Croissants, Palm Trees and a Volcano!
With croissants and palm trees, all perched near a live volcano, Martinique is the definition of a refined French-Caribbean island – fashionable and elegant, with an abundance of flora. Filled with ruins and monuments, Martinique has been French, with a few interruptions, since 1635. And as an overseas department of France, it revels in French history and savoir-faire. It offers gorgeous beaches, lots of rum and great food.
Bananas, Cane and Rum
Tourism is important, but so are banana farming, cane, and the rum business. Its many small museums focus on curiosities such as banana farming and ancient island civilisations. The capital, Fort-de-France, displays colonial charm along with its yacht-filled harbour and offers lots to see in its narrow galleried streets. Busy fish and produce markets give rich local flavour, and we enjoy visiting the market in St Pierre.
Restaurants are among the best in the Caribbean. Local seafood offerings include Balaou (ballyhoo, a kind of fish), Soudons (clams), Cribiches (freshwater crayfish) and langouste (Caribbean lobster). Tropical produce such as breadfruit, cassava and Christophines are common local ingredients.
La Route des Rhums
Just as wine lovers regularly visit France to savour the best of French wine while travelling along La Route des Vins, rum connoisseurs are increasingly making their way to Martinique to experience some of the world’s finest and most distinctive rums by travelling La Route des Rhums. The self-guided tour directs visitors to 10 distilleries located throughout the island, each welcoming visitors with insightful tours and free tastings that together affirm Martinique’s position as “The Rum Capital of the World.”. One of our favourites is Depaz Rum Distillery, at the foot of the Pelée volcano.
Sailing Holidays in Style
Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or a group, you will have an unforgettable crewed charter with BlueFoot Travel. Book your private cabin and relax, enjoy delicious food, get hands-on sailing experience, and have lots of fun as we sail from one beautiful island to the next. So select a trip and join us in Martinique and create some amazing experiences you can share with your friends and family.
Further Information
*** Latest travel advisory for Martinique ***
