Anse Cafard Memorial
A poignant memorial of 15 statues by Laurent Valère, honoring victims of a 1830 slave ship wreck.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Avoid midday sun
Anse Cafard Memorial
Best Time
Avoid midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant memorial of 15 statues by Laurent Valère, honoring victims of a 1830 slave ship wreck.
"Somber memorial to a wrecked slave ship, beautiful view over the bay and provoking sculpture."
Free Admission
Enjoy this moving memorial without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Parking Availability
Parking is available but can be limited. Arrive early for the best spots. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 15 Statues
Anse Cafard
Fifteen stark white figures facing the ocean, a powerful tribute to enslaved souls lost at sea.
View of Diamond Rock
Overlooking the sea
Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas with the iconic Diamond Rock in the background.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit
Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission
Enjoy this moving memorial without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Parking Availability
Parking is available but can be limited. Arrive early for the best spots. :car:
Bilingual Explanations
Information panels are available in two languages for better understanding. :books:
Combine with Beach Day
Visit nearby beaches and beach bars for a fuller experience. :beachwithumbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission
Enjoy this moving memorial without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Parking Availability
Parking is available but can be limited. Arrive early for the best spots. :car:
Bilingual Explanations
Information panels are available in two languages for better understanding. :books:
Combine with Beach Day
Visit nearby beaches and beach bars for a fuller experience. :beachwithumbrella:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and respectfully for this solemn historical site. :dress:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Anse Cafard Memorial to be a free, moving, and historically significant site with beautiful ocean views and the iconic Diamond Rock in the background. While parking can be limited, the powerful sculptures and bilingual explanations make it a worthwhile stop for reflection and understanding Martinique's past.
"Free to enter Somber memorial to a wrecked slave ship. Beautiful view over the bay and provoking sculpture well worth a visit if driving past. Bilingual explanations make it an easy to understand experience"
Graeme Richardson
"This is a neat place to stop and checkout. Parking was easy, and the views are gorgeous. Interesting part of Martinique’s history."
Geoff H
"Easy to park, beautiful view on memorial and Diamant's rock at the same time. Cool beach bar a mile before (Chill), few lovely beaches and few shops/roots bars on the way."
O 2
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Anse Cafard Memorial is located in Le Diamant, Martinique. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors drive along the coast and stop here as part of a scenic tour.
Public transport options to Anse Cafard might be limited. Renting a car is generally recommended for exploring Martinique's coastal attractions like this memorial.
From Fort-de-France, take the N5 south towards Le Diamant. The memorial is well-signposted along the coastal road. The drive offers beautiful views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Anse Cafard Memorial is a free-to-enter site. It's an open-air memorial dedicated to remembrance.
As an outdoor memorial, it is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
There are no specific tickets required as it's a free memorial. While official guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, you can find information on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a powerful memorial featuring 15 white statues by artist Laurent Valère, commemorating enslaved people who died in a shipwreck in 1830. 
The memorial honors the victims of the slave trade, specifically those who perished when a slave ship, the 'Négrier clandestin,' sank off the coast.
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful light for photos, avoiding the midday heat.
Basic facilities like parking are available. It's an open-air site, so bring water and sun protection.
While the historical context is somber, the visual impact of the statues and the ocean views can be engaging for older children. Discussions about history should be age-appropriate.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the 15 statues against the backdrop of the ocean and Diamond Rock. The panoramic views are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, photography is permitted. Be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and maintain a respectful distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the statues and the ocean. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for sunrise/sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing the visit with a trip to a nearby beach or a more lighthearted activity afterward can help balance the experience for younger visitors. The visual impact of the 15 figures against the sea is memorable, and it can serve as a starting point for conversations about history, resilience, and remembrance.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
Combine your visit with stops at the nearby Chill beach bar or explore other lovely beaches and local shops in the vicinity. The drive itself offers spectacular ocean vistas, with the memorial providing a significant historical and artistic point of interest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and History of the Memorial
+1The specific historical event commemorated here is the tragic shipwreck of a clandestine slave ship in 1830, just off the coast of Le Diamant. Despite the illegality of the slave trade at that time, the ship was carrying enslaved people when it met its demise. Out of the many souls on board, only a few survived, with many perishing in the unforgiving waters. The memorial serves as a solemn tribute to these lost lives and a powerful statement against the inhumanity of slavery.
+1Visitors often describe the experience as somber yet beautiful, with the stark white statues contrasting against the blue of the sea and sky. The location itself, overlooking the ocean with the iconic Diamond Rock in the distance, adds to the dramatic and evocative atmosphere. It's a place that encourages reflection and remembrance, offering a tangible connection to a critical part of Martinique's past.
Visiting Anse Cafard: Practicalities and Perspectives
Many visitors highlight the breathtaking views from the memorial, not only of the ocean but also of the famous Diamond Rock. This scenic beauty, combined with the historical weight of the memorial, creates a unique and memorable experience. Some travelers suggest combining a visit here with a stop at nearby beach bars or other coastal attractions for a more complete day out.
From a visitor's perspective, the memorial is often described as thought-provoking and moving. The bilingual explanations on-site help visitors understand the historical context, making it an educational as well as an emotional experience. It's a place that resonates deeply, prompting contemplation on history and humanity.
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