Saint-Francois: Discover Art, Coast and Culture

Saint-Francois brings together art venues, coastal scenery and a variety of leisure activities. When choosing what to explore, you can consider whether you are particularly interested in art and history, a viewpoint or local products. The following places and activities offer specific ideas to help you decide.

Art and Cultural Heritage

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Saint-François was founded in 2017 and is located at the marina. The museum has seven rooms and a gallery. Its collection spans the 16th century to the present day and includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. The museum is dedicated to traditional and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography and other visual arts. The works and exhibitions currently on display may change.

Kreol West Indies is an art gallery and museum on the road to Pointe des Châteaux. Its outdoor exhibition area covers 2,000 m², and the building covers 400 m². It displays works by 50 artists and more than 350 pieces, including pre-Columbian tools and navigational instruments used by privateers. The gallery combines contemporary art with historical heritage and presents 4,000 years of Caribbean history. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events; the program may change.

The two venues have different focuses: the Musée des Beaux-Arts covers works from the 16th century to the present day, while Kreol West Indies connects art with a broad historical perspective on the Caribbean. This distinction can help you narrow down the cultural focus of your stay.

Lili Galerie ART is another of Saint-Francois’s art venues. Painter Amandine Uger founded and runs the studio and art gallery at Pointe des Châteaux. Along with the two museums, this venue offers another perspective on the destination’s art scene.

Coastal Scenery and Trails

Near Anse à la Gourde in Saint-François is the walking trail at Pointe à Cabrits. The trail is considered accessible to everyone and leads to a purpose-built platform after a few minutes. From there, you can see îlet de l’Éperon, northern Grande-Terre, Pointe Tarare and the Île de la Désirade farther out. Check local trail conditions before your visit.

Pointe des Châteaux offers more than ten kilometers of trails, as well as wild beaches, salt marshes, endemic plants and migratory birds. The area therefore offers opportunities to appreciate both the landscape and its wildlife and plant life. Trail conditions may be relevant to your plans; check them before your visit.

The Marais de la Pointe Gros-Bœuf received the Aire Terrestre Éducative label in 2020. It adds a specific link to a named wetland to the destination’s nature-related attractions.

Market and Activities

The Marché de Saint-François offers tropical fruits, local vegetables, spices, homemade jams, flavored rums, fresh fish and local crafts. The range of products may vary depending on the day and the vendors. Bear these differences in mind if you are planning a visit to the market.

At Reef Rider Park in Belle-Allée, Saint-François, paintball is available by reservation during the day and at night. Reservations are part of the offering; this is not an unrestricted walk-in activity. As operating details may change, confirm the current conditions directly with the venue. This will help you factor the activity into your travel plans.

When choosing a hotel, consider which of these aspects of Saint-Francois is most appealing for your trip: art and cultural heritage, trails and views, or a particular leisure activity. The places and conditions mentioned offer different starting points for planning.

Discover more destinations: Le Gosier.

Back to the overview of destinations: Grande-Terre.