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Food tour in the rainforest and St Pierre - Pile et Face

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Karambole Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

The Traveling Esquire

Travel & Foodie Magazine

February 7, 2016 by Tyra The Traveling Esquire 24 Comments

Martinique Karambole Tours Review

Martinique is a beautiful country with a unique culture and history. But driving can be a…challenge, to put it mildly. Between the scarcity of automatic vehicles (I don’t drive stick) and the, shall we say, veracity and technique of Martinique drivers, driving in the country was high on our priority list. Yet in order to view the island to the fullest, you need a car because cabs are exorbitant. Enter Karambole Tours.  

Karambole Tours offers several tours to give visitors the heart of Martinique. The owner, Christelle, is bilingual offering English, French or English and French combo tours. Karambole is new, just beginning tours in November, but it is clear that Christelle cares deeply about the island and wants others to see its beauty. And she is super talented; she narrates back and forth between English and French with ease and finesse.

Pile et Face Tour

We did the Pile et Face Tour, which made several stops and covered a large portion of the island. And along the way we had delicious pastries along the way.

Our first stop was the Sacred Heart Montmartre de Balata Church. Look familiar? If you have been to Paris, this one you may recognize as a replica of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. This beautiful structure is hilltop and features absolutely stunning architecture.

But the real joy is inside. The alter and stained glass was beautiful. The high ceilings and the dome were magnificent. Around the dome at the top had an amazing level of detail, and even though I don’t speak French, I could instantly tell that at the four corners were depictions of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Absolutely beautiful.

But before taking in the church, Christelle offered some history, along with tumeric bread with souskay and banana wine.

The Rainforest

Martinique is an extremely lush island, with dense rainforests. So next, we were on to the rainforest area (where it indeed rained). We first stopped at the Alma River for photos and enjoyed hot chocolate and a cinnamon apple pastry. We then headed over to a cute little waterfall, where we waded through the river to get to the pool. Unfortunately, the rain started coming down at that point, or we would have enjoyed more time in the waterfall.

Mt. Pelee and Saint-Pierre

Check this: There is an active volcano on Martinique. Didn’t know Mt. Pelee was still active before I arrived. But on the tour, we stopped for a scenic overlook where Christelle gave us some history on the ‘catastrophe’ as the Martinicans call it, the huge eruption in 1902 that killed most everyone in and destroyed Saint-Pierre. We then went down into the town to walk the streets and see the old outdoor theater.

There is–legitimately–not a weak drink on Martinique. Seriously. Rhum is the liquor of choice, so we enjoyed a tasting at DePaz Distillery. There they have all sorts of flavored rhums (my personal favorite is the Passionfruit Rhum). The pours are small, but they pack a mean punch. We took only a few minutes to check out the hilltop grounds before getting right down to business, but there was a lot to see if you had the time.

Black Sand Beach

Our last stop of the day was at a black sand beach. To be fair, the sand wasn’t an onyx-toned sand, but lighter, more of a grey beach. But the sand coloration was caused by the volcano. The beach was beautiful and relatively uninhabited. We relaxed there for a bit before heading back to Fort de France to catch our ferry.

Karambole Tours

All in all, we could have been more pleased with our tour. We covered a lot of ground in just one day, and had great local delicacies along the way. Christelle has put together a great itinerary, but even if you have other things on your itinerary (like the Anse Caffard Memorial or the Jardin de Balata), Karambole offers other tours hitting those sites. The prices are more than reasonable, and Christelle is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about Martinique. I highly recommend this tour company to anyone visiting the island.

* While Karambole Tours offered a media ticket for this tour, the review is my honest opinion and the review is all my own.

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March 20, 2016 at 11:09 pm

Sounds like you had an amazing tour. Martinique looks like such a lovely place! That rain forest looks so stunning. Something about rain forests and forests in general are so calming to me <3

March 28, 2016 at 11:53 am

Angelic, it was very calming. Super peaceful.

March 21, 2016 at 3:15 am

Martinique is on my list of Caribbean Islands to visit. It looks like such a fun place. I’m headed to Turks and Caicos this summer. My husband and I try to visit a Caribbean Island each year. We love them all!

March 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm

Alli, check out my most recent posts on Turks and Caicos! High on my list!

