What to see, what to do Martinique?
The 10 good reasons to go Martinique
A land of traditions
Belè, lasotè, Creole gardens…, the island cultivates traditions that have survived for centuries.
Pleasant climate all year round
With an average of 27 °C, heat is predominant, and the rain never lasts long.
Extraordinary nature
Its generous nature and unique biodiversity have earned it the nickname flower Island.
The Creole way of life
In Creole country, take the time to live, to enjoy life and to settle down!
A heavenly destination
Coconut palms, white sand and turquoise water: embark for postcard landscapes!
Spiritual tourism on the rise
Why not taste the best rum in the world at one of the seven distilleries on the island?
An island with many facets
From north to south, from the Caribbean to the Atlantic coast, the diversity is surprising.
A rich cultural heritage
Museums, gardens and ancient dwellings deliver a fascinating and complex history.
A family experience
Sand castles, water activities and walks in the forest: a dream for children!
A privileged location
Dominica, Saint Lucia and the surrounding islands are only a short distance away!
What to visit Martinique?
Interview: My Martinique
by Laure Lambert, author of the guide
A journalist and author for over ten years, Laure loves writing and, above all, traveling, sharing, escaping and feeding her insatiable thirst for discovery! Her suitcase is always ready to take her to the four corners of the world and discover new cultures. Martinique? It's much more than a simple trip, since she fell in love with it thanks to the Petit Futé and lived there for a while.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Martinique
Timetable
Tropical rhythms mean that people get up early, but they also go to bed early, as night falls quickly. In Martinique, shops are generally open from 8 or 9 a.m. until 4 or 5 p.m. (6 p.m. in tourist areas), and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. On Sundays, very few stores are open.
To be booked
No need to book your visits to museums, gardens or distilleries: the wait is never very long.
Budget & Tips
Student and senior cards can be used at the entrance of certain museums and gardens to benefit from reduced rates. Remember to take them with you.
Main events
A must-see event in February: the carnival that sets the whole island ablaze for five days, especially in Fort-de-France. It starts on Epiphany Sunday and multiple festivals take place from mid-January in the four corners of the island. Among the important dates is also May 22nd, a public holiday in Martinique that celebrates the abolition of slavery. In December, the Christmas period is preceded by the "Chant Nwel": locals gather in public squares to sing Christmas carols in Creole.
Guided tours
Ecotourism is in full development in Martinique. Hikes in the forest, accommodation in family-run cottages, nature holidays with your feet in the water, kayak trips, visits to discover medicinal plants and local treasures, more local consumption…: initiatives for the development of a more nature-friendly tourism are multiplying, so avoid large tourist infrastructures as much as possible and opt for smaller structures.
Smokers
It is forbidden to smoke in public places. You should know that Martinique is one of the French departments where there are the fewest smokers, so the latter are quickly spotted!
Tourist traps
The coasts of Martinique represent a privileged habitat for feeding, reproduction and migration of marine mammals of which there are more than twenty species: whales, dolphins, sperm whales, orcas sail near the coast. This is a great tourist attraction that develops every year, and more and more tourist operators, yachtsmen and divers are setting off to meet these fascinating creatures… But observing these protected animals requires very specific criteria for approaching and behaving in a way that does not always correspond to the practices of tourist operators, which are sometimes terribly destructive. For example, cetaceans are very sensitive to noise, which causes stress and changes their behavior. Therefore, we recommend that when you select a service provider, you ask if it has signed the Charter for a responsible approach and observation of marine mammals. A logo with the current year's vintage is displayed at signatory service providers.
