Fort de France
Fort de France
Paradise with a distinct French accent, Martinique offers you delicious Creole cooking and French fashions in the capital of Fort de France. Take an excursion to see the lilies at Balata Gardens, or celebrate for a few hours aboard the launch Calypso.
Attractions
Fort-de-France offers a variety of historical monuments, museums, parks and gardens, as well as fine French and Creole dining opportunities and duty-free shopping. A favorite pastime is to stroll and people-watch in the park-like Place de la Savane. The square is shaded by trees and decked with flowers from all over the island. Stalls offer a variety of local handicrafts. Around the square are small hotels, restaurants and bars; on the west it is bordered by the business quarter with lively shopping streets.Activities
Place de la Savane - This is the main square in downtown Fort-de-France. It makes a good starting point to explore the town, enjoy a shady spot for a rest, or browse in the souvenir stalls. Saint Louis Fort - Located at the south end of Place de la Savane, the fort dominates the harbor. It is still used as a military base. Schoelcher Library - The stunning building stands at the northwest corner of La Savane. Named after the Alsatian-born French minister who fought for the abolition of slavery, the library was pre-fabricated in Paris in 1889 and then assembled in Martinique. Statue of Josephine - Located in the northwest corner of La Savane is a marble statue of Josephine Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife, who was born in Martinique. Musée Départemental de la Martinique - Located on the west side of Place de la Savane, this museum offers interesting exhibits depicting the history and customs of the island. Saint Louis Cathedral - The cathedral has beautiful stained-glass windows; it is the resting place of several former governors. La Pagérie - Once the estate where Josephine Beauharnais was born, it now houses a small museum.Shopping
French imports may be of interest. The best buys in duty-free items include cosmetics, perfume, designer scarves and crystal. Local handicrafts include the popular Martinique dolls clad in traditional costume. Some stores may offer a discount for purchases paid with U.S. dollar traveler's checks or credit cards.Food
French and Creole food, served in restaurants ranging from basic to elegant, is superb but pricey. Popular entrees include dishes with seafood, pigeon, duck and curried chicken. Martinique is also known for excellent rum.Currency
The Euro (€), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Fort de France.Weather Forecast
Sailing Calendar
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