On the southwest coast of Martinique, the quiet coastal city of Les Anses d’Arlet appears at first glance to be a postcard of Caribbean life. Fishing boats float in calm turquoise waters, palm trees line the shore, and a wooden pier stretches toward the sea in perfect alignment with the church in the town center — one of the most recognizable images of Martinique.
Yet beyond its picturesque setting, this small community of roughly 3,900 residents is also shaping an international vision for its future.
At the center of that effort is Mayor Eugène Larcher, whose administration has focused on strengthening tourism while expanding the city’s international partnerships across the Caribbean and Africa.
Preserving identity while encouraging growth
For generations, Les Anses d’Arlet has been defined by its maritime culture. Fishing remains an important part of daily life, and the rhythms of the sea continue to influence the city’s economy and traditions.
But as tourism across the Caribbean grows increasingly competitive, the municipality has sought to position the city as both an authentic destination and a hub for cultural and international exchanges.
“Our goal is to develop tourism while preserving the identity of our city and protecting our natural environment,” Mayor Eugène Larcher said in discussing the municipality’s vision.
The strategy emphasizes support for local restaurants, fishermen, tourism operators and maritime activities that contribute to the local economy while maintaining the character of the coastal community.
Regional cooperation across the Caribbean
The city has also sought to strengthen its regional relationships.
Les Anses d’Arlet has developed exchanges with the town of Laborie on the island of Saint Lucia and maintains connections with Marie-Galante in Guadeloupe.
These initiatives aim to encourage tourism collaboration, cultural dialogue and institutional cooperation among Caribbean territories that share historical and cultural ties.
A historic partnership with Africa
One of the most significant initiatives of the municipality has been the establishment of a sister-city partnership with Ouidah in Benin.
The agreement makes Les Anses d’Arlet the first city in Martinique to establish such a partnership with an African municipality.
Ouidah is widely known as a historic center connected to the transatlantic slave trade, making the partnership deeply symbolic of the historical connections between Africa and the Caribbean.
City officials say the initiative is intended to promote cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation and educational partnerships between the two regions.
Looking toward the future
As Les Anses d’Arlet continues to gain international visibility, its leaders say the challenge will be balancing growth with preservation.
The municipality aims to expand tourism, strengthen the maritime economy and develop new international partnerships while protecting the landscapes that have made the city famous.
For Mayor Eugène Larcher, the goal is clear: ensuring that a small Caribbean city can remain rooted in its traditions while building connections across the Atlantic.
