The Flower Island of the Caribbean
Martinique, an overseas region of France in the Lesser Antilles, is known as the 'Flower Island' of the Caribbean for its lush, tropical beauty. This volcanic island offers a diverse landscape, from the towering Mont Pelée volcano in the north to the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of the south. As part of France, Martinique provides a unique blend of Caribbean and French cultures, evident in its language, cuisine, and architecture. The capital, Fort-de-France, features colonial buildings, a bustling market, and the historic Fort Saint Louis. The island's rich cultural heritage includes influences from indigenous Carib, African, and European traditions, creating a vibrant Creole culture expressed through music, dance, and festivals like Carnival. Martinique is also known for its rum production, with numerous distilleries offering tours and tastings of their world-renowned rhum agricole, made directly from sugarcane juice rather than molasses. The island's cuisine combines French techniques with local Caribbean ingredients and spices, resulting in a sophisticated and flavorful gastronomic experience.
436 sq mi (1,128 km²)
376,000
French, Antillean Creole
Euro (EUR)
UTC-4 (Atlantic Time)
December to April
75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C)
June to November
June to November