When he discovered Martinique in 1493, Christopher Columbus, said it was ‘the most beautiful country in the world’, naming it in honor of St Martin. Before then, the area was inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indianst and was called Madinina (‘island of flowers’) by the native population.
Though the British made brief attempts to occupy the island during the 18th and 19th centuries, it has remained under French control since 1635 (along with Guadeloupe).

Tourism represent a major part of the economy. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to Martinique's picturesque volcanic landscape, its fine black, white or peppered sand beaches surrounded by sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations. The island's location also makes it a stopping-off point for cruise ships.

Visitors will appreciate Martinique's French and Creole heritage, which is mirrored in its customs, food and languages. Most Martiniquais are of mixed ancestry, being the descendants of 17th century French settlers and slaves brought from Africa to work on the island's plantations. In addition, visitors won't escapte zouk, the lively, two-beat local music similar to merengue but unique to the French West Indies. Martinicans are very proud of it and it can be heard everywhere. Finally, one should not leave the island without tasting its rum, considered among the best in the world. It was awarded the prestigious French label 'appellation d'origine contrôlée' previously only reserved for French cheeses and wines.

The French Overseas Department of Martinique, a volcanic and picturesque island, is the northernmost of the Windward Caribbean group. The island is noticeably more rocky than those of the Leeward group, with beaches (of fine black or white or peppered sand) surrounded by sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations.

The terrain of Martinique varies from the high mountains of the north and center to the rolling hills around Fort-de-France and the safe, sheltered harbors of the lower west coast. Martinique has a variety of small museums celebrating aspects of the island’s culture and history, including the Empress Josephine’s connection with the island, the eruption of Montagne Pelée, the rum trade and dolls made from local materials.

Fort-de-France
The island’s capital is a town of winding streets and colorful markets. In the center of the town is the park of La Savanne. A statue in La Savanne commemorates Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, a native of Martinique, whose home, La Pagerie, is one of the main tourist attractions. The Musée Départemental has remains of the predominantly Arawak and Carib Indian prehistory of the island. There is an interesting Caribbean Arts Center. Les Trois-Îlets (Josephine’s birthplace) is situated across the bay from Fort-de-France.

St Pierre
The 1430m (4700ft) volcanic mountain in the north, Montagne Pelée, last erupted in 1902 (in a unique explosion which literally ripped the summit off), destroying the city of St Pierre and its entire population of 30,000. (Only a prisoner in an underground cell, Auguste Ciparis, survived – he was subsequently pardoned and ended his days as a fairground exhibit in the USA.) The remains of St Pierre, once a beautiful and remarkable city known as the ‘pearl of the Caribbean’, are now a tourist attraction. The Musée Volcanologique contains exhibits, photographs and documents that tell the story of the disaster. Today, St Pierre is Martinique’s second city and, although run down, still shows some signs of its former glory: the old stone stairways and bridges still exist, and the ruins of the theater are a prominent feature. Some of the historic buildings are being rebuilt and restored, notably the old customs house by the waterfront. The long grey-sand beach is very popular with local people. It is possible to visit the wrecks of the ships which were in the harbor on the day Montagne Pelée erupted – all but one of them went down in the disaster. Special submarines with glass windows take tourists to view the wrecks and the colorful fish which swim around them. It is also possible to dive to see them.

Bay St Pierre - Martinica

Le Carbet
Near Le Carbet, where Columbus landed on his fourth voyage in 1502, is the restored plantation of Leyritz, which is now visited by many tourists. The Center d’Art Paul Gauguin may be found in Le Carbet itself. It contains exhibits relating to the painter’s stay in the area and the work he did while there.

The South
In the south of the island is Pointe du Bout, Martinique’s major resort area. Ste Anne, Le Diamant and Les Anses d’Arlets have some of the island’s best bathing beaches. HMS Diamond Rock, 4km (2.5 miles) off Diamant, is a rock which was designated a man-of-war by the British during the Napoleonic wars and rates a 12-gun salute from passing British warships.

Activities

Swimming, water-skiing, small-boat sailing, snorkeling and spearfishing are available at many coastal resorts. There are tennis courts at many large hotels, and around 40 tennis clubs in Martinique. Visitors can obtain temporary membership and play at night as well as during the day. For further information, contact La Ligue Régionale de Tennis de la Martinique, Petit Manoir, 97232 Lamentin. There is an 18-hole golf course at Trois-Ilets. Horse riding is a very enjoyable way to see Martinique’s lovely countryside. There is also horseracing at the Carère track at Lamentin. Hiking and mountain climbing are also catered for.