Fort-de-France

Introduction

Fort-de-France is the capital and the largest city in Martinique with about 150,000 inhabitants, making it one of the larger cities in this part of the Caribbean. It is located on the central west coast of the island on the north side of the Fort-de-France Bay, at the mouth of the Madame River and is the cultural, economical and administrative heart of the island, as well as a major transport hub. The city has all the amenities travellers will need, including very fine hotels, restaurants and nightlife, as well as many historical and cultural events and buildings.

Sights and Activities

• Forts Desaix, Tartenson and Gerbault
• Place de la Savane
• Balata Garden
• Sacré-Cœur de Balata Basilica
• Fort-de-France Cathedral

Events and Festivals

Vaval

This event is known as Carnaval elsewhere in the Caribbean, and Mardi-Gras in many other places, Vaval is held in February every year, concluding on the first day of Christian Lent. Like many similar festivities throughout the world, the event sees four days of masquerades, parades, dancing and music. It is an extremely fun, island-wide party.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day is a national holiday that commemorates the formation of the French Republic in 1789 after the French Revolution. Many retail stores are closed as families gather to celebrate. It is held annually on July 14.

Beaujolais Nouveau Celebrations

At midnight on the third Thursday of November, the arrival of the new season of Beaujolais red wine is celebrated on the island. Many restaurants and cafes around Martinique will stay open late to appreciate the new wine in a festive atmosphere.

Martinique Jazz Festival

The Caribbean’s longest running jazz festival, many international musicians come to Martinique to showcase their talents. It is a 10-day event beginning the last week of November that runs through the first weekend of December.

Weather

Fort-de-France has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C and average nights around 23 °C. Most rain falls between June and November with a change of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit.

Getting There

By Plane

Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) is located near Fort-de-France. Take Air has flights to and from Guadeloupe, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia and Antigua, among a few others. Air France has direct flighs from Paris. Several other airlines in the Caribbean region all have fligts, connecting most islands with Fort-de-France.

Martinique - Dominica vv

L'Express des Iles has 3 weekly services between Martinique and Dominica at 10.15am Wednesdays and Fridays and 12.15pm on Sundays, travelling between the capitals Roseau and Fort-de-France. From Martinique they leave on Mondays at 1pm and Saturdays at 11.30 am. It takes about 1,5 hours in both directions.

Martinique - Saint Lucia

Wednesdays and Fridays at 1.30pm and Sundays at 3.30pm, L'Express des Iles travels from Fort-de-France to Castries on Saint Lucia. In the opposite direction, ferries leave 5 times a week. Both crossings take about 80 minutes.

Getting Around

Mopeds, cars, and taxis are the main mode of transportation.

Sleep

Upscale

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links