How Does a Vacation on the Isle of Flowers Sound?

If the answer is right up your alley, Martinique is the place for you! Even if you’ve been to other Caribbean islands, you’ll find this French West Indies island a refreshing change. This is because of its French-Creole culture.

The fact that Martinique isn’t visited as often as the other more popular islands such as Jamaica means that it has a more off-the-beaten-path, perhaps even exclusive sort of atmosphere.

You’ll spend a lot of time admiring the period French-colonial architecture and enjoying the delicious cuisine while you’re there. Consider renting a car while you’re there (you can search rates at autoeurope.com), so you can make your way around with the greatest possible convenience.

Let’s go over some of the best attractions on this beautiful island.

1. La Pagerie Museum (Musee de la Pagerie)

Musee de la Pagerie (La Pagerie Museum) is possibly the most popular attraction on the island. It is found in a town called Trois-Ilets. Trois-Ilets is the birthplace of a famous woman: Marie Joseph Rose Tascher de la Pagerie. Her married name became Empress Josephine upon her marriage to Napoleon Bonaparte. The museum is found within a charming stone cottage. This cottage was, at one time, part of an extensive plantation. You’ll see and learn about relevant period artifacts that are sure to fascinate you.

2. Grand Marche

The Grand Marche is also sometimes called the Spice Market. It is open every day of the week. Devote at least one morning, or maybe even a whole day, of your stay to exploring this intriguing local attraction. Consider buying some arts and crafts. You might also want to enjoy some delicious food in one of the market’s laidback restaurants.

3. Anse Cafard Slave Memorial

Created by Laurent Valere, this memorial features 20 eight-foot statues depicting African slaves. It is situated in the southwestern part of the island. The memorial was established in order to pay respect to 40 slaves in chains who drowned in a shipwreck in 1830. Make sure to visit this memorial to gain a better appreciation of the history and injustice of slavery, as well as its relevance to the history of Martinique.

4. Martinique’s beaches

It goes without saying that you’ll spend a lot of time on Martinique’s beautiful beaches during your stay. The southern coast of the island (in close proximity to the town of Saint-Anne) boasts its most popular beaches. However, you shouldn’t neglect to also visit the Anse l’Etang, a beach found on the Caravelle Peninsula. This more secluded beach is especially peaceful.

Enjoy Your Time in the Sun on Martinique!

Lucky you! This vacation will be what dreams are made of. Just make sure you include all the attractions we’ve listed here on your itinerary. You’ll regret missing out on any one of them. And make sure to take your time exploring the island and finding all the little treasures that await you there. There’s much more to see and experience than you probably anticipate.