Nicknamed the Isle of Flowers, Martinique boasts exotic and lush vegetation that seems straight out of an Eden garden. Here, the landscapes are breathtaking: the majestic Mount Pelée, an iconic volcano, stands guard over the island while paradise beaches unveil their turquoise waters and sparkling sands. Between the shimmering sea and verdant hills, every view resembles a life-sized postcard.
But Martinique is more than just its spectacular backdrops. Its warm climate year-round invites you to live outdoors, wander through the historic town of Saint-Pierre, or step into a distillery to taste its world-renowned agricultural rums. And most importantly, there’s the welcome: the generosity and warmth of the people of Martinique make you feel at home, even thousands of kilometers away. So, set off to discover this Caribbean gem!
Unique beaches in the world
Beach lovers, one thing is sure...
You’ll find happiness in Martinique. A dazzling palette of colors awaits you, much to the delight of bathers and sunbathing enthusiasts. In the north, you'll discover beaches with striking silver-gray volcanic sands at the foot of the majestic Mount Pelée. In the south, your eyes will feast on iridescent white sands, gently kissed by crystal-clear turquoise waters and lined with postcard-perfect palm trees.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Salines beach remains a must-visit for everyone looking to experience the ultimate Caribbean vibe. However, the savvy ones will head to Couleuvre cove, Lévrier cove, or Sail cove for a more wild atmosphere. And for the lucky ones, a sea outing sometimes allows you to spot Caribbean dolphins. A truly magical moment awaits!
A lush nature to discover
Here, nature plays in the big league, as Martinique is part of one of the 35 global biodiversity hotspots. Its warm and slightly humid climate supports a lush flora, featuring heliconias, white frangipanis, orchids, flamboyants, hibiscus… Not to mention the majestic tropical trees like mahogany, magnolias, or twenty-meter-high bamboo!
But watch out, the Martinican forest reveals multiple faces. It can be tropical and humid in the north, with its breathtaking canopy, or even very dry in the south.
south, where you’ll find a cheeky sandy forest filled with prickly cacti. The most impressive, however, are the vast mangroves in the center of the island, these “forests taking a foot bath,” where the trees stretch their roots out of the damp soil as if to bask in the sun.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
What a great way to inspire hiking enthusiasts, who can take a stroll around the Domaine d'Émeraude, the natural reserve of La Caravelle (one of the most beautiful hiking spots) or the Balata garden, both offering unforgettable walks. You simply can’t miss Mount Pelée, the majestic and dormant volcano (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site) for breathtaking landscapes galore.
Finally, a spectacular phenomenon not to be missed from January to May : the tombolo of Sainte-Marie. When the sea level drops, a sandy strip emerges due to the combined effects of ocean currents and tides, connecting the beach of Sainte-Marie to the islet set up for a walk and a picnic… before it disappears again.
A dive into history and culture
Martinique is also an island of thought and creativity. The birthplace of Aimé Césaire, Édouard Glissant, and Joseph Zobel, she witnessed the emergence of major reflections on the history and identity of the Caribbean. In the 70s, the "Caribbean Negro School" movement explored the island's African heritage in the fine arts. On the music side, Caribbean, African, and American influences blend together to create the chouval bwa, the bèlè, the legendary zouk, and the must-have shatta, sounds that make Martiniquais evenings come alive.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
In Martinique, you can soak up not only nature but also culture. In Fort-de-France, the vibrant capital, you can stroll through the artisan market and the grand historical covered market in the heart of the city. Regional arts, jewelry, body care products… local craftsmanship takes center stage. In the evening, we gather in "La Rue Colorée" (Garnier Pagès Street) for a drink and to enjoy the warm atmosphere. And for some stunning sights, head to Saint-Pierre, the former capital that was destroyed in 1902 by the eruption of Mount Pelée. Nicknamed the Pompeii of the Caribbean, it tells a heart-wrenching chapter of the island's history.
A playground for sailors and sports enthusiasts
Thrill-seekers, this is the perfect place for you! The northern part of Martinique is full of great spots to surf the waves of the Atlantic. Windsurfing fans will love the southern beaches, while the southeast offers ideal conditions for kite surfing. Prefer the idea of unfurling your sails? Rent a catamaran or a sailboat for some adventure.
a few hours, a few days, or more. From the sea, the cliffs and black sand beaches at the foot of Mount Pelée offer a magnificent spectacle. To the east, the wild islets invite you to drop anchor for a swim in the open sea.See this post on Instagram
Under the water, Martinique reveals another world. The island boasts over eleven kilometers of coastline perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Coral reefs, colorful fish, and shipwrecks from the last century create a dreamlike backdrop, especially in the protected areas of the new marine nature reserve of Prêcheur, named ...in honor of Albert Falco, a faithful companion of Jacques Cousteau.
A Gourmet and Sensory Adventure
It’s impossible to talk about Martinique without mentioning its rums among the most recognized in the world. Ten distilleries in operation – the only ones in the world to hold an AOP – produce exceptional agricultural rums aged in oak barrels. The Route des Grands Rhums promises tastings of superior quality spirits.
On the plate, traditional Creole cuisine celebrates the blend of cultures: Africa, the Caribbean, and India, coming together in an explosion of colorful, authentic, and sparkling flavors. Seafood, pork, beef, coconuts, bananas, and spices create a gastronomy that reflects the generous and joyful character of its people.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Drinking coconut water, enjoying fresh sugarcane juice, savoring fruit sorbet on the beach, snacking on fried balaous at the beach bar, munching on local nougat and coconut bars from traditional vendors, inhaling the scent of grilled fish and shellfish along the sea, and devouring goat colombo while seated in a lush garden… Martinique is a place to visit, experience, and enjoy!
How to get to Martinique from Bordeaux?
Getting to Martinique is super easy with Corsair. The airline launched a direct flight between Bordeaux and Fort-de-France last December, with no layovers. This means more time and comfort for all you lovely people from Nouvelle-Aquitaine, who no longer need to stop in Paris before flying to the Caribbean. So grab your chance now: the plane takes off every Monday until April 27!
