Martinique, a French overseas department in the Caribbean, offers a captivating blend of French culture, tropical beauty, and vibrant Creole heritage. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes, the island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore historic colonial towns, savor delicious French-Caribbean cuisine, and experience the lively local music and dance scene. We hope this La Martinique Islands Travel Guide inspires you.
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Fort-de-France is the capital and the largest city of the French Caribbean island of Martinique. Almost one-third of Martinique’s 360,000 people live here. The main airport in La Martinique is Lamentin International Airport, which is just a few kilometers east of Fort-de-France. There are a few direct, non-stop flights from the US to Martinique, mainly from Miami and Atlanta. However, most flights go through San Juan, Puerto Rico, or other Caribbean islands.
Fort-de-France is the largest town in Martinique and one of the larger urban centers in the Lesser Antilles. In the city and its suburbs, you will find a little piece of France in the Caribbean, interpreted through the distinct local culture of Martinique.
The beaches closest to Fort-de-France are across the Baie de Fort-de-France. These beaches can be reached by ferry. The beaches south of Fort-de-France tend to have white sand, whereas those to the north, towards the Mont Pelée volcano, have black volcanic sand.
Attractions inside the town of Fort-de-France include the Bibliothèque Schoelcher, located on the rue de la Liberté. This public library is named after Victor Schoelcher, who fought for the abolition of slavery in the French West Indies during the 19th century. This Romanesque building was originally built in Paris, France, for the 1889 Paris Exposition. After the expo, it was dismantled and shipped to La Martinique in pieces and then reassembled at its present location in Fort-de-France.
Le Musée Régional d’Histoire et d’Ethnographie is housed in a late 19th-century house at 10 bd. Général de Gaulle. The museum contains several displays dedicated to the history and people of Martinique.
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There are several accommodation options in and around Fort-de-France. La Valmenière Hotel, on Av. Des Arawaks is a hillside highrise near the airport. The Squash Hotel, at 3 bd. De la Marne is about 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes away from town. Engoulevent, at 22 rte. de l’Union Didier, is a small bed-and-breakfast in the suburbs, about 10 minutes away from Fort-de-France.
Fort-de-France is home to many good restaurants, many of which serve French cuisine. Mille and Une Brindilles, at 27 rte de Didier, is a Parisian-style restaurant. As the name suggests, Soup Bar du Centre Ville, at 120 rue Martine, serves a variety of soups in downtown Fort-de-France. La Belle Epoque, on 97 rt. de Didier, in the Fort-de-France suburb of Didier, serves French haute cuisine in an elaborate setting.
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The suburbs surrounding Fort-de-France have many shopping centers, including the Centre Commercial de Clémcy, Centre Commercial de Dillon, Centre Commercial de Bellevue, and Centre Commercial la Rond Point.
In the northeast corner of the city center is the Parc Floral et Culturel, at Pl. José-Marti in Sermac. Here you will find the Galerie de Biologie et de Géologie. Displays here are dedicated to the island’s rich plant life. There is also an aquarium. The park is also home to the city’s cultural center, which sometimes hosts free concerts. The Romanesque-style St-Louis Cathedral, on the Rue Victor Schoelcher, dates from 1878. It is the sixth church built on the site; older churches were destroyed by various natural disasters.
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In the middle of Fort-de-France, there is La Savane, a 12.5-acre park. The park contains statues of Pierre Belain d’Esnambuc, who played a leading role in Martinique’s colonization, and another statue of Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine. The statue of Josephine was the work of Vital Dubray. It has been vandalized and is now headless. From La Savane, you can catch ferries across the Baie de Fort-de-France to Pointe du Bout and the beaches at Anse-Mitan and Anse-a-l’Ane.
On the east side of the park is Fort St-Louis, a historic fort that is now open to the public. Just west of the town is the wealthy suburb of Schoelcher, which is home to the University of the French West Indies and Guiana. The Rue Victor Schoelcher runs through the city center’s main shopping area. The shopping district is bounded by the rue de la République, rue de la Liberté, rue Victor Severe, and rue Victor Hugo. Stores in the district sell a selection of Parisian and French goods, including Parisian fashion, French perfume, china, crystal, and liqueurs, along with local Martinican handicrafts.
The Galleries Lafayette department store, on rue Schoelcher, is one of the largest centrally located malls in Fort-de-France. There are several smaller shops along rue Victor Hugo, rue Moreau de Jones, rue Antoine Siger, and Rue Lamartine.
Martinique's unique blend of European and Caribbean influences creates a truly unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a combination of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. We hope this Martinique Islands Travel Guide inspires you. Happy travels!
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