Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Fort de France, Martinique

Martinique’s capital represents a fascinating blend of French and Caribbean cultures.

The charming and vibrant streets of this port city feature landmarks such as the remarkable Bibliothèque Schœlcher, an Art Nouveau masterpiece that was constructed in Paris and transported in components to Martinique.

Explore the Creole markets filled with tropical flavors and aromas while gaining insights into white rum production at a historic distillery.

Venture into the island to discover expansive canyons enveloped in tropical foliage, alongside banana and sugar cane plantations, lush botanical gardens, and idyllic beaches reminiscent of a cinematic paradise.

Let us examine the best activities in Fort-de-France:

1. Jardin de Balata

From 1982 onwards, horticulturist Jean-Philippe Thoze curated an exclusive collection of rare tropical plants, including 300 distinct palm varieties.

These were cultivated on former agricultural land with the magnificent Carbet Mountains in close proximity.

Experience the vibrant splashes of color from flowers such as hibiscus, begonias, exotic lilies, ginger flowers, and heliconias, creating a striking contrast against the garden’s lush greenery.

Birds, including hummingbirds, also thrive in these gardens, adding to the rich hues and ambiance.

2. Bibliothèque Schœlcher

In the late-19th century, the abolitionist writer and politician Victor Schœlcher entrusted his extensive library of 10,000 volumes to the General Council of Martinique.

His stipulation was that it must be maintained in a private library accessible to all, aimed at educating former slaves.

Unfortunately, many of these texts were lost to a fire and cyclone before the library was constructed; however, the library now houses 300,000 volumes.

The building itself is remarkable, especially when observed amid the elegant exterior grounds: its design is a striking combination of Byzantine, Egyptian, Western classical, and Art Nouveau elements.

The entire structure was crafted in Paris and subsequently shipped in parts to be reassembled in Martinique.

3. St. Louis Cathedral

Natural disasters have historically been prevalent in Martinique, illustrated by the fact that the current St. Louis Cathedral is the seventh structure established at this site.

Remarkably, the present building was completed in 1895, designed by Henri Picq (who also envisioned the Bibliothèque Schœlcher); its longevity is attributable to its iron framework and reinforced concrete.

Take a moment to admire the original wooden pulpit, 19 stained glass windows, organ, and wrought-iron balustrade inside.

4. Pitons du Carbet

Continuing along the N3 past the Jardins de Balata leads you to the turn-off for the Parking du Plateau Boucher, from which you can embark on a memorable hike along the Route de la Trace.

The Pitons du Carbet comprise a range of five volcanic andesite peaks formed a million years ago, rising to 1,200 meters.

These peaks, characterized by their sharp profiles and surrounded by dense tropical foliage, present a steep path within minutes, making it an endeavor suitable for those properly equipped.

However, for those adventurous spirits, the breathtaking views from the summit of Piton Lacroix reward the effort: dramatic when enveloped by clouds and expansive when skies are clear.

5. Canyon de l’Alma

For those seeking an elevated adrenaline experience in the Pitons du Carbet, a remarkable canyon is located on the Blanche River.

Your approach will be dictated by the time you have available and your level of comfort.

Many visitors opt for an all-day canyoning adventure, which includes abseiling down waterfalls, rappelling into ravines, and leaping from rocks into natural pools.

Alternatively, less intensive options include a 30-minute loop trail that delves deep into the tropical forest.

6. Musée Régional d’Histoire et d’Ethnographie

This museum is housed in a colonial villa constructed in 1887, making it one of the oldest establishments in Fort-de-France.

Once owned by the director of artillery, the villa is enveloped by grounds featuring mango and mahogany trees.

The permanent exhibition is located on the upper floor, preserving the living room, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom of a bourgeois home in late 19th-century Martinique.

Temporary exhibitions are displayed on the ground floor, showcasing ethnological artifacts from the region, including stone carvings and ceramics.

Visitors will also find traditional West Indian garments, crafted from satin and madras cotton, known as douillettes.

7. Fort-Saint-Louis

The formidable fortress in Fort de France is a noteworthy landmark best viewed from the exterior, as it remains operational for the French navy.

The only opportunity for guided tours arises during national heritage days in September.

The continued use of this stronghold as a military base underscores the exceptional construction of fortifications from the 1600s and 1700s.

Nonetheless, visiting to observe the walls from the outside is worthwhile.

The fortress is positioned on a headland, which offers stunning views back across Fort de France, set against the backdrop of the distant mountains.

8. La Savane

At the base of the headland harboring Fort Saint-Louis lies a five-hectare park featuring an open green space bordered by tamarind, bishop’s hat, and royal palms.

