Practical information
- Location: Jardin de Balata, Fort-de-France.
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Times: 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, or 3:00 PM.
- Age: 5 years and up.
- Booking required
What other tours are available in Martinique?
Heritage Days also provide access to institutional, scientific, and historical sites through special openings.
Here are some events to discover for the 2026 edition.
The Prefecture of Martinique – Fort-de-France
Go behind the scenes of the Prefecture with a theatrical tour, including access to the Prefect's office and crisis management rooms. The event is free, with prior registration required.
The Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory – Saint-Pierre
Take advantage of special guided tours to learn about the Observatory's mission, the roles of its staff, and their work monitoring volcanic and seismic activity.
The Earth Science Discovery Center – Saint-Pierre
The photographic exhibition "100 Views of Mount Pelée" invites you to rediscover the volcano through imagery. It is open to the public for free on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no booking required.
Find the full list of tours available in Martinique during this culture-packed weekend on the official Heritage Days website.