Martinique is called the “Island of Flowers,” because of its colorful, tropical plant life. Off the beaten path, this island is a unique French Caribbean getaway with beautiful beaches, mountains and tropical gardens. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed a day starting at the port, Fort-de-France. From there, I took the Martinique Northwest Tour, seeing top attractions, such as, Sacred Heart Basilica, Balata Gardens, Saint Pierre and Mount Pelee.
This lush island is part of the eastern Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles. Its also an overseas collectivity of France. The official language is French with creole. Fort-de-France is the largest town and capital city. Mount Pelee, an active volcano is 15 miles (24 km) north of Fort-de-France, standing 4583 km (1,397 m) high. Furthermore, this volcano had a devastating eruption in 1902, killing 30,000 people in Saint Pierre. It’s one of the deadliest eruptions on record.
In addition, the lush, forested Carbet Pitons range stand in the center of the island. Martinique also has some beautiful beaches, such as, Les Salines and Diamond Beach.
Martinique Northwest Tour
As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I was enthusiastic for my day off in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Loving the French Caribbean vibe, I first stopped to get a chocolate croissant and espresso. Then, I found the Grand Marche. Here, I perused the fresh produce, such as, lemons, limes, pineapples, turmeric root, herbs, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and vanilla pods.
Then, I headed back to the pier looking for a tour of the island. I decided on a half-day northwest tour with a local company in a van with a group of 3 other tourists. Since this was my first time here, a tour was in order. We visited main attractions, such as, Sacred Heart Basilica, Balata Gardens, Saint Pierre Bay and Village and Rum-tasting.
Sacred Heart Basilica of Balata: Just outside Fort-de-France among lush tropical landscapes, there is a small replica of the famous Sacred Heart Basilica on top Montmarte in Paris. Furthermore, the Balata Basilica is 1/5 the size of its larger counterpart in Paris, and both are a Romano-Byzantine style. After the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelee, they built this new Roman Catholic church near Fort-de-France. Its interior includes stained glass windows and mosaics. And the Statue of the Sacred Heart survived 2 fires. In addition, being located high on a hill, it has panoramic views of Fort-de-France.
Balata Gardens is abundant with 3,000 varieties of tropical plants, such as, bromeliads, bamboo, begonias, cyads, mahogany and 300 different palm trees.
Balata Gardens: The Balata Gardens is one of Martinique’s most popular sites, just 10 km from Fort-de-France. There’s a nice walking path throughout the gardens, including a Tree Walk and fish ponds. The panoramas here are astounding of the rainforest and the sea.
Plus, there’s an amazing view of the Pitons du Carbet emerging from the horizon. (photo below) A gift shop and restaurant are there also for souvenirs or lunch. You can even arrange to have tropical flowers sent home waiting for you upon return.
Saut Gendarme Waterfall: On Road D1 enroute to St. Pierre is this beautiful waterfall. It’s a great stop for a refreshing swim in clear waters. However, it is located down steep stairs and you must wade across the shallow river. It is 10 meters high and cascades in a pristine sanctuary in the rainforest.
St. Pierre Bay and Village: St. Pierre was called the “Paris of the Caribbean,” until devastated by the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelee. This killed almost the entire town of 30,000 people in 10 minutes. It’s considered, overall, one of the deadliest eruptions on record. Today, the village rebuilt itself alongside the St. Pierre Bay at the foot of a quieter Mt. Pelee.
I explored the ruins from the disaster on the waterfront near the Memorial de la Catastrophe de 1902. This museum recounts the story of this horrific event. Overall, St. Pierre is a historic, yet laid-back, relaxing place with stunning scenery of the sea and mountains.
Niesson Distillery for Rum Tasting:
Rum tasting is the perfect way to end a tour. I really enjoyed this distillery with intriguing upcycled sculptures with funky designs, near a sugar cane field. This is a great place to learn about the process of rum making and, of course, sampling the incredible flavors. Don’t miss the Christmas brand with rum, cinnamon and lemon.
Overall, Martinique Northwest Tour
This is a very special island with a nice French Caribbean flair. With its overall dramatic history, rugged mountains, and tropical gardens Martinique is an incredible getaway. And it’s not as crowded as other Caribbean islands. So, you can enjoy it with less crowds and more R & R.
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2 comments
Hi Trudy, My name is Andrew and with my wife, Jackie, I am taking a caribbean cruise soon aboard P&O Arvia and will be visiting Martinique. We just watched your youtube vlog of the Northwest loop tour which we found very enjoyable and informative. The itinerary would really suit us therefore wold you mind please sharing with me the tour company you used and cost of the tour.
Many thanks.
Best regards,
Andrew
Sorry if this reply is too late. I caught a tour company with a van outside the cruise terminal. Plus, I shared it with a couple, so it was less per person between 3 of us. So sorry, can’t even remember how much I paid, but it was not much and no tour bus so quick and easy stops! Enjoy Martinique!