|
Martinique is a slice of France set down in the tropics. Islanders wear Paris fashions and eat croissants. Zouk music pouring out of tape p_layer_s, bars and nightclubs will remind you, however, that Martiniquans have a culture of their own, solidly _base_d on West Indian Creole traditions.
Urbanization has spread through much of the island, and most of Martinique's large towns feel like modern suburbs. Nevertheless, nearly a third of Martinique is forested and other areas are given over to pineapples, bananas and sugarcane fields. There are also plenty of hiking trails into the mountains.
All flights to Martinique arrive at Lamentin International Airport, just a 10-minute drive from Fort-de-France. Air France has the best access to Martinique, with daily flights from Paris to Martinique. It's also easy to get to the island from the US. American Airlines flights from Miami, New York and Boston connect through San Juan Puerto Rico; Air France flies direct daily from Miami. BWIA flies from JFK through Antigua or Barbados. There is no departure tax when leaving Martinique. Within the Caribbean, Air Caraïbes flies to Martinique from Guadeloupe, Dominica, St Lucia, St Martin, Antigua, St Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago. Air Antilles and LIAT also connect Martinique with nearby Caribbean islands.
There are a couple of ways of getting to and from Martinique by boat. L'Express des îles runs modern catamarans between Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominica and St Lucia. Brudey Frères runs a daily catamaran ferry service from Martinique to Guadeloupe and Dominica, plus a weekly service to St Lucia. Cruise ships land at Pointe Simon in Fort-de-France. Yachting is very popular in Martinique and there are numerous charter companies operating on the island.
Weather Overview
Martinique enjoys warm, sunny weather, averaging temperatures between 21°C (70°F) and 28°C (83°F) whether it's January or July. Measurable rain falls an average of 13 days a month in April, the driest month, and about twice as often in September, the rainiest month. Martinique's average humidity is high, ranging from 80% in March and April to 87% in October and November. The mountainous northern interior is both cooler and rainier than the coast.
Events Overview
Martinique has a spirited Mardi Gras Carnival during the five days leading up to Ash Wednesday each February/March. The streets fill with rum-fuelled revelers and there are costume parades, music and dancing. Much of the activity is centered around La Savane, the large park in Fort-de-France.
The town of Saint-Pierre commemorates the May 8 eruption of Mont Pelée with live jazz and a candlelight procession from the cathedral.
Martinique has several major sporting events, including the Tour de la Martinique, a week-long bicycle race held in mid-July; the Tour des Yoles Rondes, a week-long race of traditional sailboats held in early August; and a semi-marathon around Fort-de-France in November. Music lovers can enjoy the biennial week-long Martinique Jazz Festival, held in December on odd-numbered years, or the guitar festival held on even-numbered years.
|
