Fort Desaix is one of four forts that historically defended Fort-de-France, built in the classic Vauban star-fort design on the hills north of the city centre. Named after General Desaix, a Napoleonic-era commander, it occupies a commanding position above the city with views over the bay and the surrounding hills.
The fort remains an active French military installation and is not open to the general public, but the exterior and the road approaching it offer excellent views over Fort-de-France and the bay. The drive or walk up through the hillside neighbourhoods that climb above the city centre is itself interesting — the older residential quarters up here, with their wooden houses and steep streets, are a contrast to the busy commercial waterfront below.