The Domaine
The Domaine de la Glacière, located in Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, is a site with a rich industrial past, now transformed into a space for relaxation and tourism. Its history reflects the various economic aspects of Guadeloupe over time, from the early agricultural productions to modern infrastructures.
The Distillery of L'Espérance (1920)
In the early 20th century, the estate housed the Distillery of L'Espérance, founded in the 1920s. Like many distilleries of the time, it relied on sugarcane cultivation to produce rum, a cornerstone of Guadeloupe's economy. The rum from L'Espérance, produced through traditional distillation methods, was widely appreciated locally and exported to other markets.
The Brickworks
Over the decades, with the evolution of industries and local needs, the site changed its purpose. After the closure of the distillery, the estate was transformed into a brickworks, contributing to the infrastructural development of Guadeloupe. This transformation met the growing construction needs on the island, which was experiencing rapid urban and rural infrastructure development at the time.
The Glacière in the 1960s
In the 1960s, the estate underwent a new transformation, becoming an ice house. This facility was crucial at a time when food preservation required local ice production, before the widespread use of household refrigerators. The ice house played an essential role for markets, fishermen, and local families, ensuring the freshness of food products in a tropical climate.
The Estate Today
Today, the Domaine de la Glacière has reinvented itself as a leisure destination, welcoming visitors seeking peace and nature. However, it still preserves part of its history through the layout of the site and the industrial heritage that is maintained there. The estate offers accommodations in bungalows that blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature, showcasing the lush vegetation of Petit-Bourg.
Thanks to its rich history, the Domaine de la Glacière is much more than just a place to stay. It is a witness to several major industrial eras in Guadeloupe, from rum distillation, building material production, to ice production, thus marking its key role in the island's economic and social development.