Sainte-Anne

Sainte-Anne is the southernmost commune of Martinique, set at the extreme southwest tip of the island, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet in a striking gradient of blues. It is here, on the Pointe des Salines, that the most famous beach of the island lies — and probably one of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean: Les Salines, long 1.5 km coconut grove of fine white sand facing a translucent sea with turquoise gradients, regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world by international guides.

But Sainte-Anne is not limited to Les Salines. The commune counts a succession of exceptional beaches that make it the seaside sanctuary of Martinique. Anse Trabaud, accessible by a 25-minute trail from Pointe Baham, is probably the wildest and most confidential — fine white sand, more agitated sea (Atlantic side), total absence of facilities. Grande Anse des Salines and Petite Anse des Salines frame the main beach and offer more peaceful coves. The Sainte-Anne village beach (centre) is a family urban beach, calm and supervised. Further east, on the Atlantic side, Pointe Faula and Pointe Marin welcome kitesurf and windsurf enthusiasts (constant winds).

The village of Sainte-Anne is one of the most picturesque of the island — small preserved fishing locality, with its church set on the beach, its colourful lanes, its authentic Creole tables d'hôtes and its morning market. 5 km northeast, Le Marin houses the largest French marina of the Antilles (800 berths) and is the starting point for all yacht or catamaran outings to the white seabeds of François.

The Three Anses trail (10 km, 4-5h, easy level) connects Anse Trabaud to Pointe des Salines via Anse Bonneville and Anse Méo — one of the most beautiful coastal hikes of the island, with exceptional panoramas over the sea and access to coves otherwise inaccessible.