Depaz Distillery
Historic rum distillery at the foot of Montagne Pelée, offering stunning views, a restored château, and a glimpse into Martinique's rich past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Depaz Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic rum distillery at the foot of Montagne Pelée, offering stunning views, a restored château, and a glimpse into Martinique's rich past.
"A beautiful distillery with a majestic view, offering a truly enjoyable and historical experience."
Self-Guided Tour Option
Connect to the distillery's WiFi for a free, self-guided tour on your phone. :iphone:
Villa Access Fee
A small fee grants access to the villa; check ticket options for potential tastings. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Château Depaz
Main building
Explore the stunning, restored castle with its rich history and majestic architecture.
The Distillery & Steam Museum
Production area
Witness the rum-making process and delve into the fascinating history of sugar cane cultivation.
Panoramic Views
Grounds overlooking the sea
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the iconic Montagne Pelée.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Depaz Distillery
Understanding Depaz Distillery Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Self-Guided Tour Option
Connect to the distillery's WiFi for a free, self-guided tour on your phone. :iphone:
Villa Access Fee
A small fee grants access to the villa; check ticket options for potential tastings. :ticket:
Rum Tasting Experience
Tastings can be limited to one sample, so choose wisely or inquire about options. :wine_glass:
Purchase Rum On-Site
Prices are often cheaper here than in supermarkets; buy directly from the shop. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Self-Guided Tour Option
Connect to the distillery's WiFi for a free, self-guided tour on your phone. :iphone:
Villa Access Fee
A small fee grants access to the villa; check ticket options for potential tastings. :ticket:
Rum Tasting Experience
Tastings can be limited to one sample, so choose wisely or inquire about options. :wine_glass:
Purchase Rum On-Site
Prices are often cheaper here than in supermarkets; buy directly from the shop. :moneybag:
Scenic Drive Up
The road to the distillery offers beautiful scenery. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Depaz Distillery is praised for its stunning location, beautiful château, and historical steam museum. Visitors appreciate the scenic views and the opportunity to learn about rum production. However, some find the rum tasting experience limited and the staff at the shop less than friendly, contrasting with the pleasant restaurant staff.
"Depaz Distillery, located at the foot of Montagne Pelée and overlooking the bay of Saint-Pierre.
What a beautiful distillery, a great steam museum and a wonderful restored castle.
Great experience"
Repi N‘me
"Very nice habitation with a majestic view dominating the ocean. The visit isn't too long, but definitely enjoyable. The tasting is sadly limited to a single consumption (the Port cask is excellent!). Prices are quite cheaper than what you can find in regular supermarkets, so make sure you buy what you need directly at the habitation! Enjoy the visit"
Quentin Tigé (이경택)
"Very nice place. The road uphill to the distillery is very nice. The distillery and the site are Truly worth the visit. We had the opportunity to try their rum at the shop. The staff is not very friendly, we found them rather rude. The offer the rum trial as if they don’t want clients to buy the rum.
One of the positive points is the property’s guidance. You connect to their wifi and have automatically the guide. It is nice to be able to do a self guide of the property in the mobile phone and for free. Only visiting the mansion is chargeable (5 euros). You must buy the ticket at the shop.
The property is beautiful, the rums are worth trying, and the restaurant on premise is both delightful and the restaurant’s staff is very friendly, unlike the people at the distillery’s shop."
Juan Francisco Poveda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Depaz Distillery is located in Saint-Pierre, Martinique, and is often within walking distance from anchorages or easily accessible by taxi or rental car. The drive up to the distillery offers scenic views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at Depaz Distillery, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Depaz Distillery is a popular excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting Saint-Pierre, Martinique. Many cruise lines offer organized tours, or you can arrange independent transport. 
Many visitors enjoy exploring Saint-Pierre on foot, especially if arriving by boat. For a more comprehensive experience, consider a guided trek that includes the city's heritage and a visit to the distillery.
The road leading up to Depaz Distillery is described as very nice and scenic, offering beautiful views as you ascend.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The grounds and museum of Depaz Distillery are generally free to explore. However, there is a small entrance fee to visit the villa itself.
