Fort-de-France is the beautiful capital of the island of Martinique. Known for its scenic beauty, and unique colonial architecture, it is one of the most beautiful bays of the world. It is a picturesque, natural bay dotted with sandy beaches, lush, green parks and museums which showcase the local prehistoric remains, dating back to the Precolumbian period. Being a French overseas territory, the bay offers a ton of exciting activities for people of all age groups. It is the perfect place for those who wish to escape their hectic and busy work schedules and explore an entirely different place. From long walks on the beach to a fun-filled family picnic at the park, there are a wide range of activities that one can indulge in. Here are all the exciting things to do in Fort-de-France Bay!
1. Enjoy long walks at Jardin de Balata (from USD 18.0)
Surrounded by lush greenery and an array of exotic plants, Jardin de Balata is a beautiful botanical garden located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on the outskirts of Fort-de-France. The garden offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, perfect for a stroll in the morning or a relaxing afternoon. The walkways take you to some of the most picture-perfect locations. With mountains all around, the garden offers striking views of the sea and the tropical trees. Kids can enjoy walking along the marked trail while discovering the unique and fascinating plants.
Admission Ticket Balata's Garden
Duration: 1 day
2. Learn about the distillation process at La Favorite Distillery
La Favorite Distillery is a family-run facility. It’s one of the very few distilleries left in town. Wine and rum lovers can visit the distillery to try some exotic flavors of alcohol. The distillery offers a tasting session which is free of cost, where you can try all the unique products. One can get an up-close look at the distillation area and know more about how the process works. Those who do not wish to taste rum can simply enjoy taking a look at the distillery. The entire experience is definitely memorable. In fact, you can even see a couple of workers in action. The machinery is definitely old but works still the same. It must be noted that the distillery works in the harvest season from February to June but it remains open for tours throughout the year.
La Favorite Distillery
Address: Route de Lamentin, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Website: La Favorite Distillery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
3. Take a walk across Martinique Natural Regional Park
Martinique Natural Regional Park is a beautiful reserve located right on the trail that goes through the forest. Perfect for any nature lover, the atmosphere of the entire park is calm and serene, suitable for relaxing and unwinding after a busy day. The trail is marked so you can be sure that you wouldn’t be lost. There are three hikes that you will come across, all three of these are color-coded to ensure that you stick to the same trail. You will come across a number of medicinal and exotic plants. The colorful flowers add to the beauty of the place. The beautiful backdrop of lush greenery makes for the perfect photo opportunity. At the end of the trail, one can relax and explore the intriguing museum. Kids will definitely like the pop of colors and artifacts, pictures and other information that are on display. After you’re done, you can head to a restaurant nearby to dig into a scrumptious meal.
Martinique Natural Regional Park
Address: Avenue des caneficiers, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
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4. Watch an interesting play at Aimé Césaire Theater
Named after Aimé Césaire, Aimé Césaire Theater is a prominent attraction located in what used to be the City Hall. A handful of historical monuments are named after the former mayor who also happened to be a writer. Coming to the exteriors, the theatre looks absolutely magnificent and has lanes of trees and a small garden with a fountain. The entire building looks extremely unique. Built in the late 1900s, the theatre still showcases the beautiful neoclassical architecture. It also has a four-faced clock at the top, which is an attraction on its own. The theatre is a great place to go and watch a play. The interiors look equally ravishing and the rustic theatre still has that old world charm to it with a modern twist. The performances are energetic and the artists are extremely talented.
Aimé Césaire Theater
Address: 47 Rue de la Republique, Fort-de-France, Martinique
Website: Aimé Césaire Theater
5. Explore the galaxy at Space Museum Aime Cesaire
Located on Rue Victor Sévère, the space museum is the go-to place for all those who are fascinated by space and science. Like a large number of attractions, this one is named after Aimé Césaire as well. It truly showcases his ideals, his thoughts and especially, his message. The museum showcases the amazing neoclassical architecture and looks absolutely grand. The museum is quite small but it houses several interesting items. You can make use of the tour timings and ask about the collection that they have.
Space Museum Aime Cesaire
Address: Rue Victor Sévère, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
6. Learn about the past at Museum of History and Ethnography
Museum of History and Ethnography is a really interesting museum in Martinique. As you step into the museum, you will be taken back to the 1900s. Inside the colonial period house, you will travel back in time and get a peek into the lives of the natives. The interiors are well-decorated and have that homely, pastoral and country vibe. The house is surrounded by a garden which adds to the beauty of the place. To add a more authentic vibe to it, the furniture, as well as the apparel, showcase the rich historical and cultural background of Martinique.
