Martinique

Understand

Martinique is an overseas department of France and retains both French and Caribbean culture. The island cuisine is a superb blend of French and Creole cooking that is worth trying. The north part of island lures hikers who seek to climb the mountains and explore the rain forests while the southern portions offer shopping and beaches for those who chose to just relax.

Climate Tropical and humid with an average temperature of 23°C to 30°C. The climate is moderated by trade winds. The rainy season is from June to October and the island is vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average. Seasons Martinique experiences two distinct climatic and three specific tourism seasons. The high season spans from December through late April, characterized by peak pricing and significant congestion. From May until the end of November, visitor numbers from Europe typically decline as favourable weather and diverse travel options emerge closer to home. The summer months of July and August function as an intermediate season; during this time, residents of Martinique and Guadeloupe frequently travel to the mainland. Consequently, costs for tourism services and airfare often surge to extreme levels. Advanced booking is essential during this period to secure standard rates and avoid inflated costs.

To avoid the crowds while enjoying pleasant temperatures, visit the island in May or June. During this period, the climate is relatively dry with comfortable humidity levels, and travel rates remain affordable. While July and August are characterised by higher heat and humidity, the "cyclone season" is often misrepresented by travel clichés; although rain is more frequent, conditions remain suitable for sightseeing. However, travel via cruise ship is discouraged in September, as the probability of encountering hurricanes or tropical thunderstorms increases significantly during this month.

Terrain Mountainous with indented coastline and a quiet but still dan

Getting there

Being an integrated part of the France, Martininque is part of the European Union, so citizens of all EU member states, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland may visit with only a valid ID card, stay indefinitely and seek employment. However, Martinique is not part of the Schengen Area, so immigration controls are in place for people traveling between Metropolitan France and Martinique. If you do not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area, you can visit Martinique without a visa for up to 90 days. If you need a visa for the Schengen Area, Schengen visas for Metropolitan France are not valid for travel to Martinique, and so you will need to obtain a separate Martinique visa from a French diplomatic mission.

By plane

1 Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF IATA). The only airport with any scheduled flights and the main port of entry. For historical and political reasons, many flights are routed through Paris' "domestic" airport Orly instead of Paris Charles de Gaulle making connecting international flights somewhat awkward. (updated Jul 2017) From Paris (Orly): Air Caraïbes, Air France, Corsair International, LEVEL from €450 round trip From Caribbean: Air Antilles Express and Air Caraïbes ~€150 round trip. From Belgium (Charleroi): Air Belgium From USA (Miami), American Airlines/(American Eagle) From Canada (Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto-Pearson): Air Canada and Air Transat From South America (Cayenne; French Guiana): Air France. Codeshares with Air Antilles.

By boat From the surrounding islands, you can use this ferry company:

Express des Iles Cruise ships often visit "in season". Modest-sized ships can dock near downtown, and others moor in the Fort de France harbor, with passengers tendered to docks also close to downtown.

Getting around

Public transport in Martinique is very limited, which could explain the reason why there are more cars registered in Martinique per person than anywhere else in France. Public transportation from the airport is via the TCSP Rapid Bus Transit system. Cost is €1.45 for a ticket, which can be purchased at the TCSP stop just outside of the terminal on the other side of the parking lot via a vending machine.

By car

Despite the traffic, if you are going to make the most of your stay in Martinique, it is recommended that you hire a car. Without a car you will miss some of Martinique's best landscapes and scenery. Driving in Martinique will be a pleasure in comparison to other Caribbean islands. The majority of roads are of an excellent standard. Your driving licence from your home country is valid in Martinique. Driving laws are the same as in France and you have to drive on the right hand side of the road. There are several speed cameras on the island and the Gendarmerie are carrying out an increasing number of speed checks, so you should always watch your speed. Unless otherwise stated, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on major roads and 110 km/h on the autoroute between the airport and Fort-de-France. When travelling to the airport during rush hours, allow plenty of time. The N5 and Lamentin can get very busy. It is particularly busy between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 15:30 and 18:30.

By taxi Taxis in Martinique are not cheap. The taxi fare from the airport to Fort-de-France is around €20, €38 to Pointe du Bout and Le Francois and €55 to Sainte-Anne. Taxis apply a 40% surcharge between 20:00 and 06:00 as well as on Sundays and public holidays. To call a taxi 24 hr dial 0596 63 10 10 or 0596 63 63 62.

By bus There are very few buses in Martinique. Most bus services are mini buses marked "TC", which stands for "Taxi Collectifs". The destinations of the buses are marked on a board either on the front window or on the side door. Bus stops (a

See

Maison de la Canne near Trois-Ilets presents the history of sugar cane production on Martinique and its associate use of slave labour. La Savane des Esclaves near Trois-Ilets is an open-air museum about slavery. 1 Habitation Clement. Historic sugar plantation. (updated Dec 2017) Schoelcher Library in Fort-de-France St. Louis Cathedral in Fort-de-France Jardins de Balata. (updated Dec 2017) Savane des pétrifications near Sainte-Anne: the desertic southern tip of the island Route de la Trace. (updated Dec 2017)

Do

1 Gorges de la Falaise, near Ajoupa-Bouillon. 08:00-17:00. On a length of about 200 metres the river Falaise flows through a canyon (some ten metres deep and 1-3 metres wide). You can discover the canyon by a combination of walking and swimming. The canyon is on private property, hence the fee (it also pays for the guide). Be aware that some parts of the route can only be crossed by swimming, so you should wear swimming gear (no jeans; shirts; not even hats). However, you need to wear hiking shoes (no flip-flops; etc.) as the hike goes over slippery stones. You can rent appropriate shoes at the entrance. Note that the guide might be able to carry small cameras, but don't bring mobile phones