Tickets for the villa at Depaz Distillery typically cost around 5-7 euros, depending on whether you opt for tastings. It's advisable to purchase tickets at the shop.
Yes, Depaz Distillery offers a convenient free self-guided tour via your mobile phone by connecting to their WiFi. This allows you to explore at your own pace.
Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
Depaz Distillery offers a 'terroir experience' which includes tasting their trademark rum. Some curated treks also culminate in a visit to the distillery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Depaz Distillery, you can explore the beautifully restored Château Depaz, visit the steam museum, learn about the rum-making process, and enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Montagne Pelée.
The rum tasting experience at Depaz Distillery can be limited, often offering just one small sample per person. While some visitors have enjoyed the tasting, others found it restrictive for making purchasing decisions.
Yes, the steam museum at Depaz Distillery is a great addition, offering insights into the historical rum-making process and the site's industrial past.
Depaz Distillery is known for producing exceptional agricultural rum, fueled by bagasse (crushed cane byproduct). They offer various aged rums, including a Vieux VSOP.
Yes, there is a restaurant on the premises of Depaz Distillery that is described as delightful, with friendly staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The Château Depaz itself is incredibly photogenic, both inside and out. The panoramic views of the sea and Montagne Pelée also offer stunning backdrops. Don't miss capturing the historic distillery equipment.
Photography rules inside the villa can vary. It's best to check with staff upon arrival or observe any posted signage to ensure you're following guidelines.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the architecture and landscapes without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also offer lovely golden hour light.
The grand staircase and ornate rooms within the Château are popular photo spots. The terraces offering sea views and the lush gardens are also excellent choices.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in historical and protected areas. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over Depaz Distillery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the rum tasting itself is for adults, children can enjoy the visual aspects of the distillery and the beautiful estate. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as the focus is on the historical and production aspects. The self-guided tour via phone can be a fun way for older children to engage with the information at their own pace.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
+1 Many cruise lines include excursions to the distillery as part of their onboard offerings, ensuring a convenient and well-organized experience. Visitors can expect a visit that includes exploring the historic Château Depaz, learning about rum production in the steam museum, and enjoying breathtaking views. The self-guided tour option is particularly useful for those on a tighter schedule, allowing for flexibility. Remember that while the grounds are free, there's a fee for the villa, and tasting opportunities might be limited, so manage expectations accordingly.
🥃 Rum Aficionados
Pay attention to the unique characteristics of rhum agricole, which differs significantly from molasses-based rums. While the tasting experience might be limited to a single sample for some, it's still an opportunity to sample their distinct expressions, such as the Vieux VSOP.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Depaz Distillery
+1 The site is famously located at the foot of the majestic Montagne Pelée, a volcano that dramatically reshaped the island's history. The most significant event was the catastrophic eruption on May 8, 1902, which completely destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre and tragically claimed thousands of lives. The original distillery was also obliterated in this devastating event. Remarkably, the Depaz distillery was rebuilt and brought back into operation after the eruption, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the region. This rebuilding effort allowed the tradition of rum production to continue. Today, visitors can explore the Château Depaz, a beautifully restored mansion that stands as a symbol of this revival, and the steam museum, which showcases the historical machinery and processes used in rum making. The distillery's location offers a poignant reminder of the past while celebrating its present-day success.
+1The rum produced here is an agricultural rum, made from fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses. This method is characteristic of Martinique's AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) designation for rhum agricole. The distillery utilizes bagasse, the fibrous residue of sugar cane after crushing, as a fuel source, highlighting a sustainable approach to production.
Experiencing Depaz Rum
The distillery's location, with its fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate, contributes significantly to the quality of the sugar cane used. Visitors often have the opportunity to sample Depaz rums, though the tasting experience can vary. While some reviews mention a single, small sample, others have noted more generous tastings, especially when purchasing a villa ticket.
The rum is described as having good quality and being very tasty, with unique flavors that reflect the island's essence. For those interested in purchasing, the distillery shop is the ideal place. Prices at the habitation are often more competitive than those found in supermarkets, making it a great opportunity to stock up on your favorite Depaz expressions.
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