Reservations 866-270-2849 | Mention Discount Code: 27842MARTINIQUE
Overview
Martinique was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed in 1674. France and Britain fought over the island until 1815, when it was restored to France. Today, Martinique is truly “a little bit of France in the Caribbean.”
The island exudes an alluring and distinctly French sensibility in the excellence of its cuisine, the chic sophistication of its fine resorts and hotels, and the sensuality of its language. Yet Martinique has a distinction of its own, endearing West Indian warmth and friendliness in its personality, a special spice in its music and dance, its local dishes, cultural heritage and way of life. It is an island with style and so much more – A special place with so much to offer.
Nestled in the heart of the Lesser Antilles, Martinique lies 1,965 miles from New York, 1,470 miles from Miami, 425 miles from San Juan and 4,261 miles from Paris. The island is mountainous and lush in the north with plains in the center and rocky hills framing pristine beach coves in the south!
Martinique boasts a whole world of natural wonders, making it one of the Caribbean’s top eco-destinations. Two-thirds of Martinique is designated as protected parkland, affording visitors a wide range of nature-themes vacation adventures – hiking the island’s 27 well-marked trails, kayaking, horseback riding, enjoying a 4×4 tour and more. Martinique has much to offer families, from sightseeing train tours to the Butterfly Gardens and Mangofiil, to Aqualand; a US style water park featuring water slides, wave pool, and young kids play area complete with its own pirate ship!
Perhaps the best-kept secret in Caribbean diving, Martinique offers abundant marine life, historic shipwrecks and healthy reefs. The highlight is Diamond Rock, an offshore island with a deep underwater cavern.
World-renowned for its cuisine, Martinique’s 365+ restaurants feature the best of French and Creole. Seafood abounds, prepared Creole-style with spices, or in a classic French manner with herbs. Martinique is also home to 15 brands of Rum, each produced utilizing a unique rum agricole method yielding blends comparable to fine cognacs. Martinique rums are the only rums to carry the exalted Appellation d’Orgine Contrôlée (AOC) designation formerly reserved for the finest wines. Free tasting is available at all of the island’s distilleries.
Martinique offers the best of Parisian fashion, jewelry, perfumes, etc., and local treasures. La Galleria Mall is a top shopping spot, while Rue Victor Hugo is to Martinique as Fifth Avenue is to New York.
Several airlines provide service to the island including AA, Air France, Air Caraibes and LIAT with connections via Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines. Cruiselines featuring Martinique include Azamara Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Italian Cruises and Silversea Cruises. Bareboat or crewed charters can be arranged at most hotels. Yachtsmen can choose among several marinas, most notably Port de Plaisance in Le Marin, the island’s largest and best equipped marina.
Martinique c’est magnifique!
Top 10 Reasons to Go
Chances are you won’t have to go through all 10 before a you’re sold on the destination, but here are the top reasons travelers should vacation in Martinique.
1. It’s an island with a rich culture and heritage.
2. In Martinique, there is a passion for wonderful flavors and culinary delights influenced by many regions of the world, with a unique Martinique flair.
3. There is a combination of Caribbean Art de Vivre and French savoir faire.
4. There are great shopping options, from the latest from Paris to unique local art and crafts and more.
5. Martinique has spectacular landscapes, from lush rainforest, tropical gardens, waterfalls in the north to endless white sand beaches in the south.
6. On the island, there is an excellent road network that makes it easy to go discover the many treasures of Martinique.
7. There are some great festivals celebrating Carnival, culture, music, rum, gastronomy and more.
8. Martinique has a wide range of hotels, from boutique family owned to all inclusive and resort options.
9. Martinican rum, produced directly from the sugar cane juice, is renowned by Connoisseurs as one of the best in the world and is the only one to benefit from the AOC label, well known in France as recognition for the best wines and cheeses. Ten distilleries offer onsite visits and tastings.
10. Basically, there is a lot to experience beyond the white sand beaches.
Getting Here
AIRPORT/GATEWAYS/FLYING TIMES: Airport: Lamentin International Airport (FDF) – a large modern terminal building. From Airport to: Fort-de-France-10 km, Pointe du Bout-20 km, Sainte Anne-35 km, Sainte Pierre-42 km. Gateways/Flying Times: New York-4.5 hours. Montreal-5 hours. Paris-7 hours. Miami-3.5 hours.
Passengers in the following situations may enter Martinique without a visa:
- United States of America citizens
- Canadian citizens
- European Economic Community (EEC) citizens
- Non-EEC citizens who hold a valid Schengen visa delivered in France, OR a valid residence permit issued by one of the European Union member states, one of the EEC states, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco or San Marino
- Passengers and crew members who do not meet the above conditions may not leave the ship. However, Martinique Prefect may, exceptionally, on a case by case basis, exempt some cruise passengers of visa for the duration of the call.
- For more details please contact your nearest French Consulate or visit www.ambafrance-us.org for a listing of all French Consulates
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Explore: Martinique is proud of its museums. There are more than a dozen of them on the island, and though they may not rival the great museums of Paris, each is distinctively different with intriguing stories to tell of Martinique’s past, its way of life and art. Since they must vie with the lure of sun, sea and sand, the museums of Martinique are purposely small and easily toured — planned so visitors can “do” them in a rather short time, yet depart satisfied and enriched.
Website: http://www.martinique.org
If you have any questions with your existing hotel reservations or need help booking, call us at the numbers below.
