Martinique is truly ''a little bit of France in the Caribbean." It exudes a distinctly French ambiance in the excellence of its cuisine, the style of its population and the beauty of its language. Yet Martinique has a cachet all its own, an endearing West Indian warmth in its personality, a special spice in its music, its dance, its local dishes and its way of life.

The beauty of Martinique is everywhere. It can be seen in its attractive residents (population 400,000), its beaches and its spectacular topography. However, it is the lush vegetation of the "Island of Flowers" that takes your breath away. Hibiscus, frangipani, bougainvillea, anthuriums, poinsettias, orchids and exotic hardwoods are found throughout the island. There are fields rich in guava, mango and papaya as well as vast plantations of bananas, pineapple, sugarcane, cinnamon and coffee. In the tropical rainforests of Martinique, ferns grow as tall as trees and green comes in a thousand different shades. If you plan to travel Martinique take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will help you be more prepared for travel anywhere in Martinique.

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MARTINIQUE GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 1100 sq km (424.7 sq miles). Population: 400,000 Population Density: 346.8 per sq km. Capital: Fort-de-France. Population: 93,000 (UN estimate 2001). Government: Martinique is an Overseas Department of France and as such is an integral part of the French Republic. Head of State: President Jacques Chirac since 1995, represented locally by Prefect Michel Cadot since 2000. Head of Government: Claude Lise, President of the General Council since 1992.

Language: The official language is French; a Creole patois is widely used.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

GEOGRAPHY: The French Overseas Department of Martinique, a volcanic and picturesque island, is the northernmost of the Windward Caribbean group. The island is noticeably more rocky than those of the Leeward group, with beaches (of fine black or white or peppered sand) surrounded by sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations. Christopher Columbus called it ‘the most beautiful country in the world’ and before he named it in honour of St Martin, it was called Madinina (‘island of flowers’) by the native population.

MARTINIQUE ENTRY & CUSTOMS

In addition to local entry requirements, your air or sea carrier may request additional documentation for passengers. Please check with your carrier in advance of travel.

Valid passports are recommended for all US, Canadian and European Union citizens traveling as tourists to Martinique.

For citizens of other countries, a visa may be required in addition to a passport.

A return or ongoing ticket is required of all visitors.

No vaccination papers are required unless arriving from an endemic area.

Items for personal use (e.g. tobacco, cameras and film) are admitted without formalities or tax if not in excessive quantity. For other items, French regulations apply. Rien à déclarer marks the entry point for travelers with nothing to declare. Click here for more visa information

PLEASE NOTE: Entry and customs regulations are subject to change. For updates and additional information, please French Government Tourist Offices for updates and additional information.

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GETTING AROUND MARTINIQUE

The best transportation option on Martinique is to rent a car. There are numerous car rental agencies at the airport that can set you up. Be aware that many companies offer a rate that adds on an extra charge for every kilometre you drive. Your home driver's license is valid - as is driving on the right. Motorcycles can also be rented.

Public transportation, the cheapest transport option, consists of buses known as taxi collectifs. One of the most useful routes runs between Fort-de-France and Saint-Pierre. It runs frequently on weekdays, less frequently on Sunday, and takes about 45 minutes. Taxis are more convenient but considerably more expensive.

There are a couple of regular ferries (vedettes) running between the main resort area of Pointe du Bout and Fort-de-France, providing a good alternative to heavy bus and car traffic and city parking hassles - and they're quicker to boot.

Martinique's only commercial airport is in Lamentin, 9km (6mi) east of Fort-de-France. The airport is just a 10-minute ride from the capital and about 20 minutes from the Pointe du Bout resort area. Taxis are readily available at the airport but are expensive, so if you plan to rent a car during your stay consider picking it up at the airport. Because of the taxi union, there's no direct bus service from the airport.

MARTINIQUE COMMUNICATIONS

To phone from Martinique, a Télécarte (phone card) makes local and international calls easier and less expensive. Télécartes are sold at Post Offices and other outlets marked Télécarte en Vente Ici. They are used in special booths marked Télécom found all over. There are no coin phones. Many phones will now accept VISA, MasterCard or other credit cards for long distance calls. Operator-assisted calls are higher in cost.

Postage stamps can be purchased at post offices (hours are irregular and lines can be long and slow), cafés-tabacs (tobacco stores) and at hotel newsstands or souvenir shops.

Instant internet connection is not yet widely available in Martinique. Some hotels will allow guests to check their e-mail from a central hotel computer, usually located near the reception desk. There are a growing number of businesses that plan to provide internet access on a fee per minute basis.

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MARTINIQUE BUSINESS PROFILE

Economy: In the agricultural sector, sugar cane and bananas are the main cash crops; a range of fruit is also grown for domestic consumption and export. Cut flowers have also become an important export earner. The processing of agricultural goods and refining of imported oil (which is also the main source of energy) are the island’s main industries. The most important part of the economy is tourism, both as a major employer and a vital source of foreign exchange – worth some US$400 million a year to the economy. Martinique also enjoys substantial material benefits from being an integral part of the French nation, receiving financial support both from Paris and the EU. France accounts for more than 75 per cent of Martinique’s foreign trade, with the remainder of the import market captured by the major EU economies and the USA.

