The Habitation Creole by definition is a "house", a simple square structure, entirely of wood, recovered with cane and palm leaves.

The "maisons de maitres", or colonial homes, were constructed by a wooden platform on a stone foundation. Only the most well heeled colonists could permit themselves to build more of the structure in stone.

The stone houses recall the country homes of France, with thick walls and small windows to combat the heat.

Over time the Maisons de Maitres began to take on Creole characteristics the structures became slimmer, the number of windows increased and the stone replaced by wood, permitting improved ventilation.

Development of suburbs occurred principally around the ports and trade routes. The architecture of the city "houses ", today well maintained, have one or two floors, often with a veranda to the front and a courtyard to the rear, dedicated to the domestic functions. Over time the ground floors were occupied for commercial activities.

A bit of history...

From Christopher Columbus to the French reign, a small journey through history to get to know and understand Martinique better...