The Museum of History and Ethnography
Address: 10 Boulevard Général de Gaulle, Fort-de-France, Martinique
7. Head to a bibliophile's paradise at Schœlcher library
Schœlcher library dates back to 1889. In fact, the library was built in portions and was a tribute to Victor Schölcher, who helped in abolishing slavery. He accumulated an enormous collection of books that were made free so that slaves could read them too. Also known as Bibliotheque Schoelcher, the library perfectly epitomizes the beautiful architecture of the town. It’s bright and vibrant exteriors look mesmerizing while the interiors are well-decorated, spacious and well-lit. On the walls are inscriptions of the names of popular French writers. The central skylights ensure that the interiors stay illuminated at all times.
Schœlcher library
Address: 1 Rue de la liberté, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Website: Schœlcher library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Fri: 8:30am - 5pm; Sat: 8:30am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
8. Dig into a sumptuous meal at The Yellow
As interesting as the name of the restaurant is, The Yellow; a French restaurant with a modern twist offers the visitors to dive into a memorable culinary experience. You can also try the “dish of the day” and taste the flavorful delicacy. Their staff is courteous and highly efficient. Despite having a small menu, there is a wide variety of dishes to try. Add to that, the calming and relaxing experience which makes the experience absolutely delightful. Each dish is filled to the brim with unique flavors.
The Yellow
Address: 51 Rue Victor Hugo, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Website: The Yellow
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11pm; Sat: 7am - 11pm (closed on Sun)
9. Appreciate the story behind Memorial Anse Caffard
Situated in Fort-de-France Bay, this beautiful memorial reminds you of the history of France. What makes the statuettes truly stand out is the painful story behind it, and also that they are all wooden standing in the middle of nowhere. They speak a lot about the fate of slaves in the past. This is a landmark to commemorate the suffering during the age of slavery.
Memorial
Address: Anse Cafard, Le Diamant, Martinique
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Watch a performance at Tropics Atrium National Stage
Tropiques Atrium Scène Nationale (Tropics Atrium National Stage) is a cultural center located on 6 Rue Jacques Cazotte. There is a mural at the front of the museum which is perfect for a quick selfie or two. While the exteriors look classic and simple, the interiors are extremely spacious and the seating arrangements are quite comfortable as well. The theatre hosts a number of performances and concerts by talented artists. The studious are beautiful and one can spot artwork in public spaces as well. It is beautifully designed and proudly boasts its grandeur.
Tropiques Atrium Scène Nationale
Address: 6 Rue Jacques Cazotte, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Website: Tropiques Atrium Scène Nationale
11. Spend some time at St. Louis Cathedral
Located on Rue Victor Schoelcher, right in the center of the busy downtown district, St. Louis Cathedral is a historical, old church which showcases a mix of modern architecture combined with traditional Catholic architecture. Featuring beautiful stained glass windows, wooden benches, and a magnificent organ, the interiors definitely make you awestruck. The church offers you the most peaceful, calm and serene environment. One can pray or simply relax and admire the glamorous building. Religious artwork inside the church makes it absolutely worth stopping by.
St. Louis Cathedral
Address: Rue Victor Schoelcher, Fort-de-France, Martinique
Website: St. Louis Cathedral
12. Have a fantastic time at Lovely Night
In the party mood and want to explore the nightlife of Martinique? You’re all covered! Located at Zac de Riviere Roche, Lovely Night is a place that remains bustling with a crowd at all times. It offers an adrenaline-charged experience. You can enjoy having delectable meals and drinks. The loud music adds to the wild vibe of this place.
Lovely Night
Address: Zac de Riviere Roche, Fort-de-France, Martinique
Website: Lovely Night
13. Spot some Iguanas at Fort Saint Louis
Fort Saint Louis is a historical attraction that offers amazing views of the coast. It is also an active naval base. The foundations of the fort were laid out way back in the 17th century. The fort overlooks the sea and has the most amazing views. There is a lot to see and explore at the fort, from the rampart to the place where canons were installed as defense weapons. Take a stroll down the coast or even spot the iguanas nearby. The fort is the perfect place to spend some quality time. You can get a panoramic view of the entire town as well as the sea.
Fort Saint Louis
Address: Fort-de-France, Martinique
14. Admire the Statue of Josephine de Beauharnais
Josephine de Beauharnais was Napoleon’s wife who was also the Empress of France. This statue does not only portray the skill and craftsmanship of the sculptor but also showcases the past of Martinique. Erected in 1859 at La Savane Park in Fort de France, the statue shows a guillotined or headless Josephine. It is located in a park which offers the most calming environment.
