Beautiful Martinique

The capital Fort de France is the main port and where island adventures and sightseeing tours begin.

The center of the city stretches along the Place de la Savane. Here you’ll find the Bibliotheque Schoelcher, named for Victor Schoelcher. Schoelcher was an activist for the abolition of slavery in the French colonies. The library building was constructed in Paris, France, displayed in the 1899 World Exposition, and then disassembled and shipped to Martinique.

Other highlights include:

The Cathedral Saint Louis

Take a walk in the beautiful Balata Botanical Garden featuring over 3,000 species of tropical plants and flowers. There are ponds with water lilies and lotus blossoms. Interesting raised wooden rope bridges suspended among the treetops for fantastic aerial views. There are benches to sit on and enjoy the surrounding nature.

On the opposite side of the bay, south of Fort-de-France is Les Trois-Ilets. This is a popular tourist area with restaurants, hotels, and attractions illustrating the history and culture of the island.

Village de la Poterie des Trois-Islets is a large complex in a former pottery year. It is home to craft studios and shops as well as restaurants and a sports center offering kayak tours. Small boutiques sell locally made crafts.

Nearby is Maison de la Canne or House of Sugar in an old sugar factory. Visitors can learn about the history of sugar production.

Pointe du Bout is a tourist center with many hotels, boutiques, ice cream parlors, and dining options, A ferry shuttles back and forth across the bay.

To the west is Anse Mitan among the best beaches on Martinique.

Sainte-Anne has many coves lined with palms. It is the southernmost village on the island, There are shops, restaurants, and a craft market.

Route de la Trace/Highway N3 runs north from Fort-de-France through the rainforest to L’Ajoupa-Bouillon, on the side of Mount Pelee.

The route winds along the Pitons du Carbet/Carbet Mountains. There are signposted hiking trails that lead to the peaks.

Continuing on the route you’ll find Morne Rouge near Mount Pelee. The town is high up and named for its red-hued volcanic soil. It is a pilgrimage site.

La Chaudiere, one of the finest restaurants in Martinique can be found on the southern edge of Morne Rouge.

Les Salines is a beautiful beach named for the nearby salt pond. It has lovely Caribbean scenery, calm waters, and soft, white sand. Coconut palms line the beach and vendors sell lunch and drinks behind the beach.

Zoo de Martinique is a fun attraction for families. The small zoo has paths and rope bridges taking you through lush tropical plants. The highlights here are the monkeys, jaguars, raccoons, and colorful rainbow lorikeets.

After visiting the zoo you can explore the nearby town of Le Carbet. This is the landing site of Christopher Columbus on June 15, 1502. It is also the town where French artist Paul Gaugin lived and painted in 1887.

The ruins of Chateau Dubuc which was once the grandiose home of the Dubuc Family who owned the peninsula during the 18th century. The estate is surrounded by the remains of the family’s vast sugar refinery. In a beautiful setting an innovative clickable map activates the free audio guide for descriptions in English.

La Caravelle Nature Trail is located near the entrance to Chateau Dubuc. The one-hour hike takes people through a mangrove forest with views over the rugged eastern coastline, The nature reserve has over 150 species of local plants and many species of birds.

Diamond Rock rises dramatically above the sea off the south coast of Martinique. Here visitors can find one of the island’s best dive sites.

Diamond Beach has arching coconut palms and since the sea can be rough it is a great place to stroll, The surf provides for one of the island’s best surf spots.

Le Memorial de l’Anse Caffard/Anse Cafard Slave Memorial perches on a hill overlooking Diamond Rock. The memorial pays tribute to the victims of the tragic shipwreck off the southwest coast in the 1830s killing many passengers along with the 20 slaves chained to the boat.

Ajoupa-Bouillon Les Ombrages is a nature center with trails weaving through native fauna alongside a river. There are several gardens – Creole, Caribbean, Heliconia, and Calabash Garden.