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 seeking relaxation on paradise beaches, outdoor adventures, or an immersion in local history and culture, Martinique has it all. Here are some of the best attractions not to miss during a 15-day stay in Martinique:
- Natural slides of Carbet: Hidden after a good hour of walking, the Carbet natural slide is renowned throughout the island. An activity accessible to both young and old, it's a true moment of escape in nature, rewarded with a river bath.
- Mount Pelée: This iconic volcanic mountain is a must for hiking and adventure enthusiasts. You can climb the steep trails to the summit and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea.
- Stroll through Fort-de-France: You can visit the Schoelcher Library, the Cathedral, and Fort Saint-Louis, as well as explore the alleys of the market.
- Hiking in the mangrove: You can go on kayak hikes along the mangrove in the village of La Poterie in Trois-Ilets. Once finished, you can try your hand at pottery and create your own masterpieces.
- Scuba diving: In Saint-Pierre, you can explore underwater fauna and flora, but not only that! In the bay, you'll find sculptures and the ruins of wrecks calcined during the eruption of Mount Pelée.
- Hiking in the heart of Saint-Pierre: You can visit the ruins of the former capital of Martinique, such as the theater or the Cyparis prison, the sole survivor after the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. Then, visit the Franck Perret Volcanology Museum.
- Anse Couleuvre Waterfall: This waterfall is accessible after about an hour of hiking through the forest. You'll find many endemic species of the island, such as the Matoutou Falaise. Afterward, you can swim on the wild beach that borders the forest, but be careful, the sea can be quite rough.
- Les Salines: How can you come to Martinique without spending a day at the sea at the Grande Anse des Salines? This beach is the most famous on the island, with its large expanse of white sand that stretches for several kilometers and its turquoise water. It always brings joy to those who visit. Sometimes, lucky visitors even have the chance to witness the nesting of Leatherback turtles.
- Ecomuseum: This museum located in Rivière-Pilote traces the history of Martinique from its first inhabitants to the present day. Facing the beach, you can go for a swim in the sea after finishing the visit.
- Dolphin outing: Some companies offer the opportunity to go dolphin watching in the waters of Martinique. Highly loved, this activity is always accompanied by a refreshing swim, delighting both young and old.
- High-thrill Parasailing: An activity that can be enjoyed with family, allowing you to have fun while admiring the surrounding landscape.
- Diamond Rock: This rock located in Diamond Bay was highly sought after by the English and the French during the battles they fought to take possession of the territory. Although access has been restricted for a few years, it is still possible to get closer to better imagine the conditions under which a hospital was established on this small block of stone.
To save time on your upcoming vacation, we've prepared a guide for you.
Day 1: Heading to Sainte-Anne
For your first day in Martinique, I suggest relaxing on the island's most famous beach, "Grande Anse des Salines".
There are several small snack vendors where you can have lunch. But beware, as snack time approaches, the star is "the lady selling sorbets"! A roaming vendor, she moves along the beach, and her sorbets are delicious!
Day 2: On the Way to North Caribbean
The next day will also be focused on the sea. This time, you'll have the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Saint-Pierre by scuba diving.
Once back on the surface, you can have lunch at "Flamingo Beach Bar," located between Saint-Pierre and Le Carbet.
This restaurant offers various dishes, all delicious, light, and reasonably priced, all while facing the sea.
Day 3: Discovering Le Carbet
The following day, I suggest returning to Le Carbet for canyoning. Highly appreciated by the local population, the natural slide of Carbet is a small descent formed by rocks that allows you to dive into a river basin.
Often, before reaching it, visitors travel this path by water, gliding down the slopes in their kayaks.
Once back on solid ground, you can enjoy a meal at one of the tables at "L'Effet Mer," one of the town's restaurants.
Finally, before leaving, don't hesitate to visit the Neisson distillery, which is nearby. You won't be disappointed with the journey.
Day 4: Le Diamant, a Precious Gem
For your 4th day, head to the south of the island, specifically to Diamant, to meet dolphins. On authorized boats, you can get as close as possible to these magnificent creatures. The journey promises not to disappoint.
For lunch, head to "Chill." A small restaurant facing the rock, with your feet in the sand, and a diverse menu. In my opinion, their best dish is seafood linguine, a true delight for the taste buds.
In the afternoon, after taking a photo on the famous swing on the beach, you can take a swim at Dizac.