Business: Lightweight suits and safari suits are recommended. The best time to visit is January to March and June to September. A command of French is essential, as most of the island’s business is connected with France. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800.

Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Martinique, BP 478, 50 rue Ernest Deproge, 97241 Fort-de-France Cédex (tel: 552 800; fax: 606 668; e-mail: info@martinique.cci.fr; website: www.martinique.cci.fr).

MARTINIQUE SOCIAL PROFILE

Food & Drink: The island’s cuisine is characterised by French and Caribbean influences and often features seafood, including lobster, red snapper, conch and sea urchin. Island specialities include stuffed crab, stewed conch, roast wild goat, jugged rabbit and broiled local dove. Colombo is a dish of goat, chicken, pork or lamb in a thick curry sauce. Creole cuisine is also widely available and is an original combination of French, Indian and African traditions seasoned with exotic spices. Meals are ended with tropical fruit. There is a great supply of French wines, champagne, liqueurs and local rum. Local specialities are ’ti punch, a brew of rum, lime juice, bitters and syrup; shrub, a Christmas liqueur consisting of rum and orange peel; and planteur, made from rum and fruit juice. Guava, soursop, passionfruit, mandarin and sugar-cane juice are all common. There are no licensing restrictions.

Nightlife: There are plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, a few casinos, and some displays of local dancing and music. The Ballet Martiniquais is one of the world’s most prestigious traditional ballet companies. Limbo dancers and steel bands often perform at hotels in the evenings. The local music, zouk, lively, two-beat music similar to merengue but unique to the French West Indies, can be heard everywhere. Martinicans are very proud of it. The local guide, Choubouloute, contains information on local entertainment and is sold at newsagents.

Special Events: Every village celebrates its Saint’s Days - there is generally one a month throughout Martinique. For a complete list and location details, contact the Martinique Tourist Office or Promotion Bureau (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Martinique in 2005:
Feb 5-9 Carnival. Mar 12-13 The 'Rivière-Pilote' Agricultural Trade-Fair. Jul 31-Aug 8 21st Tour of Martinique in Skiffs.

Social Conventions: The atmosphere is generally relaxed and informal. Casual dress is acceptable everywhere, but formal attire is needed for dining out and nightclubs.

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MARTINIQUE MEDICAL FACILITIES

Health services and medical facilities on Martinique are both modern and comprehensive. There are 20 hospitals and clinics with specialists in most branches of medicine. The Tourist Office or hotels can assist travelers in locating English-speaking doctors. The physician-patient ratio is excellent with one doctor for every 637 inhabitants.

MARTINIQUE HEALTH & SAFETY

Probably the greatest danger to travelers in the tropics is overexposure to the sun. Remember to work on your tan gradually and use plenty of sunscreen. Of course, it's also a good idea to take along some mosquito repellent. In shallow water, watch out for sea urchins, sharp coral and jellyfish. Always wear fins (palmes) when snorkeling and ask the locals about swimming and diving conditions before you go in the water.

Other than the rarely seen fer-de-lance, a poisonous snake in Martinique, there is not much in the way of really dangerous land critters in the French islands. However, the Manchineel tree (le Manceniller) puts out a highly toxic sap. You should never stand under one in the rain or taste its little green berries. These trees are usually marked with red paint by the locals. The Martinique tap water is drinkable in most places and excellent local bottled water is available in stores and restaurants.

MARTINIQUE CURRENCY/MONEY


Currency: Since January 2002 the Euro has been the official currency for the French Overseas Departments (Départements d’outre-mer), French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. For further details, exchange rates and currency restrictions, see France section. US Dollars are also accepted in some places.

Banking: Banks are open from 7:30 in the morning until noon and open again at 2:30 pm and close again at 4:40 Monday through Friday. There are no weekend hours.

Money Exchange: Best done at banks. US$ are not as easily accepted here as on other Caribbean islands. Credit cards are best to use or exchange some currency for small items.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. MasterCard has limited acceptance. Cards can also be used in cash dispensers. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

MARTINIQUE SHOPPING

French imports are worthwhile purchases, especially wines, liqueurs and Lalique crystal. Local items include rum, straw goods, bamboo hats, voodoo dolls, baskets and objects of aromatic vetiver roots. A discount of 20 per cent is given if payment is made by travellers cheques in some tourist shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1500-1800, Sat 0900-1300.

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MARTINIQUE BEACHES

The incredible beaches of Martinique come in many different varieties. On the west coast, there are numerous white sand beaches south of Fort-de-France, while the northern beaches (such as those at Carbet and St. Pierre) are darker due to their volcanic origins. On the eastern / Atlantic coast, the coastline tends to be more rugged except on the Caravelle Peninsula, at Anse Azérot and at Grande Anse Macabou where the waters are usually calm and inviting.

