Quick Answer: Martinique is France in the Caribbean – Les Salines beach (the most beautiful I've ever seen), St-Pierre volcano ruins (the "Pompeii of the Caribbean"), rhum agricole tasting, and pain au chocolat that rivals Paris.

Martinique: My French Caribbean Paradise

Sailing into Fort-de-France with Le Carbet mountains behind feels like France dropped a city in the Caribbean. My perfect day: off the ship and straight to Les Salines beach (40-min taxi south) – the most beautiful beach I've ever seen with coconut palms and calm water.

Lunch at Chez Carole – lobster grillé and accras (worth every euro). Afternoon wandering St-Pierre (the "Pompeii of the Caribbean") ruins from the 1902 volcano. Back in town for rhum agricole tasting at Depaz and pain au chocolat that rivals Paris.

The Moment That Stays With Me: Eating fresh coconut on Les Salines while a French family played pétanque beside me – perfect cultural mash-up.

Getting Around Martinique

Pointe Simon pier – 5-min walk to town. Taxis for beach day are shareable with others (great way to split costs).

  • Les Salines Beach: 40-min taxi south (share with others for great value)
  • St-Pierre Ruins: 30-min north, combine with Depaz distillery
  • Anse Dufour: Great snorkeling alternative

Positively Worded Word of Warning

Martinique's perfect French-Caribbean fusion and euro prices are the island's way of giving you a luxurious taste of la belle vie!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Best beach?
A: Les Salines or Anse Dufour for snorkeling.

Q: Currency?
A: Euro – ATMs everywhere.

Q: Language?
A: French, but most speak English to cruisers.

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