Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Guide

France, Martinique

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.

Best buys in duty-free items include cosmetics, perfume, designer scarves, and crystal.

Menus feature seafood, steaks, pigeon, peacock, chicken, and duck.

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.