老澳门六合彩开奖记录

Mix French charm with West Indian joie de vivre, and you get Martinique, a delightful island in the Lesser Antilles. 

Here, rugged volcanic landscapes give way to lush rainforests, soaring peaks and postcard-perfect beaches, with the towering Mont Pel茅e volcano as a powerful symbol of nature鈥檚 might. 

From sipping a 迟颈鈥 punch to diving into Fort-de-France鈥檚 bustling markets, first-time visitors will be met with an island steeped in a rich m茅lange of African, French and West Indian culture, layered history and limitless adventure.

Women in brightly colored costumes participate in a carnival parade in Martinique
Around February or early March, carnival (or 鈥渧aval鈥) festivities take place all over Martinique. HanJie Chow for 老澳门六合彩开奖记录

When should I go to Martinique?

The beauty of travel to the Caribbean is that you can go at almost any time of year.

惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 dry season runs from December to about mid-April, bringing warm, sunny weather and calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

These pleasant conditions coincide with peak season, so you鈥檒l find many other visitors seeking to escape colder climates 鈥 and driving up hotel prices accordingly.

The wet season starts in June and lasts until November. During this period, there鈥檚 a higher likelihood of occasional showers, but you鈥檒l reap better rates and availability as fewer tourists arrive. It鈥檚 also the best time to visit 惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 botanical gardens, as they鈥檙e extra-lush, with intense pops of green and flowers in full bloom.   

Traveling from mid-February to early March? You鈥檙e in for a treat. Martinique hosts a traditional carnival that departs from the famously sequined revelry of Rio de Janeiro or Trinidad & Tobago

惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 鈥溾 is infused with a spirit of resistance that dates to the festival鈥檚 earliest days. Traditions include the n猫g gwo siwo, in which participants represent escaped slaves by covering themselves in molasses and charcoal; the Samedi Gras carnival-queens parade; clay men; the grotesque red devils; and 鈥 my personal favorite 鈥 the vid茅 pyjama, essentially J鈥檕uvert in sleepwear. 

How much time should I spend in Martinique?

Martinique caters to both thrill seekers as for those craving a tranquil and relaxed getaway. While you could reasonably get a satisfying taste of the island鈥檚 magic in three to four days, plan on at least a week-long stay for unhurried exploration. 

A view from the water of people relaxing on a white-sand beach fringed by palm trees in Martinque
In Martinique, you can take a bus, car or ferry to your ideal beach. Getty Images

Is it easy to get in and around the destination?

Visitors flying in from France, Montr茅al or Miami will enjoy direct service into Martinique Aim茅 C茅saire International Airport. The airport is only 15 minutes from the capital, and a 40-minute drive from Les Trois-脦lets, a popular beach town.

Alternatively,  the operates a ferry service to the island several times a week from neighboring Dominica, Guadeloupe and St Lucia

惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 (TCSP) is a modern bus service that serves the Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin areas. Other large buses (or grands busses) connect the island 鈥 but locals rely mostly on minivans marked 鈥淭C鈥 (taxi collectif), with destinations displayed in the front window. 

In Fort-de-France, the main bus depot is at Pointe Simon, near the harbor, with other stops marked by blue 鈥arr锚t autobus鈥 signs. There are no fixed schedules; buses typically depart when full. Fares start at 鈧1.50.

Service is limited on Sundays and late at night, at which times you should consider hiring a taxi. This is a much pricier option 鈥 expect to pay anywhere from 鈧30 to 鈧70, depending on your destination, plus a 40% surcharge on fares between 8pm and 6am.

While renting a car is the most convenient option, drivers must meet certain age and license requirements. For example, requires drivers to be 21 years old and have a valid license that has been in effect for at least one year.  

Ferries called vedettes depart from Fort-de-France鈥檚 Rue de la Libert茅 and go to the resort towns of Les Trois-脦lets, Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan and Anse 脿 l鈥橝ne. Prices begin at 鈧7, and the trips typically take 20 to 30 minutes. 

Many roadways lack sidewalks or footpaths, so be cautious of approaching traffic if you choose to walk. 

