Balata Garden (Jardin de Balata)
Route de Balata, Fort-de-France, MTQ
Jardin de Balata is a botanical garden created by the poet and horticulturalist Jean-Philippe Thoze, who designed the space to reflect his childhood memories and celebrate Martinique’s natural beauty. The traditional Creole house at the center of the garden also offers views of the ocean, lush jungle, and giant palm trees.
Jean-Philippe Thoze designed the large Jardin de Balata in 1984 on the land surrounding his grandparents’ home. Explore the garden’s walkways and paths and a suspended rope bridge that lets you see as far as the sea, and enjoy the garden’s exotic flora, including orchids and water lilies—with luck, you’ll spot hummingbirds hovering above the flower beds.
Jardin de Balata is popular with families and nature lovers.
To save time on the day, purchase your admission ticket in advance.
The garden provides electric scooters for visitors with reduced mobility. Most of the paths are accessible for travelers in wheelchairs, but some can be steep.
Jardin de Balata is located on Route de Balata. From Fort-de-France—the capital of the island of Martinique—the drive to Jardin de Balata takes about 20 minutes.
Jardin de Balata is open daily from morning until early evening; last admission is 90 minutes before closing. The garden is most comfortable in the morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler.
Once you’ve had your fill of flora, head over to the Zoo de Martinique in order to get your fauna fix. Inside the zoo—which is set among the ruins of the 17th-century Latouch House—you’ll find jaguars, cougars, and great anteaters, in addition to many species of birds and insects. The zoo and Jardin de Balata offer combination tickets for visitors interested in seeing both sights.
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