Fort de France, in the heart of the Antilles
Fort de France is both the administrative center for a region and a department, the island of Martinique.
The colonization of Martinique coincided with the discovery of the new world. Martinique is one of the Windward Islands which belong to the Lesser Antilles. Sugar cane became one of the economic pillars of Martinique until the sugar crisis hit the island's economy. In 1902,Mount Pelée erupted and destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre which until then had been Martinique's economic capital. Fort-de-France was already the island's administrative center and it took over most of the island's economic activity at that time.
Martinique has many different landscapes between the sea and land. The island has lush vegetation and incredible natural resources. It is a very popular tourist destination.
Air France offers daily flights from Paris to Fort de-France as well as connections. If you would like to travel by plane to several destinations in the Caribbean, Air France also offers multi-destination flights.
Activity in Martinique and in Fort de France
When you arrive in Fort de France, take a stroll through the city streets to immerse yourself in Martinique's atmosphere.
The city has often changed names, once Fort Royal, and then Fort-de-la-République depending on French history. Early on, it became the island's government seat and it also grouped together the main cultural activities.
When in Fort de France, you must go the fish market and the Grand Marché. The Fort Saint-Louis, the city's emblem and Martinique's government seat is also a must-see.
You will find the Musée Régional d'Histoire et d'Ethnographie in a former middle-class home, where you can learn about Martinique's history.
In the outskirts of Fort-de-France, you must not miss the church and botanical garden in Balata. The church is a miniature replica of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris.
Martinique: sea, mountain and forest
Martinique is a dream destination for those who love nature and turquoise water. The island has a large variety of plants as well as many animal species.
The island's tropical maritime climate favors forest development: Martinique has 100,750 acres of tropical forest as well as about 4,500 acres of coastal forest, the mangrove.
There are many beaches, like treasures, as well. The most beautiful are the Anse Trabaud in Saint-Anne or the Anse Couleuvre in Prêcheur. You may practice many water sports from kite surfing to diving. One of Martinique's most beautiful attractions is to explore the ocean floor from the coral reef to sunken ships. Hiking is also a popular activity, and essential to appreciate the island's rich natural resources and to discover wild areas such as Mount Pelée.
Martinique's climate
It is always summer in the Antilles, with temperatures above 75 °F and the sea is always warm. However, there is a difference between the climate in the north and the south of the island. The north is more mountainous and damper than in the south. The best time to travel to Fort de France to enjoy the beaches is during the dry season from the end of December until April.