Table Of Content
Set to the rhythm of live music, the experience is enriched by local dancing and rum tasting. Discover the allure of Fort De France, the cosmopolitan capital of Martinique. Explore the vibrant markets, visit the historic Schoelcher Library, or relax on the palm-fringed beaches. However, the best beaches in Martinique are a good distance from the Fort de France Cruise Port – by far the favorite beach on Martinique, Grande Anse des Salines is an hour from the terminal. If you want to visit a beach during your time here, then we recommend La Francaise and plan another trip – here’s our guide to Martinique’s best beaches to whet your appetite. You’ll get to stroll through the old capital, Saint Pierre, taste rum from a local distillery, swim under a waterfall, see local monuments and also relax on one of Martinique’s beaches.
Explore the Botanical Gardens in Balata
It’s useful to learn some basic French phrases for your time on the island, though many locals who work with tourists speak English. France and Britain fought for control over the island various times from the 17th to 19th centuries until the French eventually claimed the island for the long haul in 1974. Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique and has undergone a large-scale improvement of the city to make it more friendly for travelers and passersby. After the popularity of Norwegian Airlines' low-cost direct flights from New York and Baltimore to the French West Indies, many American airline carriers started to follow the trend. American Airlines offers affordable fares to the island with a layover in either Miami or San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Air Canada offering flights from Toronto and Montreal. Travelers can also opt to fly into the nearby island of Guadeloupe through JetBlue and catch the ferry to Martinique and make a connection through one of the smaller carriers like Air Caraibes.
Walk to the town
Pair your meal with a glass of refreshing local rum and savor the flavors of Martinique. Escape to the picturesque fishing village of Les Anses d’Arlet, located on the southwest coast of Martinique. With its palm-fringed beaches and charming Creole architecture, this quaint village offers a serene and idyllic setting. Euros are used on Martinique; dollars generally aren't accepted, except by a handful of taxi drivers near the terminal who cater specifically to cruise passengers. You'll find ATMs and an exchange bureau -- Change Caribe -- in Fort-de-France, just a short walk from the Pointe Simon terminal.
Planning Your Trip
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a buzzing Caribbean city, exploring Fort-de-France is a must-do during your visit to Martinique. Air France flies to Martinique's Aimé Césaire International Airport from six UK airports via Paris – from London the journey takes around 15 hours. The island can also be reached on fast-ferry services from St Lucia, which is served by direct flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick. The crossing takes around 80 minutes and docks at the Gare Maritime in Baie de Carenage on the east side of Fort-de-France. Martinique is a mountainous island that covers 436 square miles – almost twice the size of neighbouring St Lucia. Travelling around the island's beautiful green interior is enchanting but takes time, while the coastal roads are generally good.
Take a guided tour to learn about the unique process of making agricole rum, which is crafted from fresh sugarcane juice instead of molasses. One of the most famous distilleries in Martinique is the Habitation Clément. Located in Le François, this historic plantation offers guided tours that take you through the rum production process, from the sugarcane fields to the aging cellars. Discover the fascinating history of rum in Martinique and indulge in tastings of their award-winning rums. No visit to Martinique is complete without immersing yourself in the island’s rich rum-making heritage. Martinique is renowned for producing some of the finest rums in the world, and a tour of its distilleries is a must for rum enthusiasts and those interested in learning about the island’s history.
5 Terrible Caribbean Ports You Don't Want on Your Itinerary - Cruiseline.com
5 Terrible Caribbean Ports You Don't Want on Your Itinerary.
Posted: Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:34:33 GMT [source]
You can find more inspiration to plan out your trip to the French West Indies with our guide to the top things to try during your stay in Martinique. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Begin your adventure by exploring the numerous hiking trails that wind their way through the reserve. With varying levels of difficulty, there’s a trail suitable for every fitness level and interest. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a journey that leads you through dense mangroves, lush forests, and along dramatic cliffs.
Learn More About Fort de France Shore Excursions
Splatters of red paint add a macabre touch to the decapitated statue. The experience is enhanced with live local music, entertainment, rum tasting, and greetings by multilingual hostesses. Vendors include local clothing, jewelry and accessory designers, locally produced skin care products and perfumes, souvenir shops, local artists exhibiting their paintings and tasty snacks. The Martinique Cruise Village at Pointe Simon is a small facility of vendors and information booths with multilingual speakers. Learn more about what places to eat with our list of restaurants to try in Martinique and our list of traditional foods to try while vacationing in Martinique.
Take a Catamaran Excursion to Diamond Rock
The Jardin de Balata is not only a haven for plant enthusiasts but also a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes and ears open for the colorful bird species that call the gardens home, such as hummingbirds and parrots. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. As you embark on your rum tour, remember to drink responsibly and pace yourself. Enjoy the flavors and savor the experience of discovering the rich world of Martinique’s rum-making traditions.
Martinique recaps cruise investments, airport upgrades, new tours - Seatrade Cruise News
Martinique recaps cruise investments, airport upgrades, new tours.
Posted: Mon, 05 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The epic European road trips you must do in your lifetime
Continue your exploration by strolling along the vibrant Rue de la République, the main shopping street in Fort-de-France. Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, boutiques, and local markets where you can purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, and more. There are many English speaking taxi drivers and tour guides on the pier offering services. One suggestion if you want English is to chat a bit with the guide before accepting the offer. Some are good at the first few sentences but have then exhausted their language skills. French is the language spoken in Fort-de-France and most of the West French Indies.
Fort-de-France is one of the better walking-around ports because most everything worth seeing is reachable on foot from the Pointe Simon cruise docks. Passengers who disembark at Tourelles Terminal will need a taxi to reach the city center. Mount Pelée is a renowned volcano and the highest peak on the island at 4,500 feet.
Start your day by finding a spot on the soft sandy shores, where you can set up your beach essentials and soak up the warm sun. Board a catamaran and set sail from one of the island’s marinas, enjoying the gentle breeze and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. As you approach Diamond Rock, marvel at its impressive size, rising dramatically from the turquoise waters. For a taste of local culture, visit the Franck-A.-Perret Museum, dedicated to preserving the heritage of Martinique. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical documents that provide insight into the island’s history and culture. To delve deeper into Martinique’s history and culture, visit the Musée d’Histoire et d’Ethnographie.
While the Indies are tourist-friendly, you will only find a scattering of those who can speak English. Signage is also in French, making it difficult for non-French-speaking visitors to navigate the island. Take along an English-to-French dictionary to assist you with translations. Wi-fi is available either at the cruise pier, depending on where you dock. However you will also find this widely available at restaurants and bars if you are a paying customer.
No comments:
Post a Comment