Overview of Martinique
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean and an overseas region of France, Martinique is one of the many islands that make up the Lesser Antilles island group, affectionately referred to as the 'Breezy Islands'.
Martinique enjoys a rich and diverse history. The quaint little cottage of La Pagerie honours the family of the same name, whose daughter Joséphine became the Empress of Napoléon. The 600-foot (182m) pinnacle of Diamond Rock rises majestically from the sea. Once a strategic garrison during the Napoleonic wars, today the spectacular caves and coral reefs around the pinnacle attract scuba divers from all corners of the globe.
The majestic volcano, Mount Pelée, sits smoldering above the former capital Saint-Pierre, a once booming town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902. The twin peaks of Carbet and Mount Pelée dominate the island, rising above Martinique's legendary tropical rainforest. This is an area of unspoiled beauty, which hasn't yet been fully discovered by tourists like so many other exotic island locations.
There is something for just about everybody on Martinique. The active and adventurous can enjoy kitesurfing, yachting, diving, surfing and sailing as well as mountain biking, hiking, and cliff jumping. For the less adventurous, warm sunny days can be spent lazing on the sandy, white, palm-fringed beaches, many of which are truly magnificent. Salines Beach at the southernmost tip of Martinique is particularly picturesque.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French is the official language of Martinique, but Antillean Creole (Creole Martiniquais) is mostly spoken among islanders. English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels and tourist areas.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Martinique is part of the French West Indies. All foreign passengers to Martinique must hold a return or onward ticket, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Schengen visas are also valid for travel to Martinique, provided they are endorsed as such. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Martinique if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The local currency is the Euro (EUR), but US Dollars and major credit cards are also widely accepted.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in Martinique is 220 volts, 50Hz. European round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Travel to Martinique
Overview
Martinique offers travellers a seductive mix of stunning beaches, tropical gardens and French charm, promising lazy days on the beach, good quality accommodation, acclaimed diving sites, and a dose of culture. Fort de France is the capital and a worthwhile stop for tourists. Other popular destinations on the island include volcano-ravished Saint-Pierre, the resort town of Pointe Du Bout, and the quaint coastal villages of Sainte-Anne and Grand-Riviere.
Top tourist attractions on Martinique include the Balata Botanical Gardens near Fort de France, the Musee de la Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine, and the active Mount Pelee Volcano which destroyed Saint-Pierre in 1902, an event commemorated in the Volcanological Museum. There are many lovely hikes on the island, including La Caravelle Nature Trail in the mangroves of eastern Martinique. Of course, the most famous attractions are the beaches, with Les Salines and Anse Mitan being particular favourites.
Climate in Martinique
The average monthly temperatures in Martinique are surprisingly constant, with little seasonal variation. This stability is due to the refreshing breezes that blow from the northeast, known as the trade winds
(Les Alizés). The dry season is December through May, while June through November is the more humid and damp season. However, rain showers can occur at any time throughout the year.
Average air temperatures in coastal regions range from 72ºF to 86ºF (22ºC - 30ºC), while the inland areas average from 66ºF to 81ºF (9ºC - 27ºC). The warm coastal waters average between 68ºF and 74ºF (20ºC and 23ºC) all year. Hurricanes may occur any time from June to the end of November and are most common in September.
Health Notes when travelling to Martinique
Medical and health care facilities in Martinique are on a par with those of France and are considered to be some of the best in the French West Indies. Specialist treatment is also available. There are around 20 hospitals and clinics located on the island, including 24-hour emergency facilities. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations like hepatitis A and hepatitis B, tetanus, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) before travelling to Martinique, but no vaccinations are required by immigration officials. Medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Martinique
There is very little crime in Martinique but visitors should take sensible precautions and avoid isolated areas after dark, and not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should, where possible, be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Customs in Martinique
Unlike many tropical islands, Martinique has a thriving economy and is not solely dependent on tourism. Relaxed, informal clothing is acceptable around town, but scanty beach wear is considered improper in urban areas. The only officially designated clothing-optional beaches in the French islands are in Guadeloupe and St. Martin, but at hotel pools and at private beaches near hotels in Martinique topless swimming and sunbathing is common.
Duty Free in Martinique
Those travelling to Martinique may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigars (non-cuban), 250g tobacco, two litres of liquor, and perfume, gifts and film in amounts reasonable for personal use. Currency must be declared on arrival.
