Martinique is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean, offering an enchanting combination of white sandy beaches, mountainous landscapes, lush tropical forests, and a rich culture.
Whether you're looking for relaxation on paradise beaches, outdoor adventures, or an immersion in local history and culture, Martinique has it all. Here are some of the top attractions not to be missed during a week-long stay in Martinique:
Distilleries: Martinique is renowned for its quality rum. Visiting a rum distillery is an excellent opportunity to learn about the production process and taste different types of rum. The most popular ones are the Saint-James factory in Sainte-Marie, Neisson in Carbet, and Habitation Clément in Le François.
Beaches: Those in the north are completely different from those in the south. There's nothing like enjoying a beach with black sand and a beautiful sunset.
Museums: You can kill two birds with one stone by visiting the rum museum at the Saint-James factory in the town of Sainte-Marie, or by going to the Departmental Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory of Martinique.
Hiking: A little hike is the best way to experience the surroundings. The most appreciated trails lead to the Caravelle Lighthouse and Morne Larcher.
Savane des esclaves: This site allows you to take a walk back in time to the life of the slaves. You'll find huts, the tools used by the slaves, and the plants they used.
Saut du Gendarme: This picturesque waterfall is a hidden gem in Martinique. Located in the town of Fond-Saint-Denis, it offers a beautiful natural pool where you can swim and refresh yourself.
Balata Botanical Garden: Located near Fort-de-France, the Balata Botanical Garden is a true tropical paradise. You can discover a wide variety of exotic plants, colorful flowers, and tropical birds. The suspended walkways offer a unique experience in the midst of this lush vegetation.
A visit to the Fort-de-France market: The welcome is very warm here. You'll find local dishes, colors, and flavors unique to this island.
For your comfort, we have prepared a pleasant itinerary.
Day 1: The Carbet at Full Throttle
In the morning, you can start your day at the Discovery Center of Sciences and Earth in Saint-Pierre. Then, have a meal at one of the many restaurants on Carbet Beach. My favorite is "L'effet mer." They serve a delicious fish tartare and fresh dishes made with seafood.
Next, head to the Martinique Zoo. To finish your day, go to the beach at either Carbet or Saint-Pierre. You can admire the most beautiful sunsets on the island while swimming.
Day 2: Storming the North Atlantic
On the second day, we suggest visiting a distillery. The Sainte-Marie distillery, Usine Saint-James, will allow you to discover the process of creating this spirit, from planting the sugarcane to bottling.
Its main attraction is a ride on a small train that takes you through the sugarcane fields on a steam train.
You can also explore the rum museum located within the distillery, which delves into the history of rum on the island. For lunch, the Saint-James restaurant will welcome you with mostly delicious local dishes.
In the afternoon, head to the town of Basse-Pointe for a 3-hour buggy ride around plantations and rivers, ending at the JM distillery, where you can indulge in some tastings.
Day 3: A Relaxing Day in Les Trois-Îlets
Here we are already on your third day on the island! What better way to immerse yourself in the island's colonial history in a fun and enjoyable way.
For this, the Savane des esclaves (Slaves' Savannah) welcomes you on 3 hectares showcasing the heritage left by the island's slaves: reconstructed huts, objects used by them, their way of life, and exceptional flora.
For lunch, what's better than a small Creole village restaurant a few kilometers away? My favorite is undoubtedly "L'Annexe," which offers meat and fish grilled on hot stones seasoned with curry, coconut, or local spices.
To end your day, go to Anse Mitan, a short walk away, where you can take a refreshing sea bath and perfect your tan.
Day 4: Discovering the Capital
Going on vacation in Martinique is also about discovering the capital's points of interest! For your 4th day, I suggest getting closer to Martinique's flora on the heights of Fort-de-France: at the Jardin de Balata (Balata Garden).
You'll find almost all of the island's plant species there and might even encounter symbols of the island like the Matoutou Falaise, for example.
For lunch at noon, you can visit the Savane in the heart of the capital. The restaurant Sun Fly offers freshly caught fish prepared in various ways—fried, in a court-bouillon, grilled, or even raw. A true delight for the taste buds.
Once you're done, you can explore the city, starting with the covered market, then the Schoelcher Library, Fort Saint-Louis, and Saint-Louis Cathedral.
_Day 5: A Cultural and Historical Stop _
Day 5 will be dedicated to the island's museums.
It would be nice to start with the Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory of Martinique located in the heart of Fort-de-France.
Then head south to discover the Écomusée of Rivière-Pilote. Since the journey south can sometimes be long and punctuated with traffic, I suggest stopping in the village of Sainte-Luce.
You might have the chance to dine at a restaurant called Barack Obama, known all over the island for its delicious dishes.
Day 6: Heading to Fond-Saint-Denis
On the 6th day, you can take a short walk along the "Canal des esclaves" (Slave Canal). This canal, situated on the mountainside, was built by slaves, some of whom lost their lives in the process.
In the afternoon, what's better than a river bath? Staying in the same commune, you can go to the Saut du gendarme.
Day 7: Ending in Style in Trinité
Pour finir votre séjour, une randonnée est de mise. Celle de la Caravelle, à Trinité, vous offrira l’occasion d’admirer un magnifique paysage sauvage et de vous baigner sur une petite crique cachée.
Maintenant, il ne vous reste plus qu’à prendre vos billets et faire vos valises.
To end your stay, a hike is in order. The Caravelle trail in Trinité will give you the opportunity to admire a magnificent wild landscape and swim in a hidden cove.
Now, all that's left is to book your tickets and pack your bags.
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