Bonjour et bienvenue en Martinique! Welcome to this colourful island impressing with its palette of beautiful long coastlines, crystal-clear emerald waters, volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, stunning lagoons, waterfalls and savannas. It seems that Mother Nature was very inspired while drawing those sceneries.
Martinique felt like home away from home – this strong European (French) bond and vibe mixed with the tropical island life creates a unique fusion.
Apart from the mesmerizing raw beauty of nature, you can dive into art exhibitions, rum tasting, events, and well let’s do the two with some cocktails at the beach. The Caribbean life is calling with an offer for limitless surfing data, endless roaming in nature and a minimum of 8-hours of sleep.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Caribbean Island part of the Lesser Antilles
Size: 1,128km2; 80 km long and 35 km wide
Capital: Fort-de-France
Population: According to the latest data 364,508
Official language: French, but their vernacular language is Creole
Influences: A blend of French and West Indian influences
Currency: As Martinique is an overseas region of France, the currency is Euro. For reference: 1 EUR = 1.14 USD
Best time to visit: The climate here is tropical, so expect hot temperatures and humidity all year around. The dry and warm, but not too hot season is from January to mid-April. The rainy season starts from mid-June to mid-November. However, a great idea is to visit in between those seasons if you want to feel quieter and spend less on accommodations – May, June and July are great months for that.
What to pack: Pack your French knowledge, or a dictionary, because you might need it if French is unknown for you ‘’territory’’. The usual suspects to get in use are sunscreen, more sunscreen, insect repellent, sunnies, flip-flops, straw hats, hiking shoes etc.
How to get around: I recommend you rent a car. It will give you more freedom to explore the island plus the roads are quite good – it feels like driving in France (with some exceptions). And the most important – driving is on the right side of the road.
COVID-19: Covid-19 restrictions and entry requirements are continuously changing. Make sure to always check the official website of the country you go to.
For Martinique, this is: COVID-19
WHERE TO STAY
Villa Neivy from VillaVEO
Located in Le Diamant, this spacious and convivial villa is the perfect pretext to enjoy slow mornings at the pool, preparing your breakfast. We could’ve spent ages here without getting bored.
In Villa Neivy you will find plenty of sunbeds, a swimming pool with a stunning view, a swing, an indoor and outdoor bar/kitchen, 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, a living room with a cosy sitting area and great sound system, a petanque terrain, table soccer and so on…
A concierge is available every day and they even offer laundry services if needed.
Instagram: @villaveo
Apolline Martinique
Apolline Martinique with its beautiful Creole design is opening great views over the bay of Fort-de-France which you can admire after a dip in the infinity pool or from the comfort of your terrace. If you want to enjoy this view from your room, consider booking the amazing ‘’Grande Suite Ambassadrice with a bay view’’.
The creative artistic mind of the designer MoAna Luu is absorbed and to be seen in every detail of this place. Here even nature is enwreathed by Creole elegance. This old tree is a wonderful place to rest, dine, do yoga or meditate. We found our oasis of calmness and would love to come back for more.
Instagram: @apollinemartinique
POINTS OF INTEREST
LE ROCHER DU DIAMANT
Le Rocher du Diamant is this impressive rock formation you see in the background. This basaltic 175 meters high volcanic rock is located 2 km away from the South West coast of Martinique.
The “Diamond Rock” owes its name to the brilliant reflections which occur depending on the time of the day. Former pirate shelter and fortified point during the fights between the French and British in the Caribbean, nowadays it is forbidden to dock there - you can observe but not visit it. Today the islet is home to many bird species, snakes, rats, green turtles etc.
MEMORIAL CAP 110 / ANSE CAFFARD MEMORIAL
This memorial at Anse Cafard was built in memory of the slaves who died in 1830 in a violent storm. The ship trafficking the victims sank and was completely destroyed by crashing in the coastal rocks. This is why it is still unknown where was this ship coming from. What we know is that it was carrying 300 slaves. The bodies of the slave traders were buried at the Le Diamant cemetery and the African bodies were buried near the shore. 86 captives were rescued and picked up by the landlord (François Dizac) of the land where the ship crashed. Slavery was illegal since 1817 and this memorial stays here to remind us of the unknown victims of the wreck and in celebration of the human brotherhood.
These 15 giant statues, each 2.5m tall and weighing 4.5 tons represent and pay respects to the African slaves. If you are wondering why the sculptures are white – this is because the white colour is used in the Caribbean and West Africa during traditional burials.
ANSE NOIRE
Anse Noire is the only black volcanic sand beach in the south of Martinique. To get to this gem you will have to walk down some stairs, but don’t freak out it’s easy. The beach has a beautiful seabed and a small dock from where you can jump in the sea.
Anse Noire feels like coming out from a Robinson Crusoe story. It is very laid-back and secluded, surrounded by hills and luxuriant vegetation. It’s a great spot for snorkelling – you could spot many fish and green sea turtles because they are coming to this little bay for feeding and resting on the seagrass. As the sea turtles are generally enjoying swimming in a bit deeper waters and you can’t spot any at Anse Noire, you should go and explore the waters of Anse Dufour, which is located a few hundred meters away.
LES SALINES
Calm sea, coconut palm trees, stunning views and 1km stretch of golden sand beach. Located on the southern coast of Martinique by Sainte Anne, Les Salines is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Martinique. Be aware that it might get crowded during weekends.
JARDIN DE BALATA
Martinique’s original name is Madinina, meaning ‘flower island’ in their local Creole language. The brush of nature here was very generous with all the colours and variations of flowers such as orchids, bougainvillaea, cassava, oleander, hibiscus, rose.
