The Baignoire de Joséphine, a must-see in Martinique
If you decide to travel to the island of flowers, Josephine's Bathtub is a must for your vacation. This whi...
Where to go in Martinique : You are planning your next vacation in Martinique and do not know yet where to go? Martinique has many paradisiacal beaches, but also lush mountains, cities full of history... There are many places not to be missed during your trip. So let's go, follow the guide!
Madinina is known for its postcard-worthy beaches: from white sand to black volcanic sand! Wherever you are, you can always reach a beautiful beach in less than an hour by car.
Here is a small selection of our favorite beaches:
The beach of Salines, in the south of the island, is without doubt the most famous and the most known of Martinique. All the elements are gathered to make it a small corner of paradise: white sand, turquoise water, coconut trees... It is also a superb place to admire the sunset, with the Diamond rock in the background.
An advice: go there rather in the morning or at the end of the afternoon to avoid the crowd.
Located in Anses-d'Arlet, Anse Noire and Anse Dufour are two superb beaches with different sand colors. The first one is surprising with its emerald water contrasting with the black sand. The second one seduces with its turquoise water and white sand. Separated by only a few hundred meters, the one does not go without the other! The beach of Anse Dufour is the ideal place to watch the return of the fishermen and Anse Noire, wilder, is especially known for its superb sea bed.
What do these two beautiful beaches have in common? It is one of the best places in Martinique to admire sea turtles. Get your masks and snorkels!
This beautiful beach, located on the Presqu'île du Diamant, offers a magnificent view of the Diamant rock. The beach impresses by its size (3 km) and its beautiful natural setting: coconut trees leaning over the white sand and the rock in the distance. It is also the ideal beach if you like waves, it is very popular with bodyboarders. Sometimes the sea is very rough so be careful when swimming!
Head for the north of the island! At the foot of La Pelée, in the commune of Prêcheur, Anse Couleuvre is surely one of the wildest beaches! The experience begins as soon as you take the road to reach the beach, in the heart of the tropical forest. You wind your way between the volcanic peaks that surround Mount Pelee. Once you have arrived at the small parking lot, you just have to take the path that will lead you to this superb beach of fine black sand. One thing is sure, you will not forget your first visit to Anse Couleuvre. And don't forget the fins, mask and snorkel to enjoy the sea bed!
Martinique has an impressive biodiversity and many hikes (of all levels) allow you to appreciate all its richness. Here is a small overview:
If you decide to go to Anse Couleuvre, take a short 2-hour hike to reach the Couleuvre waterfall. This 120 meters high waterfall is one of the highest on the island. Nestled in the heart of the rainforest, the show is impressive! The hike is relatively simple, you have to cross the river by jumping from stone to stone. Open your eyes wide to admire the rich fauna and flora that surrounds you: banana trees, cocoa trees, mongooses, cliff matutous (an endemic species of the island, a mygale!) and many others.
Do you like hiking ? The ascent of Mount Pelee is made for you!
Montagne Pelée is a still active volcano of 1395 meters of altitude which dominates the landscape of the north of the island. The last eruption was on May 8, 1902, but the place is quiet today and has become a very popular hike in Martinique.
The ascent is possible via several paths, all reserved for good walkers, because the slope is steep! The most courageous will be able to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes throughout the walk and the magnificent view at the top... the most beautiful reward!
In order to admire the view, start the hike very early, as the clouds start to hang on as early as 10 am.
The Cascades de Didier are composed of two waterfalls. The first one, the Petite Cascade Didier, with its small quiet pool in a green setting, is easy to access and is the more frequented of the two. The second, the Grande Cascade Didier, requires a little more courage, but your effort will be rewarded, believe us!
After the first waterfall, it takes about 30 minutes of climbing to be able to admire the second one which appears at the bottom of the valley. Arm yourself with a flashlight and good walking shoes. From the top of its 25 meters, the waterfall is one of the most impressive by its power. Come on, take a well-deserved refreshing bath!
No need to convince you of the beauty of Martinique's landscapes... But the island also has a fascinating history that you can discover through architectural sites, museums and monuments testifying to the island's pre-Columbian and colonial past.
Let's start with Fort-de-France, the capital, which is full of places of interest if you are interested in Martinique's history and culture. Why not visit the Departmental Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory to learn more about the island in pre-Columbian times or the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography which presents a large number of objects representative of Creole culture. You can also visit Fort-Saint-Louis, a military fort classified as a historical monument, which bears witness to the history of Martinique and the founding of Fort-de-France. And above all, don't miss the markets, a visit full of colors, bewitching smells and warm smiles... nothing better to soak up the atmosphere of the city!
Saint-Pierre, classified as a city of Art and History, is undoubtedly one of the most exotic cities in Martinique. It is built on the ruins of the old Saint-Pierre, which was completely destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902. Today, you can still see the remains of the church of the Fort, the Figuier district, an old theater, and the dungeon of Cyparis. If you are interested in history, Saint-Pierre is a very moving visit and one of the must-see places in Martinique.
The area of the port of Saint-Pierre will also make you happy if you are a scuba diving enthusiast, its funds sheltering many wrecks of boats having sunk following the eruption.
As a bonus, we finish this little selection with two nuggets still little known by tourists that will make you feel alone in the world, privileged... Shall we go ?
Morne Larcher is an ancient volcano that rises to 478 meters above the bay of Le Diamant. The summit is inaccessible to hikers, but it is possible to climb up to 400 meters to enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire southern coast of Martinique. This 3 km hike is quite rough. It takes about 3 hours round trip, with a positive difference in altitude of 450 meters, to complete it. But the most courageous will be well rewarded by the incredible show once at the top!
L'Anse Trabaud is one of the most beautiful beaches of Martinique, but it remains little frequented because of its difficult access, not to say chaotic! But on arrival, an endless beach of fine white sand awaits you and the pleasant sensation of being alone in the world. Except maybe for the surfers who particularly appreciate this spot for its nice waves. Away from the crowds, this beautiful beach is ideal for the Robinsons at heart.
And to learn more, don't hesitate to take a look at our other articles on the authentic discoveries of the island!
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