Grand'Rivière

History

Grand'Rivière is a commune in the northern part of Martinique. It is often considered the island’s northernmost commune, located between Le Prêcheur to the west and Macouba to the east.

Founded in the late 17th century, it takes its name from the large river that flows through it. The Jesuits were the initiators of the settlement, establishing a chapel on the site. Father Labat wrote at the time: “We went to say mass at a small chapel on the other side of the Grand'Rivière (...). The Jesuit priest from Le Prêcheur comes to say mass there two or three times a year.”

In 1837, the “Northern Commune” was created, grouping Macouba, Basse-Pointe, and Grand'Rivière, in contrast to the “Southern Commune,” which included Les Anses d'Arlet, Le Diamant, and Sainte-Luce. However, the Northern Commune was short-lived: in 1845, it was dissolved when Macouba became an independent commune. Grand'Rivière was then annexed to Macouba.

Due to its remote location, a Gendarmerie post was established in 1852 by Rear Admiral Vaillant, then governor of Martinique.

In 1888, Grand'Rivière became an independent commune. It was incorporated into the canton of Basse-Pointe and the arrondissement of Saint-Pierre.

Théophile-Anatole Rémilien became the commune’s first mayor.

In May 1902, Grand'Rivière was devastated by the eruption of Mount Pelée.

In 1940, Martinique came under the control of Admiral Robert, who was tasked with enforcing the policies of occupied France in the French Antilles. Grand'Rivière became a key hub of the Martinican Resistance.

In 1942, when Admiral Robert and Archbishop Mgr Varin de la Brunelière arrived in Grand'Rivière intending to replace republican flags with crosses, they faced strong opposition from the local population, who fiercely defended their values. The commune would long be regarded as a “stronghold of resistance.”

Its geographic location also made it a departure point for those joining Allied forces.

In 1945, the Liberation and Allied victory were celebrated in the commune.

Economy

Grand'Rivière’s economy is primarily based on coastal fishing and agriculture. Tourism remains modest, although the commune offers restaurants, its scenic river, and other sites worth visiting.

Neighborhoods

The main neighborhoods in the commune are Bagasse and Bellevue.