Communication in Martinique
The international dialling code for Martinique is +596. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The island is covered by mobile networks, with coverage generally very good, although expensive.
Wifi is freely available at all hotels, cafes, restaurants and guesthouses.
Tipping in Martinique
As in France, tips are usually included in restaurant bills in Martinique and taxes and service charges are included in hotel rates.
Passport/Visa Note
Martinique is part of the French West Indies. All foreign passengers to Martinique must hold a return or onward ticket, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Schengen visas are also valid for travel to Martinique, provided they are endorsed as such. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Martinique if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen. Other British passport holders are generally exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme: https://us.martinique.org/
Martinique Embassies
- In the United States:
-
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Martinique): +1 202 944 6000.
- In Canada:
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French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Martinique): +1 613 789 1795.
- In the United Kingdom:
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French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Martinique): +44 207 073 1000.
- In Australia:
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French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Martinique): +61 26 216 0100.
- In Ireland:
-
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Martinique): +353 1 277 5000.
- In New Zealand:
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French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Martinique): +64 4 384 2555.
- In South Africa:
-
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Martinique): +27 12 425 1600.
Foreign Embassies in Martinique
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4312 2222.
- Canadian Embassy
-
Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4443 2900.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4451 3100.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4059 3300.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4417 6700.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4501 4343.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 5359 2323.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Martinique (France)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Martinique, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Martinique. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies is present in bats in Martinique. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Martinique. The government of Martinique requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Martinique. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Martinique, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Martinique. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies is present in bats in Martinique. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
There is no risk of yellow fever in Martinique. The government of Martinique requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Martinique. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Martinique, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Martinique. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Martinique include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Martinique. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Martinique’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Martinique may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Martinique, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Martinique (France) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Martinique (France).
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The local currency is the Euro (EUR), but US Dollars and major credit cards are also widely accepted.
Martinique International Airport (FDF)
Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport
http://www.martinique.aeroport.fr
Location: Fort de France The airport is located about six miles (9km) southeast of Fort de France.
Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Contacts:
Tel: +596 421 600
Getting to the city:
Taxi and shuttle services are available at the aiport and can be organised through hotels.
Car rental:
Car rental agencies are available and companies include Avis, Auloc, Enterprise, Budget, National/Citer, Europcar, Hertz, Rent a Car, Payless, Jumbo Car, and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Licensed taxis are available outside Arrivals, near Exit D.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a pharmacy, a medical centre, a tobacconist, banks, money changing services, souvenir shops and tax-free shopping, a florist, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Facilities for the disabled are available.
Parking:
There are open-air and guarded car parks at the airport and fees vary between each lot. In P1 parking is free for the first 5 minutes and €125.50 for up to 24 hours. Payment for parking may be made by cash or card.
Overview of the Attractions in Martinique
Martinique offers travellers a seductive mix of stunning beaches, tropical gardens and French charm, promising lazy days on the beach, good quality accommodation, acclaimed diving sites, and a dose of culture. Fort de France is the capital and a worthwhile stop for tourists. Other popular destinations on the island include volcano-ravished Saint-Pierre, the resort town of Pointe Du Bout, and the quaint coastal villages of Sainte-Anne and Grand-Riviere.
Top tourist attractions on Martinique include the Balata Botanical Gardens near Fort de France, the Musee de la Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine, and the active Mount Pelee Volcano which destroyed Saint-Pierre in 1902, an event commemorated in the Volcanological Museum. There are many lovely hikes on the island, including La Caravelle Nature Trail in the mangroves of eastern Martinique. Of course, the most famous attractions are the beaches, with Les Salines and Anse Mitan being particular favourites.
Sainte-Anne
One of the most popular tourist spots in Martinique, Sainte-Anne is a convenient access point for the beautiful beaches of the southern tip of the island. The town is arguably the prettiest on the island and offers a few good restaurants and hotels, while still maintaining rustic charm. The most popular beach in Sainte-Anne is Les Salines, only a five-minute drive from the city. Les Salines is stunning and has good facilities like snack stands, public restrooms, and showers. The only downside to Les Salines is that it can be very overcrowded in peak season and on weekends - so it is better to visit during the week to avoid the crowds.
