Fort-de-France

French Flair

This French Caribbean island, which measures only 425 square miles, has been home to more than its fair share of famous people. Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon, was born on Martinique in 1763; and Paul Gauguin, one of the great post-Impressionist painters, lived on the island in 1887.

In Fort-de-France, the capital, visit La Savane

Park, which consists of 12 acres of splendid tropical landscaping.

Other highlights include

Fort St. Louis, Empress Josephine’s statue, the Schoelcher Library, the Municipal Theatre and

St. Louis Cathedral.

Explore picturesque coves and a beautiful tropical reef where you will be able to view a variety of corals, sponges and exotic sh. Snorkeling o a secluded beach in a small shing village is an unforgettable experience.

Taste of Fort-de-France

Because of the island’s colonial history, Martinique’s cuisine has distinct French and Creole influences. A popular condiment is called sauce chien, translated to “dog sauce,” but it is merely a mixture of shallots, tomatoes and chili peppers.