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Awaiting Your Return FROM Shore |
This
verdant island has acres of lush tropical vegetation and an abundance
of flowers, vast stretches of banana plantations, pineapple fields, and
green seas of sugarcane. With its beaches and French-Caribbean
ambiance, Martinique appeals to a wide spectrum of visitors.
Since 1815, Martinique has remained French, under the status of an
overseas department. The Martiniquais vote in the French national elections
and have all the benefits of France's social and economic systems, ensuring
them one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. Martinique has
had its share of famous residents, including Napoleon's Empress Josephine.
Shopping
Best buys in duty-free items include cosmetics, perfume, designer
scarves, and crystal.
Cuisine
Menus feature seafood, steaks, pigeon, peacock, chicken, and duck.
Other Sights
The busy downtown center is best seen on foot. Highlights not to be
missed: Saint Louis Fort, still used as a military base; the War
Memorial; the elaborate Schoelcher Library, erected in Paris in
1889 and then transported to Martinique; the statue of Victor Schoelcher
in honor of his anti-slavery movement; the Romanesque St. Louis
Cathedral with magnificent stained glass windows and burial place of
several former governors; and the marble statue of Josephine,
Napoleon's wife and Empress.
Martinique Regional Natural Park. This park covers a large
portion of the island and offers many hiking opportunities.
La Pagerie. The remains of the estate where Josephine was born,
now housing a small museum.
Gauguin Museum. Featuring works by the famous French artist,
painted while he lived on the island. |
Awaiting Your Return
FROM Shore |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
