Destination Highlight: Balata Church, Botanical Gardens and Rum

Travel into Martinique's rich ecclesiastical, botanic, and cultural history on this multi-sensory journey back in time. First, you’ll visit Balata Church, a smaller version of the Sacré-Coeur church in Paris. View the architecturally-unique façade and interior. Then, stroll the grounds of Balata Garden. After 20 years, this private collection of flowers and botanicals has finally been opened to the public. Marvel at the picturesque views and diverse specimens, including 300 different types of palm trees. After a stroll through the unique botanical landscape, you’ll head over to Habitation Clément for a guided tour of the old distillery and historic buildings. View a wonderfully-preserved 18th century creole home, visit the old distillery—the site of the meeting between George Bush, Sr. and President François Mitterrand on the eve of the Gulf War. After your tour, visit Maison de Maître (the masters house), and Case-à-Lucie, where you can sample diverse local rums. MT35