Presumed construction 1903 (≈ 1903)
Building two years after the Grand Market.
années 1940-1950
Relocation of butchers
Relocation of butchers années 1940-1950 (≈ 1945)
Fish market stalls.
2007
Decommissioning
Decommissioning 2007 (≈ 2007)
Closure for non-compliance with standards.
2013
Renovation
Renovation 2013 (≈ 2013)
Modernization and preservation work.
12 juillet 2019
MH classification
MH classification 12 juillet 2019 (≈ 2019)
Full market registration.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The entire market, on Parcel No. 633, shown in the cadastre section BC: entry by order of 12 July 2019
Key figures
Alain Zozor - Architect
Master of renovation (2013).
Origin and history
The meat market of Fort-de-France, built in the 1st quarter of the 20th century, is a typical example of the Martinica halls of that time. Its structure rests on a reinforced concrete slab, supporting a roof on three levels separated by glass, grilled or persian openings, covered with corrugated sheet. The side façades are lined with wrought iron grids, and the whole is framed by masonry walls. Subsequent changes, such as replacing the central ornament of the pediment with windows or adding metal poles at the entrance, have altered some original elements, including grid patterns and colours (replaced by a purple and white duo).
According to the sources, the market was erected in 1903, two years after the Grand Marché de Fort-de-France. It illustrates an architectural style specific to the halls of the early twentieth century in Martinique. Disused in 2007 for non-compliance with standards (no cold rooms), it was renovated in 2013, led by architect Alain Zozor and the BIEB Engineering study office. The aim was to preserve the building while modernising it, thus allowing the butchers, who were initially relocated to the fish market. The latter had already hosted their shops in the 1940s-1950s, during a previous reorganization.
Ranked historic monument by decree of 12 July 2019, the market is now owned by the municipality. Its rehabilitation was also aimed at making it a cultural place, especially during Heritage Days. The site, located 104bis Rue Antoine Siger, bears witness to the evolution of commercial and urban practices in Martinique, between colonial heritage and contemporary adaptations. The work enhanced its metal structure, while integrating modern equipment to meet sanitary and functional requirements.
The meat market is part of a wider history of Martiniquia halls, often linked to port activity and trade. Its location in Fort-de-France, the island's administrative and economic capital, reflects its central role in supplying fresh food. The successive changes (grills, colours, layout of entrances) also reveal tensions between heritage preservation and practical needs, a recurring problem for historic buildings in tropical urban settings.
