MARTINIQUE
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Called "madinina", the island of flowers, by its early inhabitants, the Arawaks, Martinique is located between Dominica and St. Lucia. The island is a French oversea region and department, thus member of the European Union and using the Euro as currency. People speak French and French creole. Expect a French way of life and the usual French commodities. The island has highways, big shopping centers and generally, enjoys a higher living standard than most of the Caribbean islands. Of course, not everybody can afford a great lifestyle, but French social services and laws guarantee a decent level of education and a reasonable income. |
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Martinique combines stunning beaches with a lush, mountainous interior. Tropical flowers are everywhere. The North of the island is particularly lush and densely forested, with its famous volcano Mont Pelée, which in 1902 destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre, once considered the Paris of the Caribbean. The five extinct volcanoes forming the Pitons du Carbet dominate Fort de France, the vibrant and lively capital of Martinique. South of Fort de France, the landscape becomes more accessible, with beautiful white sand beaches - the ones in the North are gray volcanic sand -, picturesque bays, marinas and hills covered with tropical vegetation. |
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The South is receiving the bulk of tourism: Most of the hotels are located around Trois Ilets, St. Anne, Diamant, Salines, Le Marin and St. Luce are some examples of the sites where you will enjoy picture perfect sands and waters, as well as numerous natural attractions. Head to Le Francois on the Atlantic side and visit "Josephine's Bath", a shallow place in the sea surrounded by romantic little islets. Hotels are available in every category, from small but comfortable Inns to luxury, as well as nice furnished apartments and cottages. Don't expect time-share. And everywhere, there are plenty of bars for a nice "ti-ponch", the typical French-Caribbean rum aperitif. |
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Talking about Josephine: She was Napoleon's first wife and empress of France. Her family were plantation owners in Martinique. The restored family plantation is one of the most visited place in Martinique and is located near Trois Ilets. Many rum factories in the same region offer guided visits. The island proposes a lot of things to do, apart of getting a tan on the beach: Scuba diving, sailing -the island has top class marinas - and water sports for ocean lovers, or hiking through forest trails, canoeing through canyons, observing fauna and wildlife can keep you very busy. It is easy to tour the island in a rented car. And of course, sampling French cuisine, sometimes with a Caribbean touch, should be one of your top occupations! |
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Indeed, whether you are in the capital or in one of the island's impressive marinas, gastronomy is always a high priority. Fashionable attire is welcome, a credit card for boutiques too! The island attracts a fancy French society, you may have to watch your expenses. Prices in Euro can be a little bit high, but then again, here you can be in France with the advantage of the tropical climate! In Martinique, you can combine beach, active vacations touring natural and man-made attraction with stylish dinners and shopping tours. The island has a lot of history too. Language could be a problem in some places, but hardly in tourist centers. If you are a little bit adventurous and willing to dip for a while into another culture with an open mind, then you will love Martinique. |
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