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Martinique is a distinctly French island on the Caribbean, offering a seductive mix of ever-sunny beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes and fascinating history. This rugged Caribbean gem is a perfect escape for travellers who want to soak up the charm of French culture and heritage without diving into the massive tourist crowds in France. It has been nicknamed the “Flower Island” for its lush green vegetation, in the form of botanical gardens, verdant rainforests and dramatic mountains. The fragrant scent of the purple bougainvillaea petals swathing the grounds will follow you wherever you walk…
Fort-De-France is Martinique’s historic capital and major port of call, complete with a nice mix of colonial architecture, botanical gardens, colourful markets and lively streets. The infamous Mount Pelée is set in Saint-Pierre, so this is the right place to be if you’re after the spectacular hike to the crater rim. This quaint town is also the centre of the sugar-producing region and home to the Memorial Museum dedicated to the 1902 volcanic eruption catastrophe. On a Caribbean cruise to Martinuque, revisit the dark chapter in the island’s history, saunter around the charming Fort-de-France or simply bask on the island’s magnificent beaches — before feasting on fine French and Creole cuisine, savouring the taste of France in the tropics!
Mount Pelée soars at an altitude of 4,500 feet, an active volcano with a notorious history of eruption in 1902. From the base all the way to the summit, every adventurer will be blessed with a plethora of bucket-list-worthy experiences. If you’re not in the mood for a challenging hike, you can enjoy canyoning and rappelling through the area's waterfalls and forests. Meanwhile, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping sights if you follow the trails that crisscross through the mountain leading to the crater rim.
Fort-de-France packs a punch of must-see attractions, making every cruise stop exciting and worthwhile. Green-thumbs will love the Jardin de Balata — a tranquil botanical garden filled with rattling bamboo and hummingbirds, while bookworms and architecture enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the ornately-decorated Schoelcher Library. La Savane Park, an impressively landscaped urban park with extensive pathways and towering palm trees, makes a perfect spot for a rejuvenating nature break.
Another historical site that offers a glimpse into the island’s dark past is the Cap 110 Memorial — a memorial that honours the victims of the sunken slave ship in 1830 near Diamond Rock. It comprises a collection of eight-foot-tall concrete statues representing the 15 slaves who tragically lost their lives during a shipwreck off the coast of the mainland. The sculptures are strategically installed facing the sea and Africa, serving as a reminder of the wreckage and the slave trade history.
As a proud Caribbean getaway, Martinique boasts a host of stunning beaches stretching along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea worth exploring. Families can bask on the family-friendly Salines Beach. Anse Figuier Beach is popular for snorkelling opportunities, with gentle waves and a thriving marine life to discover underwater. Meanwhile, Diamond Beach is the perfect escape for those who want to escape the crowds, set in the serene town of La Diamant near the Anse Cafard Slave Memorial.
If you have ample time to spend in Martinique, take a two-mile ship to Diamond Rock — a steep-sided volcanic mound rising at a height of 600 feet above the deep-blue waters. Although it’s now uninhabited by humans, the rugged island was once home to hundreds of sailors and marines boarding the HMS Diamond Rock. The best way to marvel at this basalt natural wonder is from afar aboard your ship. Be sure to snap photos from a distance!
History buffs can learn about the Mount Pelée eruption and how it completely wiped out the town of Saint-Pierre. Don't miss a visit at Depaz Distillery, perched on the slopes of Mount Pelée, ne of the oldest distilleries in Martinique. Taste the legendary rum and take a stroll around the site as you reminisce the site's storied past. Another must-visit place is the 1902 Memorial, a volcanological museum is built to commemorate the lives lost from the natural disaster and to pay tribute to the resilience of Martinuque locals. See the photographs, old films and artefacts surrounding the event. You can also relive the vibrant life of the townsfolk before the eruption and how the repercussions of this catastrophe changed the trajectory of the local’s lives.
If your cruise ship docks for a day only, you can stroll around Fort-de-France for a quick tour, appreciating the island’s French charm and colonial architecture. Find inner peace and breathe fresh air while walking around the La Savane Park, appreciate nature in Jardin de Balata, learn about history in Martinique Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory and grab a leaf through time at Schoelcher Library.
Martinique is primarily known for its beautiful beaches, natural landscapes and fascinating history.
The official currency used in Martinique is the Euro, given that it’s a French overseas department. However, US Dollars and major credit cards are accepted in select establishments, especially those that tourists often visit.
Martinique lies on the Caribbean shores, so it has a tropical climate with pleasant weather all year round. However, if you’re looking for the best period to visit the island, the months from December to April.
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