Top things to do in Martinique 

Sailboats in the harbor in front of the historic ramparts of Fort St-Louis, Fort-de-France, Martinique
Historic Fort St-Louis is an anchor of Fort-de-France harbor 鈥 and of the entire island of Martinique. Tony Moran/Shutterstock

Visit Fort-St-Louis for a history lesson and stellar views

Fort-St-Louis pulls double duty as an iconic landmark for history buffs and a can鈥檛-miss attraction for first-timers. Built in 1640, this coastal stronghold has been an important part of 惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 narrative ever since. 

Although much of the original structure has changed, the fort still commands a striking presence in the city鈥檚 center, just a short walk from La Savane and the ferry terminal.

The rooftop views of the city and harbor are unbeatable 鈥 and the story of the Vauban-style fortress, related during a guided tour, is fascinating. 

It鈥檚 still an active French naval base, so only certain areas are open to visitors, and photos of military personnel are prohibited. 

Hundreds of barrels containing rum are arranged in a warehouse at Habitation Cl茅ment in Martinique
At L鈥橦abitation Cl茅ment, you can learn how 惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 world-famous rums get made. Shutterstock

Sip on some sweet rum

惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 signature rhum agricole is made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, setting it apart from other varieties of rum. As one of the world鈥檚 premier sugarcane-growing regions, the island holds a prestigious . 

Established in 1842 and one of just two remaining family-run distilleries in Martinique, Distillerie La Favorite is known for producing some of the island鈥檚 finest white rhum, characterized by its natural sweetness and citrusy notes. 

In Le Fran莽ois, is a former distillery鈥搕urned鈥搈useum where you can see firsthand how sugarcane becomes the famous rhum agricole. For a more intimate experience, visit Distillerie Depaz, perched at the base of Mont Pel茅e on the island鈥檚 northwest coast.

Find your slice of paradise 

Les Anses d鈥橝rlet is one of 惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 most photogenic spots, with a picturesque pier that connects 脡glise St-Henri to the bay. The town鈥檚 laid-back vibe and serene beaches make it perfect for a day of swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. 

Anse Noire鈥檚 volcanic black sand contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters, while nearby Anse Dufour boasts golden sands and abundant sea turtles.

Plage du Diamant, 惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 largest beach, reveals incomparable views of the rocky island of Rocher du Diamant, while Petite Anse remains peaceful and secluded. Grande Anse des Salines, with its white sand and calm waters, is perfect for families and a must-visit for beach lovers.

Steps on a hiking trail lead through lush tropical vegetation and the misty summit of Mont Pel茅e on Martinique
A vigorous hike up and around Mont Pel茅e opens up gorgeous views of the summit above and the sea below. Shutterstock

Hike the trails of Mont Pel茅e

Mont Pel茅e dramatically shaped 惭补谤迟颈苍颈辩耻别鈥檚 landscape when it erupted in 1902, wiping out the town of St-Pierre. Today, the active volcano entices nature lovers with its scenic hiking trails and exquisite panoramas. 

The popular is a 4-hour round-trip hike, while the offers a 2-hour moderate trek along ridgelines with views of St-Pierre. Beginning in D茅siles, the Morne Macouba trail takes you through a tropical rainforest with vistas of the Macouba Valley.

Morning hikes provide the best views before clouds settle in. Be sure to bring water, rain gear and layers for cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

A green boat sits on a a beach surrounded by palm trees with villas in the hills beyond, Les Trois-脦lets, Martinique
Les Trois-脦lets is the quintessential Martinique beach town. Shutterstock

My favorite thing to do in Martinique 

As a St Lucian, I have a deep affection for my neighbors in Martinique. On clear days, the island is visible from Pigeon Island, and it鈥檚 only an hour away by ferry.

I adore Les Trois-脦lets, where bone-white sand meets impossibly turquoise waters. Just steps away, you鈥檒l discover quaint wine bars and restaurants that evoke the essence of Frenchness. While it may seem touristy, there鈥檚 an indescribable charm that captivates me. Perhaps you might call it a je ne sais quoi.

How much money do I need for Martinique?

Since Martinique is part of France, the euro is the official currency. While some businesses take US dollars, visitors should always have euro bills with them.

  • Nightly accommodation: 鈧50鈥180

  • Restaurant meal for two: 鈧25鈥120

  • Public transportation: 鈧1.50鈥10

  • Private taxi service: 鈧30鈥90

  • Glass of 迟颈鈥 punch: 鈧2鈥8

  • Cup of coffee or tea: 鈧3鈥7

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