November 19, 2016 at 1:59 pm

Is there anyway we can be featured on your site?

February 19, 2017 at 8:18 pm

Hello, please feel free to reach out to us directly. Thanks!

March 21, 2016 at 3:20 am

I’ve always wanted to go to Martinique since I learned about it in school. I would have expected the sand at the black beach to be black as well.

March 21, 2016 at 4:58 am

Your photos are gorgeous. I have implanted myself (in my mind) sitting in a chair by the Alma River sipping that cup of hot chocolate and enjoying that apple pastry. How beautiful and relaxing! What a fabulous vacation. Now I want to go!

March 21, 2016 at 5:54 am

You had me at Rum 🙂 I have to agree with you that is the drink of choice in this house that’s for sure. Love looking at your beach photos..makes me want to curl up on the sand and ignore the ice and cold!

March 21, 2016 at 8:02 am

Martinique looks like a beautiful island to visit! I would love to travel there one day.

March 21, 2016 at 11:02 am

This looks like such a fabulous tour! That black sand beach looks truly breathtaking. I would love to visit this spot!

March 21, 2016 at 11:22 am

I don’t even know where Martinique is but loving the sound of Karambole tours. I always make it a missing to take local tours when I travel

March 26, 2016 at 5:20 pm

Anosa, it’s in the southern Caribbean and it’s fantastic!

March 21, 2016 at 11:59 am

I’d definitely want to take one of these tours. I’d have a lot of fun learning about Martinique and its history.

March 21, 2016 at 12:19 pm

These photos are amazing. I bet the tour was even better in-person. I can’t even image. What a greta experience.

March 21, 2016 at 1:52 pm

Oh wow, what a beautiful place! I totally see why you would rather do a tour than ferry yourself around too. You not only avoid the challenge of driving, but get to see so many great sights! I can’t believe there’s an active volcano too … yikes!

March 21, 2016 at 5:08 pm

I’m really glad that I read your post as I’ve never visited or known anyone who has visited Martinique. It looks beautiful and I would love to go there, but I would not dare drive. I rarely rent vehicles when I travel which does stop me from seeing a lot and taking taxis can get expensive.

March 21, 2016 at 7:41 pm

What a beautiful destination! The photos of the rain forest and beach have me day dreaming about my next vacation.

Martinique is truly a beautiful island. I would love to see a black sand beach in person

March 22, 2016 at 3:48 am

I would love to take a tour here! The black sand beach looks gorgeous! I love to take tours where you find incredible places that are virtually uninhabited. It makes me feel like an explorer discovering it for the first time lol!

March 22, 2016 at 3:29 pm

This sounds and looks like a beautiful place. I would totally enjoy the rainforest and waterfall the most. A

March 22, 2016 at 3:49 pm

Having to drive a stick would be the end of the adventure for me! I definitely need an automatic or a driver! It looks like a beautiful place though.

March 24, 2016 at 6:23 am

I’ve never been in Martinique country before but it sounds really beautiful country to visit! Thanks for your review!!

June 25, 2017 at 4:24 pm

April 2016 :My daughter decided not to rent a car because of stick-shift drive. and were we glad that we left the driving to our guide Christelle!. Her mastery of the hair-pin bends, friendly manner and providing bites of local treats at strategic rest stops..allowed us to expe rience Martinique as a beautiful pictorial history book…Enjoyable. Merci.. .Christelle

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Karambole Tours

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Food tour in the rainforest and St Pierre - Pile et Face

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Karambole Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Excursion gourmande Pile et Face - Forêt tropicale et St Pierre

KARAMBOLE TOURS (Sainte-Luce): Ce qu'il faut savoir pour votre visite (avec critiques)

Karambole Tours

By Nebr.cruiser , November 8, 2015 in Martinique

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Nebr.cruiser

I have seen mention of this tour company here. Has anyone used them and can report back? They sound great, but we would need an English-speaking guide.

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I've looked at their Website, but there is not much Information in english. I sent them an email asking for more Information in english and about their guides who are supposed to be english-speaking. The tours Sound interesting, but I would rather converse with them in english. If I get an answer, I will Report here.

I sent them an email also; so if i hear back I will report as well.

So hard to find something to do in Martinique, especially on Sunday. We have been there twice before. Otherwise we'll probably just take the ferry to a beach.

