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Fort de France
Located on the west coast of Martinique, the city of Fort de France is the economic heart of the island. The capital of Martinique, the city concentrates most of the administrative, military and cultural functions.
Fort-de-France, which has known no less than 6 different names in its history strongly linked to colonialism, is at the center of a conurbation of 165,000 inhabitants, including the communes of Le Lamentin (you will surely pass through there if you arrive at the Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport), Schoelcher, Saint-Joseph and Case-Pilote.
Its inhabitants, the Foyalais, welcome you for half a day or a day to wander through its alleys, the covered market of Fort-de-France or the old center.
If at first glance, the city may not show any architectural specificities or typical Foyalais art of living, take the time to raise your nose, to lose yourself in the colorful shopping streets of street art. Why not entrust your list to a guide who will show you the charm of the city?
The Bay of Fort de France
The popularity of the commune is largely due to its splendid bay, the Bay of the Flemings. This name was given in connection with that of Dutch Jews expelled from Brazil in the 17th century and who found in Martinique a land of refuge.
Unique and magnificent, the bay has been recognized as one of the âmost beautiful bays in the worldâ. The world-renowned Bay of San Francisco in California, the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy and the Bay of Ha Long in Vietnam are among the worldâs most famous bays.
Maritime shuttles allow you to cross the bay very easily and to go to Trois-Ălets, for example.
It is perhaps from the sea that you will have the best point of view to observe the beauty of the city of Fort-de-France. Speaking of viewpoints, donât miss the one offered on the bay from land, from Fort Saint-Louis or from the top floor of the majestic Hotel Simon.
5-7 Best things to do in Fort-de-France
I have compiled for you the best activities to do during your next stay in Martinique, and in particular in Fort-de-France. Consider spending one or two mornings at the local markets. Donât miss the opportunity to discover all the delights the island has to offer! Without forgetting the warm exchange with the people of Martinique who will be delighted to see you curious about the Creole culture.
Then spend an afternoon discovering Fort Saint-Louis. This is indeed the naval base of the French Navy. Donât forget to take a guide to retrace the history of this monument during your visit!
The garden of Balata is a must in the city. You will find there 3000 species of exotic and tropical plants. The landscape is breathtaking. Youâll think youâre on the set of the Jungle Book, so unreal are the 15-meter bridges and wild flora. A real delight for nature lovers!
Fort-de-France is first and foremost a rich and eventful history. You can retrace all its history thanks to the exhibitions of the departmental museum of Martinique which is located in the city. The artifacts go back to the Amerindian civilization. A real window on the past at your fingertips.
Flemish Bay⊠the place is as magical as its name. Being on the Malecon pier, you absolutely must spend a few hours there. It will be your little secret place. Shhh⊠to relax away from all the hustle and bustle. A walk in the savannah will erase all your worries of the Caribbean breeze.
The city of Fort de France in 6 questions
What to do or see in Fort-de-France?
- The Covered Market of Fort-de-France ;
- Saint-Louis Cathedral of Fort-de-France
- Church of the Sacred Heart of Balata
- Fort Saint-Louis, building classified as a Historic Monument (MH);
- SchĆlcher Library (MH) ;
- House of Aimé Césaire, listed building (MH);
- Surena Bakery, building listed as a Historic Monument (MH);
- Lighthouse of the Pointe des NĂšgres, building listed MH;
- Regional Museum of History and Ethnography of Martinique
- Statue of Empress Josephine on the Savannah Square (MH) ;
- Saint-Louis Cathedral ;
- The Savannah Garden, measuring 5 ha, is located on the outskirts of Fort Saint-Louis ;
- Museum of Father Pinchon ;
- Theater Aimé-Césaire, former City Hall of Fort-de-France, building listed MH ;
- The garden of Balata, begun in 1982 and opened to the public in 1986, is a botanical garden located 10 kilometers from downtown;
- Departmental Museum of Pre-Columbian Archaeology ;
- The Aimé-Césaire Cultural Park, renamed in 2008;
How many inhabitants are there in Fort-de-France?
80 041 inhabitants
Surface area and density of the municipality
Area : 123 369 km2
Density : 1810/kmÂČ
Information about the Town Hall
Rue Victor SevĂšre | BP646 â 97262 FdF Cedex
Phone : 0596 59 60 00 | Fax : 0596 60 91 69 | Email : [email protected]
The best restaurants in town
- Restaurant The Yellow â 51 Rue Victor Hugo
- Le Babaorum â 42 Route de Chateauboeuf
- Grenade & Basilic â 4 Rue Garnier PagĂšs
- Kay Ali â 145 Avenue Condorcet
Where to sleep?
- Simon Hotel â 1 Avenue Loulou, Boislaville
- Karibea Squash Hotel â Rue de la libĂ©ration
- Karibea la ValmeniĂšre â 4 Avenue des Arawak
- RĂ©sidence Fort Savane â 5 Rue de la libertĂ©
What to expect
8 photos
What activities can we do in Fort de France ?
17 activities to do
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600 âŹ/tarif unique - lasts 4h
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What are the spots to visit in Fort de France ?
9 spots to visit
Other cities in Martinique
- Basse Pointe
- Bellefontaine
- Case Pilote
- Ducos
- Fonds Saint Denis
- Fort de France
- Grand'RiviĂšre
- Gros Morne
- L'Ajoupa-Bouillon
- Trinité
- Carbet
- Diamant
- Le François
- Lamentin
- Lorrain
- Le Marigot
- Le Marin
- Le Morne-Rouge
- Morne-Vert
- PrĂȘcheur
- Robert
- Vauclin
- Anses d'Arlet
- Trois-Ălets
- Macouba
- RiviĂšre-Pilote
- RiviÚre-Salée
- Saint Esprit
- Saint-Joseph
- Saint-Pierre
- Sainte-Anne
- Sainte-Luce
- Sainte-Marie
- SchĆlcher