Day 5: Heading to the North Atlantic
On the second day, we suggest visiting a distillery. The Saint-James distillery in Sainte-Marie will allow you to discover the process of creating this beverage, from planting the sugarcane to bottling.
Its flagship activity is the small train ride, which 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 warmly welcome you. It mainly offers delicious local dishes.
In the afternoon, head to the Fondation Clément. Recently renovated, it offers an extensive indoor walk through its various sections, such as the Creole world or the industrial world.
In the afternoon, head to the town of Basse-Pointe to enjoy a 3-hour buggy ride around plantations and rivers, ending at the JM distillery, where you can indulge in some tastings.
Day 6: Taking a Break in Les Trois-Îlets
As we approach the middle of our stay, it's the perfect time to dive into the island's colonial history in a fun and enjoyable way.
For this purpose, "La Savane des Esclaves" welcomes you on 3 hectares, showcasing the heritage left behind by the island's slaves: reconstructed huts, objects used by them, their way of life, and exceptional flora.
Day 7: In Communion with Nature in Le Prêcheur
We're halfway through the trip, an ideal moment to recharge in nature.
Head to Le Prêcheur, a commune in the northern part of the island. There, after an hour's walk through the tropical forest, you can admire the Anse Couleuvre waterfall.
Afterward, you can swim on the wild beach that borders the forest. But beware, the sea can be quite rough.
Day 8: Rivière-Pilote in Control
Today, let's follow the footsteps of the island's early inhabitants. Through the Ecomusée in Rivière-Pilote, you can learn more about this population and their habits.
You'll also find objects used in that era and immersive films depicting their lives.
Afterward, you can swim on the adjacent white sandy beach, Anse Figuier.
Day 9: The Treasures of Les Trois-Îlets
As Martinique is an island, it features various types of water bodies, from the sea to rivers and mangroves. In the village of La Poterie, in Trois-Îlets, you can visit the mangrove and enjoy its exceptional biodiversity through a guided kayak tour.
Upon returning to the village, you can try your hand at pottery, the preferred art of the Amerindians.
Day 10: The History Marathon in Saint-Pierre
Let's continue exploring Martinique together!
The day's destination: Saint-Pierre. You can explore the ruins of the former city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée.
This will also be an opportunity for you to visit the Franck PERRET museum dedicated to volcanology.
Day 11: Les Trois-Îlets at the Zenith of Pleasure
Here we are on the 11th day, and why not indulge in a bit of parasailing in the waters of Trois-Îlets! A sure way to get your adrenaline pumping.
Afterward, you can pay a visit to the Creole village located a few kilometers away.
Day 12: Returning to North Caribbean
In the morning, you can start your day at the Centre de Découvertes des Sciences et de la Terre in Saint-Pierre.
Then, you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the beach in Le Carbet. My favorite is "L'Effet Mer." They serve delicious fish tartare and fresh dishes made with seafood.
Next, head to the Martinique Zoo to conclude your day. To finish off your day, head to the beach, either in Le Carbet or Saint-Pierre. There, you can admire the island's most beautiful sunsets while taking a dip in the water.
Day 13: Storming Fort-de-France
For your 13th day, head to the capital's city center. It's a chance for you to do some shopping and explore historical monuments like Fort Saint Louis.
In the afternoon, visit Jardin de Balata, located in the heights of Fort-de-France. An iconic heritage of the island, you'll find almost all of Martinique's plant species there, even emblems like the Matoutou Falaise.
Day 14: A Breathtaking Ascent in Morne-Rouge
Your stay is coming to an end, but how can you leave the island without climbing its famous landmark: Mount Pelée! The ascent is relatively long and tiring. I recommend bringing water, sugar, and good hiking shoes.
On sunny days, you'll have the chance to see its dome at the summit and take a photo.
Once your ascent is complete, what better way to reward yourself than with a good meal? That's what Bella Beach in Saint-Pierre offers.
Afterward, it's time to relax. You can have your final swim in the black sand beach that stretches along the restaurant, all while admiring a magnificent sunset.
Day 15: Feet in the Water in Le Robert
To wrap up your stay, what could be better than a relaxing day on Îlet Madame in Le Robert.
You'll need to reserve this day through a provider like Le Roi Mongin, a renowned company on the island.
They will first take you to the Baignoire de Joséphine, where you can enjoy a traditional Ti Punch. Then
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