The famous Plage des Salines is in the south, a short drive from Ste. Anne, with tall coconut palms and a mile of white sands. During the summer holidays and weekends, it is often busy with families and children; during the week, it is usually quiet and less crowded. Other lovely beaches in the south include those at Ste. Anne, Ste. Luce, Cap Chevalier, Le Diamant (with the famous Diamond Rock offshore) and Anses d'Arlets.

There are no designated clothing-optional beaches on Martinique, although topless sunning and swimming is common at hotel pools and beaches near hotels. Public beaches do not as a rule have changing cabins or showers. Some hotels charge non-guests for the use of lockers and changing cabanas.

MARTINIQUE WEDDINGS

Documents required for foreigners to wed: original birth certificate (or copy with raised seal); certificate of good conduct (including certification of "single status"); residency card (one of the couple must have resided on the island at least one month prior to the ceremony); medical certificate (including blood test) issued within 3 months of marriage; French translation of English language documents. A Bulletin de Mariage and Livret de Famille are delivered at the ceremony. No fee is involved.


MARTINIQUE PHOTOGRAPY

To protect against damage to high-speed film from airport x-ray machines, we recommend transporting your film in lead-protected bags. Film can be very expensive in the tropics. Don't forget to take extra batteries and, if you the use a digital camera, the required storage media.

You will get your best outdoor shots by shooting in the early morning or late afternoon. Of course, if your camera accepts filters, a polarizer will help you capture those postcard blue skies. If you want to shoot pictures of the local people, please remember to ask their permission first.

MARTINIQUE PEOPLE & LAND

Of volcanic origin, the island is rugged and mountainous and reaches its greatest height in Mt. Pelée. The mainly Roman Catholic population is largely of African descent; minorities include those of European, Asian Indian, Lebanese, and Chinese origin. French and a creole patois are spoken.

Most agriculture exists in the hot valleys and along the coastal strips; a large part of this area is devoted to sugarcane, which was introduced from Brazil in 1654 and which provides one of Martinique's chief exports, rum. Bananas and pineapples are also important agricultural products. The island's industries consist mainly of petroleum refining, sugar and rum production, and pineapple canning. Tourism, which has eclipsed agriculture as a source of foreign exchange, constitutes a major sector of the economy, and the majority of the people work in the service sector or administration.

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MARTINIQUE CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Climate: The most common misconception about the West Indies is that it must be much hotter in summer than it is during the rest of the year. In fact, the average monthly temperatures remain remarkably stable, varying by only about 5º Fahrenheit year-round. This stability can be attributed to the tradewinds (Les Alizés) which bring refreshing breezes from the northeast throughout the year. Summer is actually a great time to visit the islands because lodging rates are much lower and the beaches, roads and restaurants are not crowded. Of course, winter and the Christmas/New Year holidays are traditionally the most popular time to go. Most holiday reservations are made months in advance.

December through May is considered the dry season, while June through November is considered the more humid season. However, in our experience, rain showers or clear skies can occur at any time during the year. In general, rainstorms pass quickly and the sun shines on most days. Average air temperatures in coastal areas range from 22º to 30º C (72º to 86º F) and in inland areas, from 19º to 27º C (66º to 81º F). Naturally, travelers will find more rain and cooler temperatures in the rain forests and higher elevations. The warm coastal water temperatures stay between 20º and 23º C (68º and 74º F).

Clothing: Dress for the tropics in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Unlike some islands, Martinique is a place with a culture and economy that is not solely dependent on tourism. In town, relaxed, informal resort wear is acceptable, but scanty beach attire and short-shorts are considered as improper in urban areas as they would be “back home.” Jackets and ties are rarely required for men, even at dinner. Women tend to dress up a bit more in the evening, with short or long (but still casual) dresses common. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses for solar protection and a jacket or light sweater for higher elevations.

At hotel pools and at beaches near hotels, topless swimming and sunning is common. At all other beaches, it's a good idea to see what the locals are wearing (or not wearing). The only officially designated clothing-optional beaches in the French islands are in Guadeloupe and St. Martin.


MARTINIQUE SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Swimming, water-skiing, small-boat sailing, snorkelling and spearfishing are available at many coastal resorts. There are tennis courts at many large hotels, and around 40 tennis clubs in Martinique. Visitors can obtain temporary membership and play at night as well as during the day. For further information, contact La Ligue Régionale de Tennis de la Martinique, Petit Manoir, 97232 Lamentin (tel: 510 800; fax: 516 560; e-mail: ligue.martinique@fft.fr; website: www.ligue.fft.fr). There is an 18-hole golf course at Trois-Ilets. Horse riding is a very enjoyable way to see Martinique’s lovely countryside. There is also horseracing at the Carère track at Lamentin. Hiking and mountain climbing are also catered for.


MARTINIQUE TIME ZONE

Martinique is on Atlantic Standard Time (Eastern Standard Time plus 1 hour or Greenwich Mean Time minus 4 hours). This island does not convert to daylight savings time. Time is indicated in the 24 hour format (in other words, 1:15 p.m. is 13:15 or 13h15).

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