Bielle is the best-known of Marie-Galante's three distilleries and arguably the most visitor-friendly. It sits in the middle of the island, surrounded by sugarcane fields, in a working complex that has been producing agricole rum since the 19th century. The tour takes you through the cane-pressing machinery, the fermentation vats, and the ageing cellars — all explained in French, with a guide who clearly enjoys the subject. The tasting at the end is unhurried and generous; the aged rums in particular are worth trying even if you don't usually drink rum.
The Bielle white rum has a grassy, earthy character that distinguishes it from lighter Martinican styles. Buy a bottle at the shop — prices are lower than on the mainland Guadeloupe or in France.