Fodor's Expert Review La Savane
The heart of Fort-de-France, La Savane is a 12½-acre oceanside park filled with trees, fountains, and benches. A massive revitalization made it the focal point of the city again, with entertainment, shopping, and a pedestrian mall. Attractive wooden stands have been constructed along the edge of the park that house public restrooms, arts-and-crafts vendors, a crepe stand, an ice-cream stand, and numerous other eateries.
The Hotel L'Imperatrice, directly across from the park, has become a real gathering place—particularly for its café, which opens to the sidewalk. The hotel also has one of the best kiosks in the Savane for lunch and snacks. The newer Fort Savane, a residence (apartments) for the business and leisure market, is also right across from its namesake park. The Simon Hotel is a short stroll away. Diagonally across from La Savane, you can catch the ferries for the 20-minute run across the bay to Pointe du Bout and the beaches at Anse Mitan and Anse à l'Ane. It's... READ MORE
The heart of Fort-de-France, La Savane is a 12½-acre oceanside park filled with trees, fountains, and benches. A massive revitalization made it the focal point of the city again, with entertainment, shopping, and a pedestrian mall. Attractive wooden stands have been constructed along the edge of the park that house public restrooms, arts-and-crafts vendors, a crepe stand, an ice-cream stand, and numerous other eateries.
The Hotel L'Imperatrice, directly across from the park, has become a real gathering place—particularly for its café, which opens to the sidewalk. The hotel also has one of the best kiosks in the Savane for lunch and snacks. The newer Fort Savane, a residence (apartments) for the business and leisure market, is also right across from its namesake park. The Simon Hotel is a short stroll away. Diagonally across from La Savane, you can catch the ferries for the 20-minute run across the bay to Pointe du Bout and the beaches at Anse Mitan and Anse à l'Ane. It's relatively cheap as well as stress-free—much safer, more pleasant, and faster than by car.
The most imposing historic site in Fort-de-France is Fort St-Louis, which runs along the east side of La Savane. Now a military installation, it's again open to the public. However, you have to arrange a guided tour in advance at the tourist information kiosk in La Savane. They will sell you a ticket for under a euro and rent you an audio guide.
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