A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Martinique Tourism: Tripadvisor has 167,390 reviews of Martinique Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Martinique travel resource. With croissants and palm trees, all perched near a live volcano, Martinique is the definition of a refined French-Caribbean island – fashionable and elegant, with an abundance of flora. The mongoose was introduced in the 19th century in the hope of eliminating the deadly rat-tailed viper, but the plan was unsuccessful. Permanent Secretary, Academy of Overseas Sciences, Paris. Martinique is about 50 miles (80 km) long and reaches a maximum width of 22 miles (35 km). Martinique is truly A little bit of France in the French Caribbean Islands. Piton Boucher (right) in the Carbet Mountains, Martinique. In the south the Salée and Pilote rivers flow down from the slopes of Mount Vauclin. Martinique has one other truly significant event in its history, the eruption of Mt Pelee on the 8th March 1902. It is included in the Lesser Antilles island chain. A transitional zone is characterized by peat moss. Its total area is of 1 128 km2, that means that the island is ranked on the third position after Trinidad and Guadeloupe. Above about 3,000 feet (900 metres) the upper slopes are almost bare, except for some stunted forest. There are relatively few kinds of animals on the island. The island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000 inhabitants. To better understand the island's history and culture, spend an afternoon exploring the Regional Museum of Ethnography and History. Sights include La Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine, and Diamond Rock, a 600-foot pinnacle, once registered as a British warship. Martinique island is a part of France, so you will find a special French touch that you don’t experience on other islands in the Caribbean. Also found are manicons (a kind of opossum), wild rabbits, wild pigeons, turtledoves, and ortolans, which are small birds that are often netted and fattened as a table delicacy. Slavery was abolished in 1848. Sort out the facts about islands across the globe. Martinique, island and overseas territorial collectivity of France, in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Morning glories, tropical twining herbs, and sea grapes inhabit the beaches. Black sand beaches exist in this region due to volcanism. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The interior of the island is mountainous. At Home in Martinique A tiny slice of heaven and one of the French Caribbean Islands, Martinique is an ideal tourist destination, with its charming blend of quaint fishing villages and effervescent urban developments. The climate is remarkably constant, the average temperature being about 79 °F (26 °C), with average minimums of 68–72 °F (20–22 °C), average maximums of 86–90 °F (30–32 °C), and temperature extremes of 59 °F (15 °C) and 93 °F (34 °C). Although discovered by Columbus, the island was taken for France in 1635 and has since been a possession of that country, except for … MARTINIQUE is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, and its beauty is matched by the richness of its history. Pierre & Vacances Holiday Village Sainte Luce. The climate, together with the fertile volcanic soil, produces a luxuriant flora in four vegetational zones: the maritime zone, the lowlands, the former forest zone, and the upper mountain slopes. It is included in the Lesser Antilles island chain. Local culture and cuisine combine both influences. Even with nothing else to read but the in-flight shopping mag, I couldn't get past page 37 of this pretentious, self-indulgent, narcissistic tour of the hotel bedrooms of the Caribbean. The name Martinique is probably a corruption of the Indian name Madiana (“Island of Flowers”) or Madinina (“Fertile Island with Luxuriant Vegetation”), as reputedly told to Christopher Columbus by the Caribs in 1502. It is 70 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Explore Martinique holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Islanders wear the latest Parisian fashions … Housed in a handsome colonial residence, the museum provides insight into everyday life for locals in late 19th-century Martinique. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The island cuisine is a superb blend of French and Creole cooking that is worth trying… Martinique - Martinique - History: Carib Indians inhabited the island at the time Christopher Columbus sighted it in 1493. Head, Centre of Studies and Documentation on Africa and Overseas, Paris. Explore guest reviews and book the perfect Marriott hotel for your trip. Offering a striking diversity of landscapes and atmospheres, Martinique is a cosmopolitan and sophisticated island that boasts world-class beaches, top-notch hiking, great culinary experiences, an enormous array of activities and some colourful cultural life. French travelers are more laid back, so you also won’t find many lounge chairs for sale or people trying to sell items on the beach like you will on some islands.