Fort-de-france Travel Guide, Martinique

Fort-de-France is the capital of the Caribbean nation of Martinique, an overseas territory belonging to France. Fort-de-France is one of the largest cities in the Caribbeans and it is famous not only for its rum and sugar trade, but also for its sights which attract thousands of tourists every year. While Fort-de-France is a bustling and populous city, it is more fitting for a relaxed and quiet holiday than a week of nightclubbing and dancing.

The colonial architecture and decadent buildings of Fort-de-France resemble a Louisianan town, and you can find countless little shops and great restaurants tucked away in the winding streets of the old city. Despite the distance that separates Martinique from France, Port-de-France has a distinctive French atmosphere. Sidewalk cafes line the narrow streets overhung with balconies, and if you’re a fan of French cuisine, you will find a wide selection of your favorite dishes with a Creole twist, of course. This Fort-de-France Travel Guide will help you organize your holiday to this exciting city.

Fort-de-France Travel Guide - Transport

Fort-de France’s international airport, Aimé Cesaire International Airport is located in one of the suburbs of the city, Le Lamentin. Air Antilles and Air Caraibes have flights to and from Caribbean cities such as Bridgetown, Port-au-Prince, Havana and Castries. Since Martinique is a French department, it’s no surprise that there are regular direct flights to Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nantes. You can also catch a direct flight to Fort-de-France from Montreal, Miami, Caracas or Brasilia.

There are frequent ferry services that can get you to Fort-de-France from almost everywhere in the Caribbean. Since the city is quite large, walking will not always be an option. Public transport services in Martinique are not very well organized, so it might be better to rent a car and drive around the city. If you must take the bus, this Fort-de-France Travel Guide recommends that you use the Bus Mozaik, a private bus company whose buses have air-conditioning and stop at all the main stops in the city.

Fort-de-France Travel Guide - Accommodation

Hotel Valmeniere is an affordable hotel at the heart of the city. The rooms and the service are nothing out of the ordinary, so the hotel is recommended to travelers who don’t plan on spending too much time in their hotel room. Nevertheless, the hotel has quite a nice outdoor pool, a sauna and a decent restaurant. Karibea Squash Hotel is close to Place de Savane, one of the city’s main squares, and it offers great services, although they are probably more fitting for business travelers. However, the hotel’s location is perfect for sightseeing, and pets are allowed, which is common for many four-star hotels.