Martinique

Martinique is a French overseas department in the Windward Islands, again part of the EU and using the euro. Mount Pelee dominates the north; its 1902 eruption destroyed Saint-Pierre, then the island's principal city, in minutes. The island has a long and closely regulated rum tradition, the only one in the world with an appellation d'origine controlee.

Known for Mount Pelee, AOC rhum agricole, Saint-Pierre ruins, Creole culture and Les Salines beach.

Highlights

  • Mount Pelee, Nord: An active volcano of 1,397 metres whose 1902 eruption destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre. Marked trails climb from Morne Rouge and the Aileron car park.
  • Saint-Pierre, Nord: Once called the Paris of the Caribbean, destroyed by Mount Pelee in 1902. The ruined theatre and prison cell survive, and the bay holds wrecks from the eruption.
  • Les Salines, Sainte-Anne: A long white-sand bay at the southern tip of the island, backed by coconut palms and a salt pond that gives it its name.

Places in Martinique

Getting around

Martinique runs its public transport under one authority, Martinique Transport, based in Fort-de-France. Bus networks cover the centre, north and south of the island, the TCSP busway runs on its own dedicated lanes, and maritime shuttles link towns across the bays — each network publishes its own timetables and fares.