I've sent them an email also. Their site is not user friendly for English speaking people. If I hear back I will let you know.

I received an answer!!!

" Thank you for contacting us!The ideal tour for cruisers is Pile et face Tour trough the tropical rainforest to the town of Saint-Pierre, once the Little Paris of the Caribbean, destroyed by the volcano in 1902.

Our tastings include pastries, hot chocolate, rum which is our typical alcohol, liqueurs, exotic fruits...

This tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, and pick-up is at the pier. Our tours can be made in English.

The price is $55 or 55€/pp. Payment can be made in cash in dollars or euros, or by credit card in euros.

Looking forward to hear from you!"

I got the same message--it sounds pretty good to me, but still thinking about it. They didn't say anything about having a certain number of people for the English tour, time frame, etc. It seems like a good price, and payment in dollars is a bonus.

Yes, I agree. I am assuming, they will have a bilingual guide. That way, the tour will take place at any rate...maybe.

cruising oceangal

I just booked her tour for Nov. 22, 2015. She has an 8 passenger minivan. Christelle was very prompt answering all my questions as this is our first time going to Martinique! She is doing our tour in English and told me it lasts about 4 1/2 hrs. Pickup is at the pier at 9:30 AM.

I got the same message this morning. Vey quick to respond

Hello Nebr.cruiser,

I noticed you said you will be there on a sunday. Are you on the sunshine

December 9, 2015 cruise? If so are you wanting a couple more people to do this tour? If so my hubby and I are interested in joining you. I looked at the website and it seems like a nice tour.

If so you can contact me at [email protected]

Hello Nebr.cruiser, I noticed you said you will be there on a sunday. Are you on the sunshine December 9, 2015 cruise? If so are you wanting a couple more people to do this tour? If so my hubby and I are interested in joining you. I looked at the website and it seems like a nice tour. If so you can contact me at [email protected] thanks

Nope, we're on the Oosterdam docking on Dec. 13th--otherwise that would be great.

thanks, we are on the carnival sunshine. Docking on the same day. Having a hard time finding something to do there. We are in port from 8-6.

Seems there are alot of beach tours, not really wanting to do that since we are on a 10 day with 6 ports. Hubby will probably already be fried.:D

If you want to meet up to do this tour let me know, We are trying to get all of our tours booked

I just booked the Karambola tour. Looks like they can take up to 8, so maybe you can join us. Mention my name, Barbara Werner, and see if that will work. It's my husband and me.

I have no idea if they have other English-speaking tours that day. They did say wear a swimsuit and take a towel, so??? I didn't realize we had beach time, but it's ok with me. We have lots of ports and beach/water time too, so I would have been ok without for this port, but it's all good. Seven ports!

Hi, we will miss you guys because we arent't on Martinique until February..We are doing an 18 day Relocation going to Hamburg, Germany. Enjoy your tours and Cruises. May I request someone to write about their experiences with Christelle?? We want to book with her. We have been to Martinique 3 times already, that's why we want to do something new this time.

Take care!!!

I'll try to post when we get back on how our tour in Martinique went. We have been there twice before also and just want something different and not just another beach day.

That is exactly my Point of view. We will be booking her, but it would be nice to hear from your experiences.

The contact with her is beautiful. No Long waits!!! Seems to be great Service.

I was also very impressed with how quickly and professionally she responded. Have a great cruise!

You, too!!!

I just booked the Karambola tour. Looks like they can take up to 8, so maybe you can join us. Mention my name, Barbara Werner, and see if that will work. It's my husband and me.   I have no idea if they have other English-speaking tours that day. They did say wear a swimsuit and take a towel, so??? I didn't realize we had beach time, but it's ok with me. We have lots of ports and beach/water time too, so I would have been ok without for this port, but it's all good. Seven ports!

Christelle explained to me that you could swim at the waterfall but it may be chilly, lol! That is why she said to wear a swimsuit.

Enjoy your cruise!

I just Emailed her back and waiting on a conformation. There will be 2, possible 4 adults.

Did she sent you something with the details on where to meet and what time?

I agree with you on how quickly she responded. Cant wait to meet you.

She did give directions; they meet you at the port, 9:30, wearing blue shirt, etc. It will all be in your reservation.

Hope you can come along on the tour!

