Les Anses-d'Arlet is a string of coves between sea and hills, and a village whose Saint-Henri church — listed as a historic monument since 16 March 1995 — stands in line with the jetty. The commune represented France's overseas territories in the 2020 "Village préféré des Français" contest, finishing second.
From the airport to Les Anses-d'Arlet
About thirty kilometres: 35 to 45 minutes outside rush hours from the terminal. One important point: no ferry serves the commune directly — the Fort-de-France boat goes to Les Trois-Îlets. You come here by road, and a car remains the simplest way to go from one cove to the next.
The coves, one by one
- Grande Anse d'Arlet — a bay facing due west, for swimming and snorkelling; turtles are seen there; water rated excellent in the 2025 health checks;
- Anse Dufour — green turtles graze the seagrass: you are asked to stay about 5 metres away, not to touch or chase them;
- Anse Noire — the only black-sand beach in the south, about a hundred metres from Anse Dufour, down a flight of 130 steps;
- Cap Salomon and Pointe Burgos — remains of English gun batteries from 1762, whose fire crossed over the bay;
- The Morne Champagne trail — a climb above the village for the view over the coves.
Like most beaches in Martinique, they have no permanent lifeguard: swim with care and follow the signs. Neither Grande Anse, nor Anse Dufour, nor Anse Noire has a lifeguard post. All our beaches, with the advice: beaches you can reach by car.
Roads and parking
The road down to Anse Dufour and Anse Noire is narrow and winding: drive slowly and pull over to pass. In the village and at Grande Anse, spaces go early in the morning — a small car parks where a large one gives up. The rules of the road are summed up in our driving in Martinique guide.
Booking your car for Les Anses-d'Arlet
Free handover at the airport, unlimited mileage, a team you can reach 7 days a week. In high season (December to April, July-August), book online as soon as your dates are set. We don't deliver to accommodation: you collect the car at the airport, at our Le Lamentin agency or at the Fort-de-France cruise port (surcharge).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Spar'Car branch in Les Anses-d'Arlet?
No. Your car waits for you at Aimé Césaire airport, where the handover is free, 7 days a week and at any hour. Our agency is in Le Lamentin.
How long is the drive from the airport to Les Anses-d'Arlet?
About thirty kilometres, so 35 to 45 minutes outside rush hours.
Can I reach Les Anses-d'Arlet by ferry?
No: no ferry serves the commune directly. The Fort-de-France boat goes to Les Trois-Îlets; Les Anses-d'Arlet is reached by road.
Do you deliver the car to my accommodation in Les Anses-d'Arlet?
No, we don't deliver to accommodation. You collect the car at the airport (free), at our Le Lamentin agency or at the Fort-de-France cruise port.