You can find a lot of the island’s rich flora and their beautiful birds at the Jardin de Balata. We encountered a stunning Purple Throated Carib and some hummingbirds. These gardens are built around a typical Creole house by the horticulturist, landscape designer and poet Jean-Philippe Thoze. His love for botanicals encouraged him to travel to different places and collect ideas and inspiration.
Jardin de Balata is located a few minutes from Fort-de-France and offers free parking for its visitors.
Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Entrance fee: 14 EUR adults; 8 EUR children (3-12 years old); free for kids under 3 years
MOUNT PELÉE
Mount Pelée is an active stratovolcano consisting of layers of lava and volcanic ash. In translation from French, it means ‘’peeled mountain’’ or ‘’bald mountain’’. Located on the north side of the island, it reaches an elevation of 1,397 metres. Most of the time it is veiled in fog and not everyone succeeds to witness the top of the volcano. For having the best chance to see and admire this spine-chilling beauty is to be there at sunrise – you know that the early bird gets the worm, right?
Mount Pelée is the third deadliest volcano with 30,000 lives taken by its eruption in 1902. It wiped the entire city of St. Pierre and left only two survivors. The first one survived because ‘’fortunately’’ he was thrown in jail the night before the eruption. The windowless, not ventilated, dungeon-like jail cell saved his life and pushed his career – he started travelling with Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. What an irony of fate...The second survivor was living at the edge of the city and succeeded to escape with severe burns.
Did you know that you can actually hike the volcano? The Aileron is the most popular trail and it’s well marked with signs and maps along the way. A round trip takes about 4-5 hours and the hike is of moderate difficulty. Ready to climb this fearsome beauty? Chance favours the prepared mind so go as early as possible to hopefully see Mount Pelée before the fog rolls in. Time to conquest new peaks.
CASCADE COULEUVRE & ANSE COULEUVRE
Both Cascade Couleuvre and Anse Couleuvre are located at the foothills of Mount Pelée in the very north of the island. To reach them you have to drive through a tropical forest of narrow going up and down roads spotted with numerous potholes.
Cascade Couleuvre| Once we arrived, we chose to start with the longer hike along the Couleuvre River and visit the waterfalls first. Cascade Couleuvre is one of the highest waterfalls in Martinique – 120 meters high. The round trip to there is 3.8 km and the estimated round trip time is between 1.5 – 2 hours. We did it for 1, hehe.
The trail isn’t difficult at all, but watch your step as a woman broke her ankle while we were there and the emergency medical staff had to come and take her by helicopter. It took them a lot of time to spot her from above because of the trees, but as easy as it is taking her all the way back to the parking was mission impossible. Keep in mind that you will have to ‘’climb’’ some rocks and cross the river several times but there are small rocks to step on so it was funny and enjoyable.
On the way keep your eyes open for small animals like mongooses, crayfish and even the Matoutous Falaises (protected species since 2017). I am glad we didn’t meet those big spiders though.
The trail is awe-inspiring with its vegetation and the hike will reward you with the wonderful and peaceful, but yet powerful sound of the waterfalls. Once reached your final destination, you can enjoy the natural massage of the waters and brush yourself with pure green clay.
Anse Couleuvre| Time to go back to the beginning of this trail and continue to Anse Couleuvre from the same starting point. Anse Couleuvre is one of the wildest and most impressive beaches in Martinique.
Get ready for a 200 metres walk to this secluded and up until recently secret beach. During this walk you will be crossing the waters coming from Cascade Coulevre, you will be passing by a few ruins and voilà this beauty crowned by the coconut trees and nestled between high cliffs is opening in its entire majesty.
Prepare for some awe-inspiring views of the grey band of volcanic sand. Take a breath to admire the lofty rocks embracing and protecting the beautiful sun-toasted beach and the waves crashing in the rocks.
The clear waters full of tropical fish are great for snorkelling, but be aware of the currents as they might be dangerous.
FONDATION CLÉMENT | HABITATION CLÉMENT
Located in Le François, in the south-east of Martinique this agricultural area of 160 hectares is listed as a historical monument in 1996. If you are a contemporary art lover and would love to see some interesting sculptures and paintings, this is the place. The sculptures are beautifully placed in the gardens.
Follow the map you will receive after buying your ticket which will lead you through all the beautiful spots of this place. You will cross those wonderful peaceful gardens with art installations, the old grounds consisting of 11 stunning trees, some of which are very old. Discover more about the Creole world which you will find by entering the main house and its outbuildings.
Any rum lovers out there? Time to learn more about it, while visiting a rum house nestled in sugar cane plantations. You can gain an understanding of the industrial part and the history of creating rum. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to taste it in the Old Distillery. Don’t do the rum tasting part if you are driving after. Rum is definitely not my thing but for me, it was truly interesting to dive into this world.
Opening hours: 9 AM – 6:30 PM (last admission 5:30 PM)
Entry fee: 13 EUR adults; 8 EUR (children from 7 to 17 years old); free for kids less than 7 years
Martinique and its cocktail of Euro-Caribbean fusion have the right amount of everything a person could wish for from a vacation. If you are thirsty for exploration, a diversity of landscapes and sightseeing is waiting for you. If you are craving nature, Martinique got you covered with astonishing fauna and flora. You name it, they have it all - from mesmerizing beaches to mystique volcanoes, from the typical laid-back island life feeling to the European safety. What are you waiting for? Pack your French dictionary and go get inspired.