The charming overseas department of France, Martinique stuns first-time visitors with its natural beauty and unique Franco-Caribbean culture. Your seaside holiday cottage or Martinique apartment awaits.
Eat, drink, and be merry
Martinican cooking displays a heady mix of French, Caribbean, and African styles where the spicy Antillean chilli is king. Must-have dishes include the ubiquitous Accra fritter made with batter-fried fish, prawns, or vegetables. Another speciality of French origin is the Boudin, a spicy blood sausage.
Sea snail lambis can be savoured fried, grilled, or stewed. If you have a large appetite, opt for Ragoû de Chatrou, a wholesome meal in itself, comprised of octopus, rice, and lentils. For drinks, sugar cane juice and rum are eternal island favourites.
Arts and culture
In Martinique, common stereotypes about French culture are overturned with Zouk music and Afro-Caribbean beats. The architectural structures are, however, quite European. Capital Fort-de-France's landmark early 20th c. buildings include Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Schoelcher Library, and Sacré-Coeur de Balata, a replica of Paris' Montmartre. Another historic gem is the House of Sugar where you'll learn about sugar production and former slavery.
A slice of royal European history awaits at the Pagerie Museum in Trois-Ilets, where Napoleon Bonaparte's wife Josephine was born. The nearby Church of Our Lady of Good-Deliverance of Trois-Îlets was erected in honour of Empress Josephine.
Nature and beaches
As taxis are expensive, car rentals are the best way to explore Martinique's hidden secrets. Top-rated attractions include the Gorges de la Falaise canyon, and the tobacco town of Macouba, celebrated for its sweeping views over the Dominican Republic. For more sightseeing, pair a visit to the Caravelle Lighthouse with a stop at the nearby ruins of Dubuc Castle.
Finally, Martinique's longest beach, Le Diamant is very popular with body-boarders, snorkellers, and scuba divers. Saint Anne's white sand beaches, most notably the Cove of Trabaud and the Cove Michel complete your Martinican break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Martinique?
July has the highest availability of Apartment rental in Martinique, so you can expect a lot of vacation rentals available, even for last-minute bookings.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Martinique?
The most popular amenities for rentals in Martinique include vacation homes with Pool, Internet, or Air conditioning.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Martinique?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 16% of vacation rentals in Martinique are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to book a vacation rental in Martinique?
The warmest time of year in Martinique is September and October, with the nightly price of a vacation home starting at $46.