Advice

Here’s a quick aside to introduce you to a few other highlights that couldn’t be included in the main itinerary. Among the must-see sights in Fort-de-France, some are simply too far from the city centre to visit on foot. One of the most popular is the famous Balata Gardens, located about 10 kilometres north of town. This stunning botanical garden is a peaceful, enchanted escape during your stay in Martinique. It was created by Jean-Philippe Thoze, who moved into his grandparents’ Creole house in 1982 and began developing the garden. An artist at heart, he discovered a passion for horticulture and started planting seeds from around the world, growing a lush, blooming jungle around the family home. The garden opened to the public in 1986, and today it’s privately owned, with an entry fee. The two-hectare park is criss-crossed with walking paths and brand-new suspension bridges that give you a bird’s-eye view of the garden and the bay beyond. You’ll also have the chance to visit the beautiful Creole house, tastefully decorated with period furniture. While you’re visiting the gardens, make sure to stop by the nearby Sacred Heart Church of Balata. As the name suggests, it’s a one-fifth scale replica of the iconic basilica in Montmartre, Paris. Its brilliant white dome and bell tower stand out against the lush green forest. Built in the early 20th century to serve the growing population of Fort-de-France, the church is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the First World War. It’s a unique stop—and it also offers sweeping views of the city and the Pitons du Carbet. Not far from there is the starting point of the trail to the Didier Waterfalls, one of Martinique’s natural treasures. After a 20-minute walk, you’ll reach the first waterfall and its basin, where you can take a refreshing dip. If you’ve got proper hiking shoes and some energy left, continue on to the second waterfall. It’s harder to reach and less frequented—but having the place all to yourself is well worth the effort. And of course, no visit to Martinique would be complete without stopping by a rum distillery. During your stay, you might come across the lovely La Mauny distillery, set in an 18th-century sugar plantation near Rivière-Pilote, or the magnificent Habitation Clément and its botanical garden, just a few kilometres from the town of Le François. But if you’re based in Fort-de-France, your go-to is La Favorite. Founded in 1842 in the commune of Le Lamentin and later modernised with a distinctive steam engine in 1905, it’s one of the island’s oldest and most traditional distilleries. Rum is still distilled on-site using steam, and both the entrance and the tastings are free—so don’t miss out! If you enjoy visiting museums while travelling—or if you get caught in a tropical downpour and need a backup plan—here are a few in Fort-de-France you won’t want to miss. Start with the fascinating Departmental Museum of Martinique, where you can explore the island’s pre-Columbian archaeology and learn about the way of life of the Caribbean peoples before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Then head to the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography, housed in a stately late-19th-century residence. Its permanent exhibition showcases antique furniture, objects, jewellery, traditional costumes, and a wealth of historical documents tracing the colonisation of Martinique. For lovers of natural science, the Père Pinchon Museum is a real gem. Free to visit, it features the private collection of a passionate professor, with stuffed animals, butterflies, birds, shells, and many other specimens offering a glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity. And if you’re a nature lover, don’t worry—the Martinique Regional Nature Park is just north of Fort-de-France. Established in 1976, the park protects 63,000 hectares of natural landscape while supporting the island’s sustainable development. It’s full of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and tropical waterfalls. For more information, head to the park’s visitor centre at the Monsigny Annex on Avenue des Canéficiers in Fort-de-France. And if you’re in the mood for a shorter walk close by, try the Absalon Loop Trail. This 4-kilometre circuit with 270 metres of elevation gain takes about two hours and winds through a forest of giant tree ferns at the foot of Piton Dumauzé. It’s the perfect escape into the wild, with unforgettable views of the bay. So there you have it—with all of this to explore, you’ll have no shortage of things to do if you decide to stay a little longer in the area!