The Clément Habitation
The Domain of The Clément Habitation
A living heritage
Bearing the name of the renowned family that acquired the estate and has developed the distillery since 1887, the Clément Habitation is a vast agricultural estate nestled in the commune of François, in the southeast of Martinique. At the heart of the sugarcane fields lies a major heritage site, featuring its 17th-century Creole mansion, a contemporary art centre and a complex dedicated to rum, its tradition, and its history.
The Main House
of the Clément Habitation
Perched atop a hill, the main house stands majestically above the estate, sheltered by a cluster of trees. Expanded over time with an additional floor and side galleries for ventilation, this Creole-style building has retained all its elegance. It is surrounded by a domestic complex consisting of a stable, a kitchen, the steward’s house—renamed “Bush-Mitterand” in memory of the 1991 Franco-American summit held there—and the “Case à Léo,” a former carriage shed converted into a permanent exhibition space.
THE GARDENS OF THE CLÉMENT HABITATION
A Green Haven
Created in 1992 and awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label in 2015 by the Ministry of Culture, the park spans 16 hectares and features a rare collection of over 300 tropical plants. It benefits from daily maintenance that carefully preserves its environmental balance. It is also a sculpture garden, an open-air museum that permanently displays contemporary works from the Clément Foundation, combining harmoniously the heritage and modern art.
THE OLD DISTILLERY
The Memory of Rum
To provide an in-depth understanding of the Clément rum-making process, the old distillery has been converted into an interpretation centre dedicated to rum. The entire industrial heritage is showcased: the building and its machinery, restored in 2005, are presented across several levels connected by walkways. The renovation of this historic distillery preserves the industrial heritage of rum while highlighting the stories passed down by former workers.
Ageing
Our rums are aged for at least three years in 200-liter oak barrels stored inside vast aging cellars. They develop their aromas and colour over time… and thanks to a unique Martinican characteristic. Indeed, the tropical, warm, and humid climate accelerates the aging process by promoting evaporation: this is the famous “angel’s share,” which visitors can sense as they walk near the cellars.
Art and Heritage
At the heart of The Clément Habitation, the Clément Foundation has been working since 2005 to nurture the island’s cultural identity and inspire future generations through its exhibitions, cultural events, and commitment to artistic development. To showcase and promote talent, as well as welcome the public eager to discover it, since 2016 it has been housed in a new architectural complex of over 600 m², featuring three exhibition spaces specifically dedicated to contemporary Caribbean art, along with a library and an area for preserving documentary collections.
Between Tradition and Modernity
Since 2023, The Clément Habitation has been inviting visitors to experience a bold and unprecedented sensory journey. In an innovative educational space, a partially digital and fully staged route offers total immersion in Clément Rums, showcasing the craftsmanship, lifestyle, and insights of cellar master Julien Thimon. The space also includes a playful sensory workshop to explore the characteristic aromas, as well as a tasting area showcasing the rarest vintages.