Église Saint-Henri des Anses-d'Arlet

Église Saint-Henri des Anses-d'Arlet is a church in a coastal village on Martinique with three naves, a transept featuring side chapels, and a semicircular apse. The apse is topped by a blue vaulted ceiling that gives the interior space its distinctive appearance.

The first church on this site was established in 1671 but was destroyed by the English in 1762 and rebuilt in 1767. The reconstruction was made possible through donations from Henry Larcher, after whom the church is now named.

The stained glass windows in the choir were created by master craftsman Léon Tournel in 1875 and show scenes of Saint Henry and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These windows shape how light enters the church interior and give the space its distinctive character.

The building stands by the main beach and is aligned with the village pier, making it easy to find and accessible from the shore. It has been registered as a historical monument since 1995 and welcomes visitors as a public space.

The main altar is made of marble and is reached by matching marble steps that receive natural light from four semicircular bays with stained glass windows. This carefully arranged lighting creates a subtle visual detail that often goes unnoticed by visitors.