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Fast Facts About Martinique
Capital
Fort-de-France
Currency
Euro
Population
366,615
Language
English
Timezone
GMT – 5
Flight Duration
7 hours from Paris
Martinique is the definition of a refined French-Caribbean island – fashionable and elegant, with an abundance of flora. Filled with ruins and monuments, Martinique has been French, with few interruptions, since 1635, and offers gorgeous beaches, great food and a live volcano. Banana farming, cane raising, the rum business and tourism are all important to the island.
Napoleon’s empress Josephine hailed from Martinique, as did Aimée Dubuc de Rivery, who was kidnapped at sea and made Sultana Validé, mother of Turkey’s Sultan Mahmoud II. Its many small museums focus on curiosities such as dolls, banana farming and ancient island civilizations. Hikers and horseback riders will find plenty of guided adventures among the steep, lush hillsides. Windsurfers and board surfers will welcome the challenges of the choppy Atlantic side of the island.
The capital, Fort-de-France, offers chic shops, the flowered Park Savanne, the Bibliothèque Schoelcher, and the Saint-Louis Cathedral, built in 1895. Restaurants are among the best in the Caribbean islands. Pointe du Bout is the island’s main resort area, offering hotels, golf, shopping and casino nightlife. North along the coast is St. Pierre, which was destroyed, along with its 30,000 residents, in 1902 when Mont Pelée erupted. The Museum of Vulcanology there displays chilling lava-coated mementoes. Carbet, a quaint fishing village, was briefly home for French painter Paul Gauguin, and inland is Morne Rouge, site of MacIntosh Plantation, cultivator of Martinique’s well-known flower, the anthurium. Be sure to tour one of Martinique’s 12 fine rum distilleries. The island boasts France’s official appellation for producing agricultural Rhum (a label like Cognac or Champagne).
Average Weather in Martinique
Jan
28° C
Avg Rain:
51mm
Feb
28° C
Avg Rain:
37mm
Mar
29° C
Avg Rain:
45mm
Apr
30° C
Avg Rain:
68mm
May
30° C
Avg Rain:
84mm
Jun
30° C
Avg Rain:
102mm
Jul
30° C
Avg Rain:
127mm
Aug
31° C
Avg Rain:
147mm
Sep
31° C
Avg Rain:
147mm
Oct
31° C
Avg Rain:
163mm
Nov
30° C
Avg Rain:
154mm
Dec
29° C
Avg Rain:
78mm
Hotel Highlights
Hôtel Plein Soleil
Martinique
- Luxury
- Villas
La Maison De Bel Air
Martinique
- Luxury
- Villas
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Paris
7 hours
Airport: (FDF) Martinique Aimé Césaire Airport. Large modern terminal building.
Airport to: Fort-de-France-10 km. Pointe du Bout-20 km. Sainte Anne-35 km. Sainte Pierre-42 km..
Gateways/Flying Times: There are no direct flights from the UK, but connections can be made with Air France or others companies ( XL Airways, Air Caraibes, Corsair ) which fly direct from Paris. British Airways, bmi and Virgin Atlantic fly from the UK to St Lucia with onward connections on Air Caraibes to Lamentin International Airport (FDF). Paris: 7 hours. London to St.Lucia: 8 hours.
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Things To Do In Martinique
Activties
Martinique offers a diverse range of activities for every type of traveler. Start with the island’s beautiful beaches, such as Les Salines and Anse Dufour, which feature stunning white sands and clear turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. For an adventurous hike, explore the lush trails of the Volcano Mont Pelée, which offers spectacular views of the island and a glimpse into its volcanic past.
Immerse yourself in Martinique’s natural beauty by visiting the Jardin de Balata, a lush botanical garden showcasing a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the picturesque waterfalls at Cascade de Didier and the scenic Caravelle Peninsula, which offers trails through mangroves and along rugged coastlines.
For a cultural experience, visit Fort-de-France, the island’s bustling capital, where you can explore the vibrant local markets, such as the Marché Couvert, and admire the historic architecture, including the St. Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher Library. Don’t miss a trip to the Château Dubuc ruins to delve into Martinique’s colonial past.
Dining
Martinique’s dining scene is a delightful reflection of its French-Caribbean heritage, offering a mix of Creole flavors and French culinary finesse. Enjoy a meal at one of the island’s beachfront restaurants, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes such as grilled snapper, calamari, and traditional accras (cod fritters), often served with a view of the Caribbean Sea.
For a taste of local cuisine, try dishes like colombo (a spiced meat stew), boudin (blood sausage), and the island’s signature seafood bouillon. Martinique is also known for its delicious tropical fruits, which feature prominently in desserts and cocktails.
Fine dining establishments on the island offer gourmet experiences with a fusion of French and Caribbean ingredients, including sophisticated dishes like foie gras with tropical fruit or Caribbean-style duck confit. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or an elegant dining experience, Martinique provides a range of options to satisfy every palate.
Nightlife
Martinique’s nightlife is as vibrant and varied as its landscape. Start your evening with a relaxed atmosphere at a beachside bar or café, where you can enjoy a cocktail made with local rum and take in the sunset. The island’s nightlife is centered around Fort-de-France, where you’ll find a range of bars and clubs offering everything from live music to dancing.
For a more laid-back night, visit a local rum bar, where you can sample Martinique’s renowned rums and enjoy the island’s relaxed ambiance. If you’re in the mood for dancing, head to one of the island’s lively nightclubs or beach parties, where you can groove to a mix of Caribbean rhythms, including zouk, reggae, and salsa.
Martinique also hosts a variety of cultural and music festivals throughout the year, such as the Carnaval de Martinique and the Festival de Jazz, which offer a lively mix of music, dance, and local festivities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a night of dancing and celebration, Martinique’s nightlife scene offers something for every taste.