Martinique (Fort-de-France) Cruise Guide

Christopher Columbus declared Martinique ‘the most beautiful country in the world' when he discovered it in 1493. Before then, the Arawak and Carib Indians had called their homeland Madinina (meaning ‘island of flowers') in honour of its vibrant varicoloured blooms. Today this east Caribbean isle is marvelled at by tourists, drawn to the island by its volcanic landscape and natural splendour. Rolling sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations tumble down to fine white, black, or peppered sand beaches. Martinique's location also makes it a stopping-off point for cruise ships, which dock at the capital's Pointe Simon. The island's French and Creole heritage is especially pronounced in bustling Fort-de-France, where Parisian chic is fused with a laid back Caribbean vibe. Shops stock French brands and bistros play Gallic folk music while Martiniquais clad head to toe Chanel tap their manicured toes to the lively sounds of local zouk.

Sightseeing

Be prepared to delve into Fort-de-France's narrow, winding streets to discover the capital's most colourful markets. In the centre of town, stroll through the park under the gaze of Napoleon's Empress Josephine, a native of Martinique. For the best bathing beaches head to Ste Anne, Le Diamant and Les Anses d'Arlets - the water is warm, calm and beautifully clear.

Highlights:

• La Pagerie
• Parc des Floralies
• Musée Départemental
• Cathedral of St-Louis
• Montagne Pelée
• Musée Volcanologique
• Restored plantation of Leyritz
• Centre d'Art Paul Gauguin
• Pointe du Bout, Martinique's major resort area
• HMS Diamond Rock
• Fonds Saint-Jacques
• Maison de la Canne, a modern museum devoted to sugar and rum just outside Trois-îlets

Tourist Information

Martinique Tourist Office in France
2 rue des Moulins, 75001 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 4477 8600.
Website: www.martinique.org

Shopping

Almost every market boasts an array of local items and crafts from rum, straw goods, bamboo hats, Creole dolls and palm-woven baskets to colourful Creole jewellery. French imports are everywhere, be it boutiques, supermarket or a local store. Wines, liqueurs and crystal are surprisingly good value. Pay by travellers cheques and you qualify for a hefty discount in some of the larger tourist shops.

Eating Out

Local food is characterised by French and Caribbean influences, using fresh island produce and European panache. Sauces and roux from France mix with spices from the Caribbean region: the result is a unique fusion seasoned with generous savoir-faire. Local specialities include lobster, red snapper, conch, sea urchin and stuffed crab. Also a Creole dish, colombo in which goat, chicken, pork or lamb is cooked in thick curry sauce.

When To Go

Year-round warm weather is wettest during the rainy season June to September. Peak season is December to the end of April, with soaring prices and great crowds of travellers. Things are quieter May to the end of November as Europeans tend to return home.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Fort-de-France.

Transfer Distance

2.5km (1.5 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Martinique

Time Zone

GMT - 4.

Currency

Euro.

Language

The official language is French; a Creole patois is widely used.

Location

Caribbean, northernmost of the Windward group of islands.

Population

135,000.

Government

Martinique is an Overseas Department of France and as such is an integral part of the French Republic.

Religion

Christian, with Roman Catholic the majority faith.

Social Conventions

Fort-de-France is more formal than Martinique's outlying regions although in typical island-style the atmosphere is generally relaxed. Casual dress is acceptable, although beachwear is only acceptable in resorts or on the beach. Dressing up is expected when in restaurants or out on the town. 

Tipping: 10% is acceptable.
The "island of flowers" appears on many Caribbean cruise itineraries, & with good reason - it's one of themost beautiful islands in one of the most beautiful regions of the world.
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