There are some places that you know are going to be extraordinary just by the feelings and reactions you experience upon arrival. Martinique is a perfect example. The port brims with enthusiastic and hospitable local “ambassadors” who sing, dance and drum you towards an unforgettable vacation.
Martinique, one of the French territories of the Caribbean and part of the French West Indies, seems to have everything a tourist would look for in a destination: The island has a good mix of urbanity and pastoral beauty; it is visitor-friendly and has good signage; and tourists can appreciate the cleanliness found throughout the island. A stunning visual in the city is the steeple of St. Louis Cathedral in the Fort-de-France area. Reportedly, the architect was fascinated by the Eiffel Tower, so he mimicked the style of it within the cathedral’s steeple. It exudes a French impression into the skyline.
Driving through the island, there are picturesque bridges, stunning architecture and acres upon acres of banana and sugarcane crops. The main languages spoken there are French and Martinican Creole.
Tour guides will fascinate you with their explanations of banana and sugarcane farming, as well as shower you with interesting historical facts. For example, the Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais (first wife of Emperor Napoleon I) was from Martinique. As well, Christopher Columbus reportedly introduced sugarcane to Martinique on his second voyage there in 1493.
Visit the Clement Rum Distillery for a most delightful immersion into so many details that represent that Martinique mystique. So chic! Arriving there, you have so much to take in – it’s a tourist “whiplash” of visuals.
A sculpture garden beckons you to gawk and study the abstracts while the 300+ tropical plants also compete for your attention. An outdoor museum of historic rum distilling artifacts and machinery are on display for people to enjoy. Interestingly enough, they blend into the environs so as not to disrupt the landscape. The Creole mansion is a stunning villa filled with historic furniture. An art center also sits on the complex with artwork and mixed media representative of the Martinique history and lifestyle.
It’s no wonder this was the location where President George H. Bush and French President Francois Mitterrand held their historic meeting in 1991. The day is referred to as “the day America discovered Martinique,” and photos of the day are displayed on-site.
The rum distillery is impeccably curated and quite the sensory experience; you can smell notes of rum wafting through a fragrance tool at the push of a button. It feels like a Willy Wonka movie moment … but with rum instead of chocolate. Another important attraction is the Balata Gardens, a World Unesco Site. Shrouded in the mist of this actively volcanic island, Balata could be the Garden of Eden on Earth. Swinging bridges above and koi ponds below adorn the paths as you’re tucked away into a cooler microclimate haven.
Sacre-Coeur Basilica is another must-see. Signs of wear do not detract from the divine and somber feeling of this church. Candles, icons and statues throughout the basilica give a nice balance to your tours of rum distilleries, farms and rainforest gardens.
Culture aside, you can always relax at one of the many white sandy beaches of Martinique, and if you’re lucky, you’ll watch the antics of colorful sailboat passengers participating in races. There is so much jubilance in Martinique – a perfect blend of European influence and Caribbean natural beauty.
Main image credit: The French island of Martinique would be what some call a “hidden gem,” complete with beautiful beaches, historical artifacts and entertainment galore. Photos by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley
