Habitation Roussel-Trianon

Grand-Bourg de Marie-Galante

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Habitation Roussel-Trianon is an old sugar refinery and plantation, complete with decapitated windmill used to crush the cane. Each doorway is marked with an engraving of two hearts and a six-pointed star.

In 1845, the house became a factory thanks to the steam technology introduced by Victor Roussel.

Interesting fact about the residence, the mill and the fireplace were built in limestone while the stable was made of stone and brick. Many have noted the eerie resemblance between the stables of Habitation Roussel-Trianon and the great stables of the royal foundry of Creusot (1792). The ruins of the refinery were classified a historic monument in 1981.

Directions From Grand-Bourg Marie-Galante, follow Nationale to Saint-Louis for 2 km. You will see the site on your left.

The history of Habitation Roussel-Trianon:
1669: a sugar refinery called the "Trianon" is established at this location
1785: Paul Botreau Roussel buys the property and develops it
1800: construction of the mill
1843: earthquake partially destroys the mill, the sugar mill is modernized with steam technology
1855 to 1863: construction of other buildings on the site, the vestiges of which remain to this day
1874: closure of the plant to profit Grande-Anse (Retz family) in wake of the sugar crisis
1979: the remains are classified an ecomuseum 1981: the site is classified a historical monument