Statue of Josephine de Beauharnais
Address: Fort-de-France Bay, Martinique
15. Unwind at Aime Césaire Park
Piermont, NY view of Tappanzee Bridge in the background.
Posted by Dennis Day on Tuesday, 6 August 2019
Another location named after Aime Césaire, the park is a wonderful location to relax and unwind at. Surrounded by foliage, the place is perfect for nature lovers. Visit the park early in the morning to catch the sunrise and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy running on the pedestrian trail.
Aime Césaire Park
Address: Rue Xavier Orville, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Website: Aime Césaire Park
16. Shop for goodies at Rond-Point Shopping Center
It has a welcoming vibe and a peaceful ambiance. The shopping complex remains crowded with locals and tourists at all times. It is a great spot for those who want to explore a new market or enjoy a relaxing weekend. You can find several top-notch counters selling the freshest ingredients here. Rare ingredients from significant parts of France can also be found here. Premium meat, exotic vegetables, and fruits sold here are very popular among the tourists. Enjoy shopping from the upmarket stores before indulging in the finest meals in the restaurants nearby. You can savor a hearty meal at one of the restaurants in the market.
Rond-Point Shopping Center
Address: Route du Phare, Fort-de-France
Website: Rond-Point Shopping Center
17. Explore L'Atelier Martinique and find interesting souvenirs
Posted by L'Atelier Martinique on Saturday, 16 May 2015
L'Atelier Martinique is a top-notch market where you can find apparel, footwear, and other souvenirs. You will be greeted by the sweet scent of incense sticks. The staff here is cordial and helpful. The store is a high-end place where you can find all sorts of gift items as well, such as trays, coffee mugs, candles, incense holders, kitchen essentials, etc. There are separate aisles for every category of products. Locals visit the store for their daily grocery shopping. The premium collection is one of the specialties of this place. Designer-wear is available in most sizes and several designs. One can find a large number of exotic portraits and original posters and much more.
L'Atelier Martinique
Address: 29 Avenue Jean-Marie Tjibaou, Sainte-Anne 97227, Martinique
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 9am - 4:30pm
18. Admire the views at Aimé Césaire Cultural Park
Located close to Fort-de-France city center, the park offers a peek into the rich history of the city. Dating back to the 1930s, the park was previously known as “The Park of the Tercentenary”. The very first flower shows were hosted here after which the park was renamed. Featuring several species of plants, the park offered a breath of fresh air. The walkways are made up of red bricks which add a rustic vibe to the entire place. The park is a great place to relax. Being one of the most underrated parks, it also houses one of the most prominent performance arenas; Le Grand Carbet.
Aimé Césaire Cultural Park
Address: Fort-de-France Bay, Martinique
19. Discover the oldest heritage at The Departmental Museum of Archeology and Prehistory
The Departmental Museum of Archeology and Prehistory is a museum which showcases exhibits and conserves the archaeological findings of Martinique. Located in the former Military Stewardship building, the museum has exquisite exteriors and equally intriguing interiors showcasing the military past of the town. It is also known to preserve the oldest heritage of the island. You can visit the museum to know more about the civilians which existed in Martinique thousands of years ago. One can learn about the prehistoric background and archaeological heritage of the island.
The Departmental Museum of Archeology and Prehistory
Address: Franceo, 9 Rue de la liberté, Fort-de-France 97200, Martinique
Website: The Departmental Museum of Archeology and Prehistory
Opening hours: Mon: 1pm - 5pm; Tue - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
20. Indulge in a fun-filled experience with sea animals (from USD 118.0)
Dolphins and turtles are any child’s favorite. If you’re looking forward to making some amazing memories and garnering authentic once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, then this is a must for you. It can be absolutely delightful to watch beautiful dolphins that are ecstatic to have human company. You can get a real, hands-on experience and play with baby sea turtles. The entire adventure of encountering pods of wild dolphins definitely gives one the kick they need. Besides, the tranquility and serenity of the atmosphere adds to the experience and makes sure that you unwind. You can also indulge in snorkeling or coral fishing. Surrounded by blue water, dolphin watching can be an amazing experience. Make sure that you make the most of it.
Dolphin Watching & Sea Turtles - Full day experience
Duration: 8 hours
You've scored the perfect holiday
Martinique has it all: rich history, dazzling architectural monuments, relaxing beaches, bustling markets, you name it. The island offers the most peaceful and calm atmosphere, perfect for those who are looking forward to a relaxing and cheerful vacation.
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