Discovering Martinique’s Natural Wonders and French Flair: A Travel Guide
With its rainforest-covered volcano, stunning beaches, and blend of French and Caribbean cultures, Martinique provides a one-of-a-kind tropical experience. This guide covers the top sights and activities on this overseas region of France in the Lesser Antilles.
Fort-de-France – Vibrant Capital
Martinique’s largest city features a charming mix of French Creole architecture, bustling markets, and colonial fortresses.
Top Sights in Fort-de-France
- Schoelcher Library – Striking Romanesque-Byzantine structure containing over 20,000 volumes.
- Saint-Louis Cathedral – Beautiful 19th century cathedral decorated with intricate stained glass.
- La Savane Park – Stroll or picnic in this waterfront park surrounded by palms and colonial buildings.
- Fort Saint Louis – Tour this well-preserved 17th century star-shaped stone fortress.
Top Activities in Fort-de-France
- Visiting rum distilleries to taste award-winning rhums.
- Exploring the covered market laden with fruits, spices, and handicrafts.
- Dining at bistros and cafes filled with Parisian vibes.
- Nightlife at clubs and bars with West Indian beats.
Saint-Pierre – Rebuilt City of the North
Once known as the “Paris of the West Indies,” this city was rebuilt after a devastating 1902 volcanic eruption that wiped out its prior incarnation.
Top Sights in Saint-Pierre
- Volcano Museum – Learn about the famous eruption through artifacts, stories, and interactive exhibits.
- Cyparis Express – Ride a small train for educational and scenic tours of Saint-Pierre.
- Place Bertin – See the statue commemorating the lone cell-mate survivor Auguste Cyparis and the 30,000 lives lost.
- Grand Marche – Shop stalls filled with local crafts, produce, spices, and more.
Nearby Attractions
- Jardin de Balata – Stroll through this serene tropical garden containing thousands of plant varieties.
- Anse Turin Beach – Swim calm blue waters and relax on this black sand beach.
- Distilleries – Visit rum distilleries like Depaz and Saint James.
Top Outdoor Activities
Hiking in Nature
| Trail | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Mont Pelée | Hike through lush jungle up to the volcano’s summit craters. |
| Presqu’île de Caravelle | Spot iguanas, ruins, and protected loggerhead turtles along this peninsula. |
| Le Morne Rouge | Forest trail leading to a scenic overlook with panoramic sea views. |
Best Beaches
- Les Salines – Popular white sand beach with inviting calm waters.
- Anse Ceron – Secluded black sand beach surrounded by lush greenery.
- Anse Dufour – Crescent beach tucked within a cove.
Water Sports
- Kitesurfing around Le François
- Scuba diving off Sainte-Anne
- Deep sea fishing charters from Le Marin
Experience incredible nature and rich culture where the Caribbean meets Old World France in exquisite Martinique.
CARRIBEAN
Canary + U.S. Virgin Islands + Bora Bora, French Polynesia + British Virgin Islands
| Destination | URL |
|---|---|
| Canary Islands | Canary Islands |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Bora Bora, French Polynesia |
| British Virgin Islands | British Virgin Islands |
Greater Antilles
| Destination | URL |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico |
| Cayman Islands | Cayman Islands |
Lesser Antilles
| Destination | URL |
|---|---|
| Guadeloupe | Guadeloupe |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Anguilla | Anguilla |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Montserrat | Montserrat |
| Martinique | Martinique |
| Grenada | Grenada |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia |
| Barbados | Barbados |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Aruba | Aruba |
| Curaçao | Curaçao |
| Bonaire | Bonaire |
Lucayan Archipelago
| Destination | URL |
|---|---|
| Bahamas | Bahamas |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Check Out Other Destinations | URL |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Destinations |
