Fodor's Expert Review St. James Distillery & Rum Museum

The Musée du Rhum, operated by the St. James Rum Distillery, is housed in a graceful, galleried Creole house. Interestingly, the distillery was founded in 1765 in Ste-Pierre by a priest who was also an alchemist. It was relocated to Ste-Marie after the 1902 eruption of Mont Pelée. Guided tours can take in the plantation and the displays of the tools of the trade, the art gallery, and include a visit and tasting at the distillery. You can opt to take a little red train tour for €5 that traverses the cane fields and runs between here and the nearby banana museum, while a guide narrates; it runs on many Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons. Just be aware the detailed commentary is in French.

The museum and distillery are closed during the cane harvest, and weekend hours sometimes change; tours may not happen during December. It's a good idea to call ahead.