Martinique, Caribbean island in French West Indies, France
Description
This Lesser Antilles island spans roughly 1100 square kilometers, with Montagne Pelée volcano rising about 1400 meters in the northern part. Coastline runs for around 350 kilometers, linking tropical forests with sandy shores while the interior holds mountain slopes and plantation land.
History
France took permanent control in the 17th century, bringing sugarcane plantations that shaped the landscape and population. The 1902 eruption leveled Saint-Pierre, killing around 30,000 people and erasing what was then the island's main settlement.
Culture
Locals switch between French and Creole in markets and neighborhoods, while biguine and zouk rhythms fill open-air gatherings and festivals. Carnival brings entire communities into the streets with parades, traditional dance, and elaborate costumes that echo the island's mixed heritage.
Practical
Travelers land at Aimé Césaire airport near Fort-de-France, with direct connections from Paris, Miami, and other Caribbean points. Roads link coastal towns and climb inland through mountain terrain, where some routes turn steep and winding.
Did you know?
The northern shore shows black sand formed from volcanic rock, while the south offers white beaches made from coral fragments. This split comes from the different geological origins of each coastal section.
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Martinique is best discovered by going off the main tourist routes. The island offers hidden spots such as nature reserves, historic sites, and quiet beaches to explore. Inside, there are waterfalls, hiking paths, and old colonial buildings. Along the coast, you will find black sand beaches, small...
In Île-de-France, you will find public pools in almost every town. Whether it’s hot or you just want to swim, these water centers are open all year. Some have 25-meter pools for regular swimming, others have 50-meter Olympic pools for more experienced swimmers. Young children also have their space...
Martinique features numerous dining establishments offering creole cuisine in various forms, from traditional recipes to gastronomic interpretations. This selection includes ten restaurants located in different communes of the island: the coastal towns of Sainte-Luce and Sainte-Anne facing the sea,...
Mount Pelée
31 km
Diamond Rock
20.5 km
Jardin de Balata
15.5 km
Habitation Clément
6 km
Cap 110
18.7 km
Fort Saint Louis
11.3 km
Rhum J.M.
27.3 km
Balata Garden
10.5 km
Plage des Salines
24.8 km
Fort-de-France Cathedral
11.7 km
Schœlcher library
11.5 km
Cachot de Cyparis
27.5 km
Statue of the Empress Joséphine
11.4 km
Château Dubuc
19.1 km
Château Aubéry
826 m
Savane des Pétrifications
26 km
Rhum Depaz
27.3 km
Église du Sacré-Cœur de Balata
13.3 km
La Savane des esclaves
12.7 km
Zoo de Martinique
26.6 km
Plage de l'Anse Figuier
17.8 km
Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, Saint-Pierre
27.1 km
Phare de La Caravelle
19.7 km
Plage du Diamant
16.7 km
Old Town Hall and Theatre
11.6 km
Habitation Leyritz
30.3 kmLa Savane
11.4 km
Plage de Grande Anse des Salines
24.9 kmarrondissement of Fort-de-France
arrondissement of Le Marin
arrondissement of Saint-Pierre
arrondissement of La Trinité
Fort-de-France
Le Marin
Le François
Macouba
Saint-Pierre
Le Lorrain
Schœlcher
Sainte-Anne
La Trinité
Le Carbet
Saint-Joseph
Le Morne-Vert
Le Lamentin
Le Morne-Rouge
L'Ajoupa-Bouillon
Le Robert
Basse-Pointe
Grand'Rivière
Les Trois-Îlets
Sainte-Marie
Sainte-Luce
Le Prêcheur
Bellefontaine
Gros-Morne
Le Marigot
Le Vauclin
Rivière-Pilote
Saint-Esprit
Case-Pilote
Fonds-Saint-Denis
Le Diamant
Rivière-Salée
Les Anses-d'Arlet
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