Virgin Voyages' guide to Fort-de-France, Martinique
Bustling city center meets idyllic, flower-ladened utopia.
Fort-de-France
The Island of Flowers
Nestled in the heart of the West Indies, Fort-de-France, on the beautiful French island of Martinique is the epitome of city living without sacrificing the surrounding natural beauty and peacefulness of Martinique. Your day here can look like anything.
Spend your time soaking up the sun on the sprawling white sand beaches or going on a true adventure through the Fontaine Didier, a trail that flawlessly encapsulates Martinique’s flora and fauna. Witness the volcanic scenery on a winding drive to Domaine d’Emeraude, an awe-inspiring botanical garden or see the brilliant scenery of Martinique’s coast via Catamaran. Experience the rare opportunity to take a boating lesson, tour sugarcane and banana farms and top off the day tasting freshly distilled rum at the iconic Depaz Distillery.
Make sure you save some time to meander through the colorful local markets, hawking everything from souvenirs and spices to a variety of mouthwatering street foods. Whether you’re looking to spend your time simply relaxing on a beach chair, getting lost to the sounds of tropical birds in verdant jungles or immersing yourself in the eclectic culture, Fort-de-France, and Martinique in its entirety, is certain to satiate your dreams of paradise.
Make sure you save some time to meander through the colorful local markets, hawking everything from souvenirs and spices to a variety of mouthwatering street foods. Whether you’re looking to spend your time simply relaxing on a beach chair, getting lost to the sounds of tropical birds in verdant jungles or immersing yourself in the eclectic culture, Fort-de-France, and Martinique in its entirety, is certain to satiate your dreams of paradise.
Rainforest Hike in Martinique
Arrive at a section called Fontaine Didier, a vibrant trail of lush vegetation, canopied trees, and hanging vines. Listen to the different bird species calling out to one another while aromas of balisier flowers and other succulents waft through the landscape. You’ll finish at Absalon, where a waterfall cascades into sparkling river pools. You’ll get a chance to relax along the river and make a quick stop at a cathedral modeled after Montmartre in Paris before heading back to the ship.
Le Club Med Beach Resort Getaway
Put your troubles aside for a day and relax at Club Med. This stunning resort truly has something for everyone, whether you're just lounging on the beach, taking a pool plunge, playing tennis and beach volleyball, or windsurfing along the coast. You can also indulge in the restaurant's buffet (drinks included), where you'll sample some of the area's best local creole cuisine.
Martinique Art, Nature, & Spirits
Immerse yourself in a mix of Afro-Caribbean-French West Indian culture by visiting a stunning church whose ornate architecture both highlights and contrasts its lush tropical surroundings and a botanical realm where rare plants, flowers, and birds harmoniously intertwine. Next, you'll tour a former sugar plantation steeped in history at Habitation Clément, walk the same pathways where heads of state have met, and taste the distillery's agro-rum in an incredible exhibition space. Cheers!
Passionate readers rejoice!
The most visited attraction in Martinique is the famous Schoelcher Library.
Shore Excursions
Martinique Traditions
Discover the island’s culture, where rum, fruit juice, and ancestral music celebrate Martinique’s distinctive heritage.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSWhether you’re looking for a traditional Caribbean beach vacation day lounging in the healing rays of sun, perusing historical landmarks or shopping the eclectic markets, Martinique’s capital city of Fort-de-France is the perfect amalgamation of everything.
Appreciate the gorgeous coasts from the comfort of a catamaran, go on an adventure through the wildlife-ladened rainforests, smell the flowers of the world famous botanical gardens, sail your very own Martinican “Yole” boat, explore untouched jungles from a 4-wheeler and eat your way through this foodie’s paradise of an island. No matter what you’re looking for, Martinique has more than a little something for everyone.
