When Christopher Columbus landed in Martinique, he said it was the most beautiful country in the world. The island we now know as Martinique was peopled by the Carib Indians who called it Matinino or Madinina. The Caribs had driven away the Arawaks who, like themselves, had come to this Caribbean island from South America. The island was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed by the King of France in 1674. France and Britain fought over the island until 1815, when it was restored to France. An important date in Martinique's history occurred 150 years ago on May 22, 1848, when slavery was abolished. In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France. Historical sites worth seeing include La Pagerie, where Napoleon’s Empress Josephine was born in 1763 (the year that France relinquished rights to Canada in exchange for the French West Indies); Diamond Rock, a 600-ft. pinnacle in the sea manned by the British in 1804 and registered in the British Navy as an armed warship for 18 months, and St-Pierre, Martinique's principal city until May 8, 1902 when Mt. Pelee volcano erupted, wiping out the city and its 30,000 people in just three minutes. Tourism represents a major part of the economy. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to Martinique's picturesque volcanic landscape, its fine black, white or peppered sand beaches surrounded by sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations. The island's location also makes it a stopping-off point for cruise ships. Visitors will appreciate Martinique's French and Creole heritage, which is mirrored in its customs, food and languages. Most Martiniquais are of mixed ancestry, being the descendants of 17th century French settlers and slaves brought from Africa to work on the island's plantations. In addition, visitors won't escapte zouk, the lively, two-beat local music similar to meringue but unique to the French West Indies. Martinicans are very proud of it and it can be heard everywhere. Finally, one should not leave the island without tasting its rum, considered among the best in the world. It was awarded the prestigious French label 'appellation d'origine contrôlée' previously only reserved for French cheeses and wines.

Official Languages: French

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Calling Code: + 596

VISA FORMALITIES FOR MARTINIQUE

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond applicant’s last day of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except nationals of EU countries, Canada and the USA. For stays of up to three months, US and Canadian citizens traveling as tourists can have proof of citizenship in the form of a valid passport or a passport that expired not more than five years ago, or other proof of citizenship in the form of a birth certificate (original or official), or a voter’s registration card, which must be accompanied by a government-authorized identification with photo, such as a driver’s license. For stays over three months, or for non-tourist visits, a valid passport is necessary. 

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those traveling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Note: Nationals of France do not require a return or onward ticket.

Visas
Not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visa Note

(a) Nationals of the EU do not need a long stay visa (for trips exceeding three months). (b) Nationals of Canada, Cyprus, Malta and the USA should apply for a visa if they are to receive a salary, even if their trip is a short stay. (c) US nationals need a visa if they are crew members, or journalists on assignments, or students enrolled at schools and universities in any of the French Overseas Departments. (d) All nationals referred to in the chart above except nationals of France are required to possess sufficient funds or a lodging certificate for the duration of their stay.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO:

Be delighted by the winding streets and colorful markets of Fort-de-France, the island’s capital. In the centre of the town, go to the park of La Savanne where a statue commemorates Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, a native of Martinique. Her home, La Pagerie, is one of the main tourist attractions. Near Trois-Îlets, across the bay from Fort-de-France is Josephine’s birthplace, La Pagerie, which has a museum chock full of her mementos; nearby is the Parc des Floralies, a peaceful and pretty botanical park.

Musée Départemental de la Martinique

In a beautifully restored colonial house at 9 rue de la Liberté in the center of Fort-de-France is the Musée Départemental de la Martinique. Here, in air-conditioned galleries, are exhibits of archeological finds from prehistoric Martinique (primarily the Arawaks and Carib civilizations) and representations of the island's everyday life as expressed in literature, art, music, clothing and crafts. The museum is open daily, except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is 15 francs for adults, 5 francs for children under 12.

Cathedral of St-Louis

Cathedral of St-Louis a late-17th-century cathedral with a Roman-style bell tower. Many governors of Martinique are buried inside.

Musée Volcanologique

The Musée Volcanologique contains exhibits, photographs and documents that tell the story of the disaster. Today, St Pierre is Martinique’s second city and, although run down, still shows some signs of its former glory: the old stone stairways and bridges still exist, and the ruins of the theatre are a prominent feature. Some of the historic buildings are being rebuilt and restored, notably the old customs house by the waterfront. The long grey-sand beach is very popular with local people. It is possible to visit the wrecks of the ships which were in the harbour on the day Montagne Pelee erupted – all but one of them went down in the disaster. Special submarines with glass windows take tourists to view the wrecks and the colorful fish which swim around them. It is also possible to dive to see them. The best way to see St Pierre is on the Cyparis Express train which takes visitors on a one-hour journey around the town.

Le Carbet

Le Carbet, where Columbus landed on his fourth voyage in 1502, visits the restored plantation of Leyritz. The Centre d’Art Paul Gauguin may be found in Le Carbet itself. It contains exhibits relating to the painter’s stay in the area and the work he did while there.

Pointe du Bout

In the south of the island is Pointe du Bout, Martinique’s major resort area. Ste Anne, Le Diamant and Les Anses d’Arlets have some of the island’s best bathing beaches. HMS Diamond Rock, 4km (2.5 miles) off Diamante, is a rock which was designated a man-of-war by the British during the Napoleonic wars and rates a 12-gun salute from passing British warships.

Swimming, waterskiing, sailing, scuba-diving, snorkeling and spear fishing are available at many coastal resorts. Take part in the aqua-festival, a sailing event held each year around the Bay of Robert.

Martinique’s Countryside

Horse riding is a very enjoyable way to see Martinique’s lovely countryside. There is also horseracing at the Carère track at Lament in. Hiking, mountain climbing and mountain biking are also catered for.

CLIMATE ON MARTINIQUE

There are two climatic and three tourist seasons on Martinique. The high season is between December and the end of April, with soaring prices and great crowds of travelers. From May to the end of November, Europeans tend to go elsewhere, as the weather is fine back home and travel possibilities are numerous. Summer months (July and August) are a sort of intermediate season, as Martinique and Guadeloupe residents often take advantage of the good weather to visit the mainland. Prices and tourist services, as well as airplane tickets tend to be rather pricy, or even extremely expensive at this period, so be sure to book in advance to avoid paying double. All in all, if you wish to avoid tourist masses but still take advantage of a pleasant temperature, we would advise you to visit the island in May and June, as the climate in this period of the year is rather dry with an acceptable level of humidity, and tariffs are still quite on the low side. July and August are hot and humid months, but don’t be discouraged by tourist clichés saying that the so-called “cyclone” period is a horrible one: it does rain rather often, but the weather is still rather pleasant especially if you are planning to sightsee. Don’t counts on taking a cruise ship in September, though, as you have considerably higher chances of meeting up with a hurricane or a tropical thunderstorm in this season.