Martinique

What to do in Martinique

Musee Paul Gauguin

Many people are enraptured by Martinique's beauty, and artist Paul Gauguin was one of them. He spent a half-year in a hut to capture the surrounding beauty and many of his original paintings and reproductions are on display here.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

With abundant sea-life from the coast to the deep waters of the sea, exploring the underwater life is an interesting and exciting outing. Fish and coral are abundant near the coast for the snorkelers, while sunken ships and deep-water schools keep divers fascinated.

Explore the Villages

Although the main cities have much to offer in the way of Creole culture and sophistication, there is no better way to experience the local way of life than to spend some time in the smaller villages around the island.

Ajoupa-Bouillon

This flowery village is an excellent place to start the exploration of local life. Situated in the middle of a pineapple plantation, it is interesting to see how important these exotic vegetables are to the locals. This village is also a great starting point to explore other areas of the north. Within a half-hour's walk, there is Gorges de la Falaise, a gorge that welcomes swimmers and cliff jumpers. Also within the village is Les Ombrages, a botanical garden that has marked trails throughout the rainforest.

Les Trois-Ilets

One of the few villages on the island with brick and wood buildings, this quaint village is acclaimed for its pottery and woodwork, but is best-known as the birthplace of Napoleon's empress, Josephine. The kitchen of her former estate is now the Musee de La Pagerie, where memorabilia, including a love letter from Napoleon, are on display.

Les Precheur

Along the northern Caribbean coast, this village is home to volcanic hot springs. Legend holds that a soak in these springs will heal any ailment, spiritual or physical.

Beaches

All of the beaches are public and topless bathing is prevalent. For calm waters, stick to the Caribbean side and expect to pay a fee for entry to some beaches.

Anse-Mitan

With golden sand and crystal water, sunning and swimming are the perfect pastime activities here. Small bistros are hidden among the surrounding palm.

Anse-Trabaud

If you crave seclusion, there is no better place to find it. White sand and the sea are your only companions.

Baie des Anglais

You have to drive through a plantation, and pay the owner 15 francs, to get to this beach. However, it is huge and often empty!.

Les Salines

Although crowded with families during holidays and the weekends, this stretch of coastline is peaceful on weekdays. Without a doubt, it is the most beautiful of the gold sand beaches.

Visit Fort-de-France

Start by exploring the city on foot. In addition to the many shops and restaurants there are many cultural attractions in the capital.

The Bibliotheque Schoelcher

This is an architectural masterpiece. Built in 1889 for the Paris Exposition, it was soon dismantled and brought to Martinique. Just as much a library as it is a museum, with attractions and exhibits inside.

La Savane Park

A stroll around this park's gardens gives an exquisite picture of the mix of French culture against the backdrop of Caribbean nature. Highlights include exotic flowers and monuments to French leaders and noblemen.

Shopping on rue Victor Hugo

As a territory of France, Martinique has assumed the chic and fashionable nature of its mother country. You'll find everything from the latest runway fashions to classic expensive perfumes in the many boutiques lining this road.

JM Distillery

A visit to this distillery will make a JM fan of anyone. The rhum vieux is produced here, and free tastings in a rum room create a delicious half-day excursion.

Golfing

The combination of the scenery and consistently ideal weather makes Caribbean golf courses some of the most desirable in the world. Most courses are at the resorts, but are open to the public.

Boating

The bay near Fort-de-France is has long been a favorite of yachtsmen and sailors, as it is one of the most beautiful and safe in the Caribbean. Other ports and numerous marinas also rent everything from chartered yachts to one-man sailboats and deep sea fishing vessels.

Hiking

With landscapes that range from lush rainforests to volcanic peaks, Martinique offers many possibilities for a day or a week-long hike. Within the rainforest walks, you will be greeted by dense jungle, 40-ft waterfalls, and everything in-between. Whether you are an experienced outdoorsmen or a beginner, there is a hike to suit every interest.