MARTINIQUE
History | Food & Drink | Sports & Recreation | Sightseeing

Martinique's History
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Christopher Columbus sighted Martinique in 1493, but did not land until 1502 when he named the island after St. Martin of Tours. Because of opposition from the Arawak and Carib Indians, no settlement took place until 1635, when the French made the island a center for sugar production. France and Great Britain battled for control and France gained permanent control in 1814.

Martinique is a department and region of France, represented in the French Parliament by two senators and four deputies. The island is administered by elected general and regional councils as well as by a perfect, or governor. The seat of government id Fort-de-France.

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Martinique's Food & Drink
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Martinique cuisine is a mix of classic French and Creole. Local specialties include Indian dishes, and typical Creole seafood dishes are available. Local beverages include potent rum punch, bottled rum, beer and mineral water. Water and milk are safe to drink.

More than 350 restaurants in Martinique have elevated Creole and French cooking to its highest level of artistic perfection.

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Martinique's Sports & Recreation
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Beaches of white, ochre and black volcanic sand offer unlimited opportunities for swimming, skin diving, scuba diving, water skiing, and other aquatic sports. The Pointe du Bout area is popular for sailing. Various types of sailing craft are available to rent.

An annual event that captures the island's mystery and charm is Carnival, a celebration for Vaval, the legendary king of the Carnival. Preparations last for 5 weeks, ending on Ash Wednesday.

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Martinique's Sightseeing
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Carbet

"Valley of the Butterflies" is a butterfly garden cultivated amidst the ruins of Habitation Anse Latouche.

Fort-de-France

Capital of the "island of flowers", Fort-de-France is stepped like an amphitheater around the celebrated Place de la Savane. There are cathedrals, churches, government buildings, museums and many parks to explore in this city.

Trois-Ilets

Across the bay from Fort-de-France, Trios-Ilets is the birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine. La Pagerie, her partially restored home and the church here she was christened can be visited.

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