We were last year and thought it was better attended than the last time we were there before IRMA - more vendors and more guests . Will be there in a few weeks and looking forward to attending again.
It's refreshing to read about something positive like this, and not blockades or burning autos on the french side. I'm sure this is a source of civic pride for the locals, and hopefully marks the beginning of better times ahead on the island. Thanks for the article.
Just attended Harmony night at Grand Case. Didn't stay to see the marching, but overall , very impressed. A crew came through town in the morning with brooms and shovels and swept the main street. Later in the afternoon, various merchants started setting up. We went to Villa for dinner around 6, it was full, and the service as always was excellent, so was the food. Walking there the streets were pretty crowded, but the time we finished and walked up to the Salt Mill the street was packed with people so heavy it was hard to walk at times, though everyone seemed to be in a good mood. There were people selling food, arts and crafts, 4 or 5 different bands at different places. Saw many people shopping in the stores and the stands, the Lolos were so full they set up tables in the street.
Parking is a problem. If you get there very early you can park in the lot at the north end of town. There is also parking along the road out of town by Spiga if you get there early. Arriving later than about 6 pm, there are road blocks on the road at the airport so no vehicles are allowed past that point.
On the south side there is a little parking along the road but that is usually jammed and not available.
Arrive early and good luck!
Grand Case is really fun and popular on Tuesday evening with lots of people enjoying themselves with French security everywhere.
Parking is a problem. If you get there very early you can park in the lot at the north end of town. There is also parking along the road out of town by Spiga if you get there early. Arriving later than about 6 pm, there are road blocks on the road at the airport so no vehicles are allowed past that point.
On the south side there is a little parking along the road but that is usually jammed and not available.
Arrive early and good luck!
Grand Case is really fun and popular on Tuesday evening with lots of people enjoying themselves with French security everywhere.
If you come into Grand Case in the center, the road that comes out by Bistro Caribes, when you get to where the road is blocked off, tell them you are going to the 5€ parking lot and they will let you through, very easy and convenient .
Very true but that lot fills up early as well! Unless you arrive very early, it is a long walk into town
"If you come into Grand Case in the center, the road that comes out by Bistro Caribes, when you get to where the road is blocked off, tell them you are going to the 5€ parking lot and they will let you through, very easy and convenient ." [/quote]
We were there last night and as reported there were a lot of people walking the streets. We had a superb meal at Le Cottage so were able to observe the traffic on the street. We were lucky enough to see a small parade with a lot of exuberant children participating. Parking was with our friend Jason for $5 and a Presidente near the municipal lot. We were early so arrived via the airport road. Security was heavy with Gendarmes, local police and security personnel so safety is not an issue during the events. The rain held off and most restaurants looked quite full with the Lolos packing in the people searching for great ribs. A great way to share Carnivale!
There ia a pay lot south of the church,between a blue roofed building which has not been repaired and a building in worse shape witha redroof. There is a small sign saying parking 5 euro. When you pay,he gives you a receipt, and you can use that at certain restaurants for a 5 euro credit. Villa accepted and he told names of others,though i forgot most of them
Sorry, when I typed red roof, I should have said one tiny section of red roof, but also has red boarded up windows. The sign says parking validated, but as described above, he gives you a receipt, which you can use for credit at certain restaurants.