Pavillon Bougenot, Fort-de-France

The Pavillon Bougenot bears the name of Emile Bougenot, a distinguished French engineer employed by CAIL to modernize the central factories of Martinique towards the latter part of the 19th century. Emile Bougenot's union with the sole daughter of Eugène Eustache, proprietor of the "Galion" sugar refinery, elevated him to one of the most influential industrialists of the era. Upon his wife's demise, he inherited the Pavillon Bougenot, positioned on land adjacent to the government palace, which is presently the Prefecture.

Originally acquired by Eugène Eustache in 1872, the Pavillon boasts a bourgeois architectural style, spanning an area of 600 square meters. It features a concrete base and a metal frame, blending concrete and wrought iron with abundant use of wood in its construction. The veranda is adorned with a wrought iron balcony, enveloping the structure on all sides, with a wooden floor lending an elegant touch. Its tall wooden windows, adorned with small glass panes, and delicate interior columns evoke the colonial charm of the island.

The meticulously designed gardens surrounding the Pavillon showcase an array of tropical flora, including majestic royal palm trees, adding a verdant allure to the capital city. Historically, the Pavillon served as both a residence and a hub for Emile Bougenot's commercial endeavors. During the Vichy regime, it housed the propaganda department under Admiral Robert's administration. Post-war, it was utilized by Radio Broadcasting until 1949, and in 1961, the General Council acquired the property, assigning it to the Directorate of Health and Social Services.