This location has served as a communal gathering place for centuries, hosting Fort de France’s carnival celebrations in February or March.

Faint remnants of a prior fortress can still be identified, and one might even encounter a few iguanas during a visit! Most notably, the park houses a vandalized headless statue of Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon.

She hailed from Martinique, residing just across the bay in Les Trois-Îlets.

Her legacy is polarizing due to her purported influence over Napoleon’s reinstatement of slavery, ostensibly to favor her family’s business interests in Martinique.

9. Distillerie La Favorite

Nestled in the hills between Fort de France and Lamentin lies a white rum distillery within a large sugar cane plantation.

If there is an optimal time to visit, it would be during the bustling period from January to June when the sugar cane is harvested manually, crushed, fermented, and distilled in substantial copper stills.

Following this, the rum is aged in oak barrels for durations extending up to 30 years.

A visit here is a relaxed experience, as there is no structured tour; however, visitors will have the chance to witness the distillery’s operations and sample the refined 30-year-old rum.

This could very well be motivation enough to visit, as this rum can retail for several hundred dollars per bottle.

10. Whale and Dolphin-Watching

Head south around the Baie de Fort de France to Josephine’s hometown of Les Trois-Îlets, the departure point for dolphin and whale-watching cruises.

The peak season runs approximately from December to March, and numerous operators offer this exhilarating experience.

If possible, opt for a luxurious encounter aboard a skippered catamaran, complete with cocktails and a Creole lunch as you scan the waters for dorsal fins.

Bottlenose, Risso’s, and Fraser’s dolphins can often be spotted throughout the year, while humpback whales are present in the Caribbean Sea during the winter months for mating.

11. Nearby Beaches

The nearest beaches to Fort de France are a mere 10 minutes west of the cathedral, where a series of small, gray sandy coves can be found.

The standout among these is Plage de Madiana, boasting a broader expanse of sand than most nearby options, complemented by a line of palms and calm waters that are ideal for swimming.

For the most picturesque, idyllic beaches, a bit of travel south to Les Anses d’Arlets and Le Diamant is required.

The latter exemplifies paradise with its radiant white sands, shimmering turquoise waters, and steep mountains draped in lush forest.

12. Habitation Clément

Exploring a “habitation” is one of the quintessential experiences in Martinique.

These grand structures resemble Mexican haciendas and were formerly associated with banana plantations or rum distilleries.

Located just 20 minutes east of Fort-de-France, one of the oldest and finest estates, with origins dating back to the 1700s, awaits exploration.

This estate spans 160 hectares and presents a wealth of engaging experiences: an 18th-century house in Creole style constructed from wapa timber.

The interior showcases authentic furnishings and fittings; notable political figures such as George H. W. Bush and Mitterrand convened here in 1991. Stroll among the palms in the botanical garden located within the grounds, explore the old rum distillery that now serves as a museum, and delve into the cellars where rum barrels continue to mature.

13. Habitation Anse Latouche

A scenic 30-minute drive along the coastal N2 leads to an evocative remnant of Martinique’s early colonial history.

The Habitation Anse Latouche was a plantation dedicated to sugar cane, cassava, and indigo that vanished following the volcanic eruption in 1902, with its origins tracing back to the onset of the 1700s.

Remnants of a mill, pottery, rum distillery, aqueduct, quarters for enslaved individuals, and additional outbuildings are still evident.

These features provide a unique backdrop for a small zoo, adapting to the ruins, which is home to various big cats, monkeys, and vividly feathered tropical birds.

14. Sainte-Anne Peninsula

A day trip to the southernmost point of Martinique unveils picturesque settings typically found in brochures and postcards: pristine white sands, sapphire waters, and stretches of palms and tropical foliage aplenty at Saint-Anne.

Among these, Les Salines is perhaps the most stunning beach in Martinique, characterized by its gentle arc and views extending to St. Lucia.

Despite its secluded location, numerous beach huts offer lunch options, alongside vendors selling homemade coconut ice cream.

Remain into the evening to witness the breathtaking sunsets that grace the shore.

15. Creole Food

Local cuisine in Martinique showcases ingredients sourced from the sea, as well as the exotic fruits and vegetables indigenous to the island.

Common components include cassava, chayote, and breadfruit, with popular preparation methods encompassing curries (e.g., chicken with coconut milk) and fritters typically made from cod, served as appetizers accompanied by a chili sauce known as “chien.” For main dishes, consider trying stuffed crab, lobster gratin, colombo pork, or chicken creole served with rice.

Martinique also boasts a unique blood sausage referred to as boudin.

The classic beverage of choice is ti’ punch, consisting of five parts white rum, one part sugar cane syrup, and a twist of lime.