Caribbean · Martinique (France)
Martinique Travel Guide
Martinique is France in the tropics — croissants for breakfast, rainforest waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the finest rum in the Caribbean, all while using euros.
How Do You Get Around?
Walk into Fort-de-France in 5 minutes. Ferry to Les Trois-Ilets beaches (20 min, 7 euro). For rum distilleries, negotiate a taxi for the day (80-120 euro).
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
Rum distillery tour — Clement, JM, and Depaz offer free tours with tastings. The finest rum agricole in the world.
Fort-de-France — La Savane park, the Schoelcher Library (Art Nouveau gem), and the Grand Marche.
Les Trois-Ilets — Ferry across the bay. Anse Mitan beach is excellent.
Jardin de Balata — Stunning botanical garden in the rainforest above Fort-de-France. 20 min by taxi.
Where Should You Eat?
Accras de morue: Salt cod fritters — crispy and light with spicy dipping sauce.
Colombo: Caribbean curry — chicken, goat, or fish in spiced coconut sauce.
Ti punch: White rhum agricole, lime, and sugar cane syrup. Simple and sublime.
Is Martinique Worth Exploring Independently?
Fort-de-France is walkable. The ferry to Les Trois-Ilets is simple. A taxi for distilleries is much cheaper than ship excursions.
Useful Local Phrases
Bonjour
Hello
(bon-ZHOOR)
Merci
Thank you
(mair-SEE)
Sa ou fe?
How are you? (Creole)
(sah oo FEH)
Local Tips
- •Martinique uses euros. No exchange needed from Europe.
- •Rhum agricole distillery tours are free with tastings.
- •St-Pierre was destroyed by the 1902 Mont Pelee eruption. The volcano museum tells the story.
- •Grand Marche sells spices, rum, and tropical fruit. Great for souvenirs.