Les Trois-Ilets
Across the bay from Fort de France, Les Trois-Ilets is a well-developed resort area which is home to a casino as well as many shops and restaurants. Nearby attractions include the white sandy beaches and resorts of Pointe du Bout and Anse Mitan, the championship golf course, and the Musée de La Pagerie, the birthplace of Josephine Bonaparte. There are also many interesting cultural attractions in Les Trois-Ilets, including museums of coffee and cocoa, slavery, and military history. There is also ample opportunity to organise outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, sailing, and other water sports. The best way to get to Les Trois-Ilets is by ferry from Fort de France.
Le Diamant
Le Diamant is a scenic resort area dominated by the 574-foot (175m) Diamond Rock, the remnants of a volcano destroyed by erosion. Diamond Rock is a small uninhabited island known for the strategic role it once played in the Napoleonic Wars, when a British garrison fortified it for control over the channel, using the caves to shelter troops. Le Diamant offers some of the best scuba diving in Martinique. Great dive sites include the triangular cavern beneath Diamond Rock itself, but as the currents can be treacherous this is not a dive for beginners. The area also has some beautiful beaches, including Grande Anse du Diamant, where visitors will find a number of good restaurants and a shopping centre.
Fort de France
The largest city in the French West Indies, Fort de France is a cosmopolitan urban area of more than 100,000 people, with a distinctly French atmosphere. Narrow streets wind steeply up hills, framed by wrought-iron balconies, and from a distance the city seems to be half-made up of jungle, with plenty of gardens and verdant green spaces.
A handful of historical and cultural sites make for a full day's worth of sightseeing in Fort de France, including historical buildings like Fort Saint-Louis, beautiful churches like the Sacré-Coeur de Balata and the Cathedral Saint-Louis, and the lovely Balata Gardens. There are also several beautiful waterfalls, including the Cascade Absalon and the Cascade Didier.
While the nightlife in Fort de France isn't quite on a par with most large cities, there are some good restaurants and shopping opportunities in the city. Several markets offer local produce and spices, and Victor Hugo Road is a shopping street with souvenir shops and boutiques sandwiched between local fruit and flower sellers. Most tourists in Martinique spend only a day or two in Fort de France, but the city makes a good place to stop over before taking the ferry to Trois Islets.
Public Holidays in Martinique
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Bastille Day |
Mon. July 14 |
Mon. July 14 |
| Whit Monday |
Sun. June 1 |
Sat. May 24 |
| Victory Day |
Thu. May 8 |
Thu. May 8 |
| Ascension Day |
Wed. May 21 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Assumption Day |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Armistice Day |
Tue. November 11 |
Tue. November 11 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Slavery Abolition Day |
Thu. May 22 |
Thu. May 22 |
| Schoelcher Day |
Mon. July 21 |
Mon. July 21 |
| All Saints Eve |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
Port of Call - Forte de France
On the French territorial island of Martinique, the port city Fort de France is a blend of white walled colonial architecture and working plantations, with a strongly Francophile culture. The city's most popular attractions include the Eden-like central park, La Savane, and the French architecture downtown, including a quaint historic library. A line of white sand beaches are popular south of the city.
Most cruise ships now berth at the Pointe Simon dock that lies directly in Forte de France's city centre, although some larger cruise lines still use the Tourelles Terminal which is also used as a cargo dock and is a 15-minute walk from the city. A little cruise village of shops and stalls greets visitors at Pointe Simon and downtown Fort de France can be comfortably reached on foot.
Shopping in Forte de France
Everything French is available in the city, much of it at the duty free shopping centre at the terminal or at city centre marketplace. Jewellery, high fashion, handbags, and perfumes are all popular, as well as more Caribbean crafts. There are also boutique shops downtown and great deals on rum at the distilleries.
Dining in Forte de France
The Yellow - Excellent seafood served with French flair.
Le Dôme - Caribbean and French fusion with a great view.
Chez Carole - Simple, fresh island food served in a friendly atmosphere.
Things to do in Forte de France
Take a drive to the infamous, volcanic town, St-Pierre.
Ride the ferry to Pointe du Bout.
Beach bum on Les Salines.
Sailing and diving or snorkelling off the coast.
A tourism office is located at 76, rue Lazare Carnot.
Tel: 596 616 177
http://www.martinique.org
