Best things to do in Fort-de-France
Find out more about those top places in Fort-de-France
Martinique is an eco-traveler’s paradise, thanks to its beautiful landscape, clear blue waters and amazing views. Not as popular as other islands - Martinique is a French island located in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago and it is part of the Lesser Antilles.
The island is a perfect vacation spot with a dynamic mix of French and Caribbean culture, there are a wide range of activities to engage in and places to visit. If you are the adventurous type you can take a hike to the famous Mountain, if not visit the calm and serene Jardin de Balata.
-
Mount Pelée
The Mount Pelée is a dormant volcano located at the northern part of Martinique. Its name when loosely translated means “bald mountain” and it is responsible for one of the worst volcanic disasters of the 20th century when it erupted in 1902 killing 28,000 people. Now under constant watch by scientists, hiking to its peak is one of the best things to do on the island. There are various trails leading mountain’s peak varying in difficult, however the most followed trail is the Ajoupa Bouillon trail.
-
Jardin de Balata
The island’s best attraction is the Jardin de Balata located just 10 km from Fort-de-France, the privately owned garden was started by horticulturist Jean-Phillipe Thoze on the Pitons du Carbet in 1982. It currently contains about 3,000 species of plants including bamboo trees and a pond - it is an incredible place for anyone seeking the peace and quiet that nature provides. A fee is charged before you can gain access, rest assured it is worth every penny.
-
Forte Saint Louis
Built by Lois XIII in 1635 to safeguard the island against enemies, the Forte Saint Loius has been destroyed and rebuilt due to various attacks on Martinique and till today some parts of it still remains an active naval base. Visitors can take a tour around the historical site, which offers picturesque views of the city.
-
Zoo de Martinique/Le Carbet
Located between Le Carbet and Saint-Pierre, is the beautiful Zoo de Martinique. Much like the Jardin de Balata it is a great place to relax while enjoying the wildlife. Established in the 1643, it offers several wooden paths and bridges for easy navigation through the zoo and features animals from different parts of the world.
After stepping out of the zoo, you can have a look around the Town of Le Carbet, rumored to be the first place that the famous explorer Christopher Columbus set his foot on in Martinique.
-
Musee de la Pagerie
Famous for being the birthplace of Marie Joseph Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, the woman who eventually became Napoleon’s Empress Josephine. A tour of the former sugar estate is essentially taking a peep into the early life of Empress Josephine, it features items belonging to her including her childhood such as her bed, family charts, marriage certificates and love letters written to Napoleon. There is also a kitchen and small garden to see.
