Forte de France
Port of Call – Forte de France
Most cruise ships now berth at the Pointe Simon dock that lies directly in Forte de France’s city centre, although some larger cruise lines still use the Tourelles Terminal which is also used as a cargo dock and is a 15-minute walk from the city. A little cruise village of shops and stalls greets visitors at Pointe Simon and downtown Fort de France can be comfortably reached on foot.
Shopping in Forte de France
Everything French is available in the city, much of it at the duty free shopping centre at the terminal or at city centre marketplace. Jewellery, high fashion, handbags, and perfumes are all popular, as well as more Caribbean crafts. There are also boutique shops downtown and great deals on rum at the distilleries.
Best Buy:
French perfume or rum.
Dining in Forte de France
The Yellow – Excellent seafood served with French flair.
Le Dôme – Caribbean and French fusion with a great view.
Chez Carole – Simple, fresh island food served in a friendly atmosphere.
Best Dish:
Colombo (unique local curry with chicken and vegetables).
Travel to Martinique
Overview
Martinique offers travellers lazy days on the beach, culture, good quality accommodation, and acclaimed diving sites. The capital, Fort de France, is a must for tourists, as are the volcano-ravished Saint-Pierre, the resort town of Pointe Du Bout, and the quaint coastal villages of Sainte-Anne and Grand-Riviere.
Top tourist attractions on Martinique include the Balata Botanical Gardens near Fort de France, the Musee de la Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, and the active Mount Pelee Volcano, which destroyed Saint-Pierre in 1902. There are also many lovely hikes on the island, including La Caravelle Nature Trail in the mangroves of eastern Martinique. Of course, the most famous attractions are the beaches, with Les Salines and Anse Mitan being especially popular.
Climate in Martinique
The average monthly temperatures in Martinique are surprisingly constant, with little seasonal variation. This stability is due to the refreshing breezes that blow from the northeast, known as the trade winds (Les Alizes). The dry season is December through May, while June through November is the more humid and damp season. However, rain showers can occur at any time throughout the year.
Average air temperatures in coastal regions range from 72F to 86F (22C to 30C), while the inland areas average from 66F to 81F (9C to 27C). The warm coastal waters average between 68F and 74F (20C and 23C) all year. Hurricanes may occur any time from June to the end of November and are most common in September.
Health Notes when travelling to Martinique
Medical and health care facilities in Martinique are on a par with those of France and are considered to be some of the best in the French West Indies. Specialist treatment is also available. There are around 20 hospitals and clinics located on the island, including 24-hour emergency facilities. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B, tetanus, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) before travelling to Martinique, and travellers need proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Visitors from EU countries are entitled to discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. Medical insurance is advised nonetheless.
Safety Notes when travelling to Martinique
There is very little crime in Martinique but visitors should take sensible precautions and avoid isolated areas after dark, and not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should, where possible, be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Customs in Martinique
Unlike many tropical islands, Martinique has a thriving economy and is not solely dependent on tourism. Relaxed, informal clothing is acceptable around town, but scanty beach wear is considered improper in urban areas. The only officially designated clothing-optional beaches in the French islands are in Guadeloupe and St. Martin, but at hotel pools and at private beaches near hotels in Martinique, topless swimming and sunbathing is common.
Duty Free in Martinique
Those travelling to Martinique from non-EU member states may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, two litres of liquor, and perfume in amounts reasonable for personal use. Travellers who are visiting with goods purchased within the EU may bring in 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco, and 20 litres of liquor duty free.
Communication in Martinique
The international dialling code for Martinique is +596. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Mobile networks cover the island; coverage is generally very good, though expensive. WiFi is freely available at all hotels, cafes, restaurants and guesthouses.
Tipping in Martinique
As in France, tips are usually included in restaurant bills in Martinique and taxes and service charges are included in hotel rates.
Passport/Visa Note
Martinique is part of the French West Indies. All foreign passengers to Martinique must hold a return or onward ticket, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Schengen visas are also valid for travel to Martinique, provided they are endorsed as such. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Martinique if visitors are older than one year of age, are arriving from a country with a risk of transmission, or have spent more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme: https://us.martinique.org/
Martinique Embassies
- In the United States:
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Martinique): +1 202 944 6000.
- In Canada:
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Martinique): +1 613 789 1795.
- In the United Kingdom:
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Martinique): +44 207 073 1000.
- In Australia:
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Martinique): +61 26 216 0100.
- In Ireland:
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Martinique): +353 1 277 5000.
- In New Zealand:
French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Martinique): +64 4 384 2555.
- In South Africa:
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Martinique): +27 12 425 1600.
Foreign Embassies in Martinique
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4312 2222.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4443 2900.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4451 3100.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4059 3300.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4417 6700.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4501 4343.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 5359 2323.
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Public Holidays Around the World
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