It’s France in the Caribbean.
Martinique, a 425-square-mile oasis which is the northernmost of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, offers visitors everything from mountains – crowned by Mount Pelee, a dormant volcano – and plush rainforests to beautiful white-sand beaches and tropical flora with a French accent.
Discovered by Columbus in 1493 and settled by the French in 1635, Martinique is a part of the French West Indies. Far from being a “colony” of France, natives of Martinique enjoy the same rights and benefits (including free compulsory education and health benefits) as citizens of France.
This is a beautiful island to visit. The cuisine is exceptional and the natives are friendly. Explore museums hosting ancient island artifacts and tour the birthplace of Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, who helped to perpetuate slavery here 75 years after it was abolished in France and its territories. Play golf at the spectacular Golf de l’Imperatrice 18-hole golf course, considered one of Caribbean’s best. Or take advantage of the great buys on genuine French imports.
However you plan to spend your vacation in Martinique, the French style of this island paradise will capture your heart.
Martinique Facts
• Climate: Average 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Currency: French franc.
• Banking: Banks are open from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.
• Capital: Fort-de-France.
• Language: French and Creole. (Tours in English are available.)
• Population: Approximately 365,000
Where to Stay
Some of the best hotels in Martinique include:
• Club Med – Buccaneer’s Creek
• Hotel La Bateliere – Schoelcher
• Hotel L’Imperatrice – Place de la Savane, rue de la Liberte
• La Lafayette – Rue de la Liberte
• La Maimaison – Rue de la Liberte
• Le Beausejour Hotel – Jambette Beausejour, Route de Saint-Joseph
Getting Around
Individuals aged at least 21 with a valid driver’s licence may rent a car from any of the rental car companies. Bicycle and motorbike rentals are also available.
Best Places to Visit
La Savanc – In a garden in the middle of the town lies La Savane, a white marble statue of Josephine, “Napoleon’s little Creole,” created by Vital Debray as she looks towards Trois-Ilets where she was born.
St. Louis Roman Catholic Church – A magnificent iron building made in 1875 and considered the religious centerpiece of town, the church is the resting place of many former island governors. (Rue Victor-Schoelcher)
Bibliotheque Schoelcher – Honoring Victor Schoelcher who worked to free the slaves of Martinique, this extraordinary building was shipped piece-by-piece from France and now serves as the island’s central goverment-funded library. (Rue de la Liberte)
Musee Departemental de la Martinique – Housing relics from pre-Columbian days and indians that once inhibited Martinique, this museum is fascinating! (Rue de la Liberte)
Sacre-Coeur de Balata Cathedral – Modeled after the Montmarte Cathedral which overlooks Paris, the Sacre-Coeur de Balata Cathedral peers down on Fort-de-France. (Along route de la Trace)
Popular Activities for Tourists
Due to the warm weather and location, these are some of the best things to do on a trip:
• Golf
• Horseback Riding
• Tennis
• Deep-Sea Fishing
• Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Shopping
If you are after the best buys on imported goods, Martinique holds the cake when it comes to luxury French imports. There are three leading shopping streets: rue Victor-Hugo, rue Schoelcher and rue St-Louis. In addition to French imports there are plenty of handmade local crafts as well as souvenir items.
Here are a few suggestions of stores you’ll want to visit:
• Au Gommier (Rue Victor-Hugo) – Elegant handmade dresses, dolls and tablecloths.
• Cadet-Caniel (Rue Antoine-Siger) – Here’s the place to get some of the best deals on French china and crystal.
• La Galleria (Route de Lamentin) – Upscale shopping complex of 60 vendors.
• Roger Albert (Rue Victor-Hugo) – Largest emporium of luxury goods on the island.
Restaurants
These are some of my favourite places to eat:
• Le Coq Hardi – Premier steakhouse in the center of town (Rue Martin-Luter-King)
• La Grand’Voile – Overlooking the sea, diners enjoy fine Creole cuisine (Pointe Simon)
• La Mouina – Set in a 60-year-old white colonial house, experienced chefs prepare stuffed crab, red snapper or any of the varieties of French cuisine (Route de Redoute)
• La Plantation – Seated in a small French Antillean hotel, patrons dine on tasty dishes such as souffle of lobster, rack of lamb or cream of sea urchin soup