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Fort de France

Fort de France, the chic capital of Martinique, is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the French West Indies. With its iron-grille-work balconies overflowing with flowers and surrounded by green hills it could be another town in the French Riviera. Fort de France has much to offer the tourists who can spend the days lazing away the hours in the beaches or exploring the various architectural and historic sites. The fun doesn't end with the setting of the sun; the city has a fair share of restaurants, bars and nightclubs promising plenty of action when the night sets in.

Vacation rentals in Fort de France

Experience the best of Martinique's attractions by staying in a vacation home. The vacation rentals in Fort de France cater to all budget types and whether you are traveling single, are on a honeymoon trip or on a family reunion, you can find a vacation cottage, studio, condo, villa, cabin or farmhouse tailor made to your requirements. These homes provide all the comforts of a five star resort besides promising you privacy and space that you can find only in a home. The homes are well furnished and stocked for a comfortable stay and you can hire additional services such as housekeeping, arrangement of sightseeing tours to the island and beyond as also transport and beach equipments.

Attractions

Christopher Columbus who discovered Martinique in 1493 described it as the most beautiful country in the world. Fort de France easily mirrors the best of what Martinique has to offer. The tourists are drawn to its picturesque volcanic landscape, its fine black, white or peppered sand beaches surrounded by sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations. Besides, there are places of historic interest that are well worth a visit.

• La Savane: This broad square at the heart of town has gardens, shops and cafes lining its sides. In the middle of this grand square stands a decapitated statue of Joséphine, "Napoleon's little Creole," made of white marble by Vital Debray. The statue poses in a Regency gown and looks toward Les Trois-Ilets, where Joséphine was born.

• Cathédrale St-Louis: The cathedral, built in 1875, is the religious centerpiece of the island. This extraordinary iron building has been compared to "a sort of Catholic railway station." A number of the island's former governors are buried beneath the choir loft. The bell tower stands 59 m (193 ft). The interior features Byzantine decor and stained glass windows.

• Musée Departemental d'Archeologie: The ethnological museum preserves an interesting collection of Martinique's pre-Columbian past and has relics from the early settlers, the Arawaks and the Caribs.

• Sacré-Coeur de Balata Cathedral: Overlooking Fort-de-France, this cathedral is a copy of the one looking down from Montmartre upon Paris.

Dining in Fort de France

Martinique's rich French and Creole heritage, is mirrored in its cuisine. Here you will find that sauces and roux from France effortlessly blend with spices from the Caribbean region and result in dishes that seem to be out of the world. Local specialities include lobster, red snapper, conch, sea urchin and stuffed crab. Don't leave the island without tasting its rum, considered among the best in the world. It was awarded the prestigious French label 'appellation d'origine contrôlée' previously only reserved for French cheeses and wines.

Nightlife and entertainment

If you are in Martinique, you will not be able to escape zouk, the lively, two-beat local music unique to the French West Indies. The natives are very proud of it and it can be heard everywhere. You can also enjoy a performance of the folkloric troupe Les Grands Ballets Martiniquais. If you want to gamble, head for the Casino Bâtelière Plaza. Jazz is showcased at the Calembasse Café while Le Club Piano-bar Privé is considered to be the best piano bar on the island.