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| Martinique - So Much in an Island |
Nestled between St. Lucia and Dominica, the French West Indies' isle of Martinique serves up the best that the Caribbean has to offer in a manner that is tres, tres French. Martinique is a master at showing off her European roots while remaining true to the Caribbean's laid back, "no problem" attitude.
For those looking for a more traditional Caribbean vacation, Martinique offers almost everything except golf (there's only one course on the island). Her water sports are ample, including diving, sailing, deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Her sunshine is ample and her beaches range from secluded strips to crowded, topless beaches much like the south of France.
French connections are apparent in its classy commercial community with a wild array of department and specialty stores abundantly stocked with duty-free imports, plus many fine restaurants, gourmet grocery shops and wineries. Martinique also carries traces of African and Hindu heritage, edging the culture beyond Euro-Caribbean.
The capital, Fort-de-France, is formal and majestic, with the imposing St. Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher Library, transplanted to Martinique piece by piece after the Paris exposition in 1889. Public buildings, museums and galleries are spaced amid expansive parks, gardens, fountains and graceful statuary. Outside the city, the cloud-shrouded summit of Mont Pelee offers spectacular sightseeing as does Saint-Pierre, the tiny town at its base (known as Little Paris), destroyed when the volcano erupted in 1902 killing all but one inhabitant.
Local Information
The official currency of Martinique is the Euro, however U.S. dollars are also widely accepted. The official languages are French and Creole. The electric current on the island is 220 volts, so take an adapter. Taxis and rental cars are the way to get around.
The taxis are mostly Mercedez Benz and drivers charge higher rates at night. Rental cars run about $50+ a day. Driving is on the right, and a valid driver's license is required to rent a car.
Airport Information
Air service is into International Lamentin Airport (FDF) in Fort de France, which is served by Air Canada, Air Caraibe, Air Antilles Express, Air France, Air Guadeloupe, Air Jamaica, Air Liberte, Air Martinique, American Airlines, American Eagle, BWIA and
LIAT. There is no departure tax, except on charter flights.
Local Weather
Average yearly temperature is 79° F. Average annual rainfall is 76 inches. Rainy season is July through November.
Entry Requirements
We recommend all U.S. Citizens traveling abroad should carry a passport due to heightened security at airport check-in and immigration. If you do not have a passport or are not an American citizen, please contact your airline or your local consulate or embassy
in regards to travel documentation necessary for your vacation. |
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| Basic Information |
A slice of France set down in the tropics, Islanders wear Paris fashions, eat baguettes and croissants from the corner pâtisserie, and pay for them with Euros. Zouk music pouring
out of tape players, bars and nightclubs will remind you, however, that Martinicans have a culture of their own that's solidly based on West Indian Creole traditions.
Martinique Highlights
French culture
Golf/Water Activities
French and Creole Cuisine
Great shopping and nightlife |
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| Featured Resort |
| Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa |
| This resort takes you to a world of excellence and well-being! Everything revolves around quality, luxury, relaxation and peace. Located on Martinque's eastern coastline in the little town of Le Francois. |
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| Interactive Map |
| Click the map below to take a virtual tour of Martinique Island. |
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