The island of Martinique is one of the most exotic in the Caribbean. This is the birthpance of Josephine - Napoleon's mistress. The countryside is fascinating as it runs from lush tropical forest to dry desert and petrified wood. The Mont Pelee volcano looms over the island. The people of the island are truly French and with its blend of creole, Martinique is a very delightful and fascinating place to vacation.
Fort-de-France - The city became the capital in 1902 when the former capital of St-Pierre was obliterated (there was one survivor who was a local drunk who had been placed in jail for the night) by the eruption of Mont Pelee. Today's Fort-de-France is a bustling city with fashionable shops and restaurants and a French atmosphere that is irresistible. Imposing Fort St-Louis still is a military base and is frequently open for exhibitions. Visitors are frequently surprised by its low ceilings. The magnificent baroque library Bibliotheque Schoelcher is on the Rue Victor Severe. For relics of the Arawak and Carib Indians visit the Musee d'Archeologie et de Prehistoire. The baroque architecture of the Cathedral of St. Louis is captivating and the view of the skyline is excellent.
Other island points of interest - In the village of Le Carbet is a small Gauguin Museum. In the old capital of St. Pierre is the Museum of Vulcanology. The St. James Distillery is a rum museum. In the southern part of the island is the La Maison de la Canne - the Sugar Cane Museum. In the area is the Anse Mitan which is a cute little village with small restaurants. From here yo can take a ferry to the western area of the island and go to the Musse des Coquillages - the seashell museum in which local scenes are depicted using shells. Further on are two magnificent beaches one at Great Anse which is seldom crowded except weekends and the idyllic Pointe du Diamant beach where the famous Rocher du Diamant (Diamond Rock) is just off shore. Be wary of going out so far that you get caught in the currents. A short distance away is the town of Riviere-Pilote which is the largest town in the area and has the Mauny Rum Distillery where guided tours are offered.
Capital: Fort-de-France
Population: 362,000
Area: 425 square miles
Language: French. English is spoken in the tourist areas.
Time: +1 hour from New York
Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz.
Geography: The island is 52 miles long and 22 miles wide. It is about 425 miles from San Juan, Puerto Rico. the highest point on the island is Mont Pelee which is 4, 656 ft. With the volcanic nature of the island the elevation gradually rises in conical fashion as the top of the volcano is reached.
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