Martinique Things to Do

Presqu'île de la Caravelle seacliffs,...

by XenoHumph

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Presqu'île de la Caravelle seacliffs,...
by XenoHumph
Presqu'île Caravelle from Ste Marie,...
by XenoHumph
Presqu'île de la Caravelle lighthouse,...
by XenoHumph
Presqu'île de la Caravelle mangrove,...
by XenoHumph
Montagne Pelée from Morne Cadet,...
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Beautiful gardens: Habitation Anse Latouche -North

by XenoHumph

In constructionStunningly beautiful gardensRuins of a 17the century plantation that used to be a sugar plant and dyeing factoryDestroyed by Montagne Pelée eruption in 1902Transformed into a beautiful parc by the same designer who planned the Balata Gardens near Fort de France (Jean Philippe Thoze) http://www.jardindebalata.fr/Beautiful exotic plants, reflections in water, water fall on dam, canalAbsolutely charming, gorgeous, peacefulOpen every day 9:30 am - 5 pmPlan for a one hour visit5.50 euros

Saint Pierre: history and volcano (Northwest)

by XenoHumph

A town still bearing the scars of the devastating volcano eruption that killed 26,000 people in 1902, Saint Pierre is a quaint Martinique town that is well worth visiting. You can stroll through the streets, enjoying the somewhat dilapidated but charming buildings, do some people watching, and enjoy the nice Caribbean atmosphere, especially during market time (every morning) on the main square (Place Bertin).The main interest of Saint Pierre, however, are the many ruins left over from the destruction by the Montagne Pelée nuée ardente, a clouds of hot ash and gas (geological term defined here and then!), that flattened the city in 1902. Ever heard of a "Pelean eruption"? Well, that term was also defined here! St Pierre used to be the main town of Martinique, favored for its geographical setting in terms of beauty and sanitation over Fort de France, which reputation was to be too hot and...

Hiking the scenic Trace des Caps (South)

by XenoHumph

In constructionThis lovely trail takes you along the Atlantic coast, in coastal forests, high dry plateau, and through deserted scenic beaches lined with coconut trees. Watch not to step on the scurrying hermit crabs in the forest! Relatively flat and easy trail.The trail is ~ 7 km long. Plan on 4 hours, + beach and swimming stops.

Hiking Chemin des Anses du Nord (North)

by XenoHumph

In constructionAwsome views on the coast, secluded beaches and cliffsTropical himid forestnarrow muddy and slick trailLovely beach Anse Couleuvre (short hike from parking lot)Ruins of plantation: Habitation of Anse CouleuvreI only hiked the very beginning from Anse CouleuvreThe whole trail (Anse Couleuvre-Grand Rivière) is 16 km long. Plan more than 6 hours one way.

Quaint village and rock of Le Diamant (South)

by XenoHumph

In constructionLe Diamant is along the Route des Anses.Famous rock island off-shore, Rocher du DiamantLovelu church, beach, and streets.nice market in the morningGood place for souvenir shoppingBe careful if you decide to swim on Le Diamant beach because there is a strong undertoe. Not the best beach to swim!

Wonderful drive: route des Anses (South)

by XenoHumph

In construction"Route" is road in French, and "anse" means bay in local French (in standard French it means jug handle). Like all Martinique roads, this one twists and turn, goes up and down, but offers amazing view on this beautiful part of the Caribbean coast.Beautiful views on Caribbean seaLovely villages: Trois Islet, Anses d'Arlet, Le DiamantLovely secluded beaches: Anse Noire and Anse DufourHike Morne LarcherCliffs and beautiful beachesView point on Rocher du DiamantPlan at least 1/2 day. A full day if you stop at every village and do a beach stop.

Awsome views, Observatoire Volcanologique (North)

by XenoHumph

In constructionFantastic view from coast to coast and on Montagne PeléeExhibition on Earth Sciences and the Volcano Observatory's purpose and historyVolcano, Earth quakes, and land slide monitoring. Scientists on call for natural disasters in Martinique and other Caribbean islands.Count 1 hour.Free.

Rum distillery & museum: Habitation Clément (East)

by XenoHumph

Set in beautifully landscaped park, Habitation Clément dates from the 18th century. The museum comprises a working distillery, the equipment of the old distillery, the renovated buildings of the plantation owner (18-19th century furniture) and main other buildings, and a rum shop. It also doubles as a contemporary art museum, exhibiting Caribbean artists paintings and sculptures. You learn about plantation life, Martinique flora, creole traditions. slavery, the economy of sugar cane and rum throughout times (very well done), and how rum is made. A must-see when you come to Martinique!Plan a 2 hour visitOpen every day 9 am - 5:30 pm7 euros per adult, 4 euros for 7-18 year olds, free for less than 7 year-olds

Outdoor museum Savane des Esclaves, 3-Islets South

by XenoHumph

Fantastic outdoor museum with reconstructed slave huts set in beautiful lush tropical vegetation. You take a one-hour tour with a guide (in French, but she knew English too, so I am sure she would obliged if necessary). You learn a lot about the use of local plants now and in the old days, and about life of the slaves during the plantation times. There are several types of huts, the style and make-up depending on the use and the region of Martinique. This is a must-see to learn about history and flora. And it is located in a beautiful little valley!Count one hour. It costs 5 euros per person.Open every day 10-12 am and 2-5:30 pm.

Hiking beautiful Presqu'île de la Caravelle (East)

by XenoHumph

Presqu'le de la Caravelle juts out 10 km in the Atlantic and is a peninsula located about the middle of the island's eastern coast. There are a couple villages, the one worth seeing being Tartane and its beach.But the real attraction of this area are the wild landscapes protected by the "Parc Naturel Régional" of Martinique. Well marked trails take you to amazing sea battered cliffs made of volcanic rocks, wonderful view points (the best from the lighthouse), beaches and coves, tropical coastal forests, dry plateaus, and mangrove. The hikes are easy, being relatively flat. The only steep part is if you climb up to the lighthouse. There are two main trails. The short one (1 h) tours the mangrove in Baie du Trésor, a bay famous for its ship wrecks. The other trail (4 h at a leisurely pace) goes around the entire tip of the peninsula. Gorgeous landscapes, do not miss this hike! My favorite...