Journey to Martinique: succumb to the charm of the island of flowers

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For your next vacation, are you dreaming of sunshine, stunning landscapes worthy of the most beautiful postcards? Do you want to enjoy beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and a friendly atmosphere? Then, head to Martinique. On this island located at the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, you can combine beach pleasures, nature hikes, water activities, all while discovering the local cuisine and Creole culture. If you still need to be convinced, there are many reasons to succumb to the charm of the Isle of Flowers and settle there for your next vacation.

Martinique: The Island’s History

As part of your vacation, enjoy a trip to Martinique to learn about its history. Martinique is not only characterized by its beautiful white or black sand beaches, its dazzling landscape, and its surprising vegetation. This island indeed tells a story that is both tumultuous and fascinating.

The presence of humans in the Lesser Antilles dates back between 10,000 and 5,000 years before our era. The oldest archaeological sites prove the presence of the Amerindians in the first century of our era. Coming from the Amazon, the Arawaks are the first inhabitants of Martinique. They lived from fishing, gathering, and agriculture. Additionally, they crafted beautiful colored ceramics.

In 1502, the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered Martinique. However, other sources claim that the discovery was made in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda. The Isle of Flowers served as a passing point for Europeans until 1635, when the French decided to settle there. The indigenous people were exterminated en masse.

After establishing their first colony in Martinique, the French built their first sites, including the town of Fort-Royal, which would become Fort-de-France, and the Saint-Pierre fort. At the request of the Company of the Islands of America, the first sugar mill in Martinique was established there in 1640. This encouraged the cultivation of sugarcane and the development of the sugar economy.

To address the labor shortage, the first slave traffics began in Martinique in the 17th century. The recruitment of slaves was regular, as sugar is a very physical and demanding crop. This led to an explosion in the number of slaves by 1680. On April 27, 1848, slavery was officially abolished. The new labor force then came from India, China, and Congo, which subsequently contributed to the cultural diversity of Martinique.

Where to Stay in Martinique?

There are many accommodation options on this island that suit all budgets.

Stay in the South or Central Martinique

Depending on the time of your arrival in Martinique, you may opt for a hotel near the airport. You will probably spend your first night in Fort-de-France. This city has many hotels with a good quality/price ratio.

To fully enjoy the island and visit it more pleasantly, it is recommended to take several accommodations. Indeed, it can be time-consuming and difficult to reach all corners of Martinique from a single lodging. For a 10-day stay, for example, you can spend 5 days in the south and the other 5 in the north.

The south of the Isle of Flowers is more touristy. It is thus the ideal destination for surfers and for a more relaxing stay. You will find beautiful beaches, and the weather in this region of the island is generally milder (less rain and less overcast). The terrain is also less elevated than in the north. The south is home to many famous beaches like Salines, Anse Figuier, Le Diamant, Anse Noire, Anse Dufour, and Anse-d’Arlet.

If you prefer to stay in one place and move around the entire island, the ideal option is the center. In this part of the island, many possibilities are available to you. You can settle in Fort-de-France or its surroundings (Case-Pilote, Schœlcher, etc.). You can also stay on the east coast, towards Le François or Le Robert.

Stay in the North of the Isle of Flowers

The north of Martinique is less touristy. It is more suitable for explorers. However, there are many things to do and discover in this region. You can enjoy an unforgettable hike like the ascent of Mount Pelée. You can also visit charming villages like Saint-Pierre or Grand’Rivière.

Whether you are more of an activities enthusiast or a beach lover, you will enjoy discovering the wonders of the Isle of Flowers from north to south. Besides hotels, Martinique offers other types of accommodations. You can choose between guest houses or Airbnb-type rentals.