I just Emailed her back and waiting on a conformation. There will be 2, possible 4 adults. Did she sent you something with the details on where to meet and what time? I agree with you on how quickly she responded. Cant wait to meet you. Thanks

Hi. I just got an email messge from Christelle saying that you four had booked the tour too. Great! Not only that, she gave us a $15 discount for mentioning on Cruise Critic to you that you could join our tour.

Talk about good service! This tour is looking better and better. I'd just as soon keep the count at six, if possible, 8 can make a van seem crowded.

It will be fun meeting you as well.

Hi. I just got an email messge from Christelle saying that you four had booked the tour too. Great! Not only that, she gave us a $15 discount for mentioning on Cruise Critic to you that you could join our tour.   Talk about good service! This tour is looking better and better. I'd just as soon keep the count at six, if possible, 8 can make a van seem crowded.   It will be fun meeting you as well.

Just got my conformation. I agree about just the 6 of us. Cause the 2 men with us are long legged and tall. So it can get cramped when it comes to 8 people in one those little vans:eek:

I hope that we dock at the same dock so it makes things alot easier, But she didn't think it would be a problem.

So we are looking forward to meeting you.

Just got my conformation. I agree about just the 6 of us. Cause the 2 men with us are long legged and tall. So it can get cramped when it comes to 8 people in one those little vans:eek: I hope that we dock at the same dock so it makes things alot easier, But she didn't think it would be a problem. So we are looking forward to meeting you.

We're neither one tall, but my husband does get kind of claustrophobic when he's closed into a crowded vehicle, especially if it's hot. So six would be great with us.

I think there's only the one dock, but not sure. See you in December! Can't wait.

I've booked this tour for early January - could you please post a review when you get back from your cruise. Thanks.

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Karambole Tours

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Food tour in the rainforest and St Pierre - Pile et Face

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

KARAMBOLE TOURS (Sainte-Luce) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Rostov-on-Don is deemed to have been founded in December 1749, when construction began on the Temernitskaya Customs House in the lower reaches of the Don, on the left bank of the River Temernik. Soon after, a berth, a storehouse, a quarantine house and garrison barracks were added to the customs house. A port was built later, and for a while it would be the only Russian port in the south, handling all trade with the countries around the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. September 23, 1761, Elizabeth I decreed for a new fortress to be built here, which would be christened St. Dimitry of Rostov Fortress, and would define the location of the future historic centre of Rostov-on-Don.

The St. Dimitry of Rostov Fortress had lost its military value by the beginning of the nineteenth century as the Russian frontier was now far removed from those parts. In August 1807, the fortress was designated as uyezd town – the administrative centre of a county – and a few government institutions were moved there from Taganrog. Rostov changed its name a few times. First it was shortened to Rostov Fortress, then just Rostov, and finally expanded to Rostov-on-Don so as to avoid confusion with another Rostov up north.

The Rostov Fortress was demolished in 1835. The ramparts were leveled, and the moats filled, giving the town a nearly two-fold surplus of land. Rostov-on-Don began to expand quickly, getting paved streets, the telegraph, a water supply system as well as other amenities. In fact, Rostov-on-Don received the telephone before Moscow did. Rostov’s railway station, built in 1875, was the biggest in Russia at the time, and Rostov became the key transport hub on the Vladikavkaz railway. Rostov started using electric lighting at the end of the nineteenth century, and trams started running in the city in the early 1900s.

Russia’s first automatic telephone switchboard for 6,000 numbers was installed in Rostov-on-Don in 1929. This was the first public switchboard: the very first such facility was built in Moscow in the early 1920s, but served only the leaders of the Soviet state, and was not available to the public.

Today the thriving city of Rostov-on-Don (Russian spelling Rostov-na-Donu) and its 1 million inhabitants is the capital and administrative center of Rostov oblast of Russia. The city is also the capital of South Federal District of the Russian Federation from 2000. It is standing on the banks of the Don River about 46 km from the Azov Sea. Rostov-on-Don is a major railway and highway junction of Southern Russia. There is also an international airport in the city. In addition to the COupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships, several matches of FIFA World Cup 2018 will be held in Rostov-on-Don.  

