ABOUT MARTINIQUE: Located between St. Lucia and Dominica, the French West Indies' isle of Martinique serves up the best that the Caribbean has to offer in a manner that is tres, tres French. terrain is as diverse as her personality, from the summit of the majestic volcano Mont Pelee to its pure white and pure black sand beaches. Throughout the island you'll enjoy Martinique's lavish natural landscape, including the Pitons de Carbet mountains, healthy rainforests and sunsets that inspired famous French artist Gauguin.
Martinique has a distinct multi-cultured heritage with European influences as well as African, Chinese, German, Indian and Portuguese. Georgetown, the capital city and main entry point for visitors, boasts a wonderful display of 19th century architecture (St. George's Cathedral is one of the worlds tallest wooden structure), diverse cuisine, markets, crafts and many carnivals and festivals throughout the year.
For those looking for a more traditional Caribbean vacation, Martinique offers almost everything except golf (there's only one course on the island). Her water sports are ample, including diving, sailing, deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Her sunshine is ample and her beaches range from secluded strips to crowded, topless beaches much like the south of France.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MARTINIQUE
St. Pierre: The city destroyed by volcano in 1902
Mont Pelee: Great hiking experience.
Black and white sand beaches: Relax all day long on the beautiful beaches.
FAST FACTS
CAPITAL: Fort-de-France
ISLAND SIZE: 50 miles long and 22 miles long; 425 square miles.
POPULATION: 381,500
AIRPORT: International LaMentin Airport.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts
CURRENCY:
French Franc - U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
LANGUAGE:
French and Creole.
COUNTRY CODE: 596
TOURIST INFORMATION Click on the links to find out more about services and activities in Martinique.
