Happy TravellerWelcome to Le Lamentin, the heart of Martinique’s economy and the island’s first industrial town. Located in the center of Martinique, this town is the second most populated after Fort-de-France, with nearly 40,000 residents. With its 62.32 km2, it is also the town with the largest area. Originally a giant swamp land and mangrove region, Le Lamentin is now a riparian town located by the sea in the Bay of Fort-de-France and crossed by the islands longest river, the Lézarde.
Le Lamentin has a tropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 27.0 °C (80.6 °F) and an average annual rainfall of 2,056.6 mm (80.97 in). The wettest month is November, and the temperatures are highest on average in August and lowest in February. The highest temperature ever recorded in Le Lamentin was 35.4 °C (95.7 °F) on 7 October 2012, and the coldest temperature ever recorded was 14.1 °C (57.4 °F) on 25 December 1964.
Le Lamentin has a rich history, with its name deriving from the pacific manatees that once inhabited the now extinct La Lézarde river. Today, a symbolic statue of a manatee rests in front of the city hall. In terms of economy, Le Lamentin is the center of Martinique’s industry, with five industrial zones and two joint development zones, an oil refinery, and the two largest shopping centers on the island. It is also home to the islands only international airport, Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport, named after local author and politician Aimé Césaire.
Whether you’re a history buff, industrial enthusiast, or nature lover, Le Lamentin has something to offer. So why not escape the crowds and discover this hidden gem for yourself?