The city offers many attractions, including:

• Don River Lookout, Beregovaya ulitsa. Often referred to as "The Enbankment", visitors and locals alike will enjoy a stroll along the riverside. More than a picturesque view, the Embankment is lined with several restaurants, statues, lighted fountains, and a few shops; It is the center of nightlife in Rostov. Several steamboats are docked along the bank, and tickets for hour-long excursions can be purchased at the ticket booths on location for about 200 rubles.
• An Obelisk at Teatralnaya square, Teatralnaya ploshad. Affectionally dubbed "Stella", by locals, the obelisk appears as a winged tower, across the street from Maxim Gorky Drama Theatre. As one approaches the obelisk, inscriptions honoring the arts, science, agriculture, military, and education can be seen at the base. On the south side of the obelisk, the golden lady (Stella) hovers between the wings.
• Pushkin Street. Visitors may enjoy a stroll down this highly ornate, landscaped boulevard, lined with thousands of trees, restaurants, food kiosks, flowers, benches, statues, and memorials. A favorite sight near the eastern end of the boulevard are the wrought-iron globes, depicting scenes from Pushkin's most popular works. Pushkin Street leads into both the City Park (Park Gorkovo) and October Revolution Park, where visitors will see more meticulously cultivated garden beds and other diversions such as amusement parks and souvenir kiosks.
• Underground Tile Work, While perhaps not the most impressive sight, tile mosaics (depicting scenes of Soviet life, found on the walls of underground street crossings ("perekhody"), make for a momentary distraction. Though mosaics are found under several street crossings on Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, the most beautiful and well-maintained mosaics are under the intersection of Boshaya Sadovaya and Buddyonoskiy Prospect. Note: Appreciate the tile work as you walk; do not stop and stare, or you will block other pedestrians.
• Public Parks: Many statues and monuments not listed here can be found in almost every public park and major street of Rostov.
• Rostov State Opera and Ballet, (134 Bolshaya Sadovaya Street), Rostov has a nice Musical Theatre,which is not located far from the Maxim Gorky Drama Theatre. Most operas are sung in an original language. Ballets are exquisitely choreographed and are invariably accompanied by extravagant sets. Refreshments are almost always sold in the lobby during intermission (for an inflated price). Most Rostov locals will dress formally (but practically) while attending a ballet or opera. $10-$40 / 400-1500 rubles.
• Rostov-on-Don ZooPark This zoo is well worth a visit, especially if one is accompanied by children. As one of the largest in Russia, the ZooPark is home to a staggering variety of animals, including giraffes, camels, polar bears, falcons, reptiles, fish, and simians. Entrance costs only 80 rubles for adults and 40 rubles for children. To get there, take the #6 Bus from the Central Rinok and exit at the stop "ZooPark".
• Shopping at the Central Rinok, "Rinok" might be translated at "bazaar" or "farmer's market". This massive outdoor-and-indoor assortment of tiny shops and booths can be both exciting and intimidating for Westerners, who are unaccustomed to either haggling/ bargaining or being yelled at by shopkeepers. Shopping at a Rinok is one of the most memorable experiences that Russia has to offer for an adventurous North American, so don't be put off by the different feel of things. The majority of the Rinok is devoted to food and clothing, but you can buy anything here. Yes, anything (though it might take a while to find). Even if one does not speak the language, shopping at the Rinok is far preferable to shopping at the nearby, overpriced, department stores. Just let the money do the talking. The Rinok is located downtown, on Stanislavskovo Street, just four blocks south of the central intersection of Bolshaya Sadovaya Street and Buddyonovskiy Prospect.
• Maxim Gorky Academic Drama Theatre. (1 Teatralnaya Ploshad), [5] Despite the name, this theatre is a venue not only for dramatic plays, but also comedies and concerts. The theatre is located on the eastern end of Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, directly across the street from the monument known as "Stella". Even throughout the summer months (when other theatres may be closed), Maxim Gorky Theatre still operates. Prices will vary depending on the show, but tickets are generally inexpensive when compared to other large theatres.
• Stroll Through October Revolution Park, More than just a wooded area, this park is filled with things to do: amusement park rides, ping-pong tables, and a petting zoo, just to name a few.
• Stroll Through the City Park (45 Bolshaya Sadovaya Street), Sometimes called "Park Gorkovo", this park is filled with beautiful flower beds, a full amusement park, restaurants, and souvenir kiosks.

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