The majestic Caravelle peninsula of volcanic rock stretches for 10km into the Atlantic Ocean off the northeast coast of Martinique. It is a protected nature conservation area, part regional park and part nature reserve , home to an extraordinary div..

If you like walking in the countryside, don't miss the nature reserve of La Caravelle. Between mangroves and arid savannah plains, take one of the two paths (long or short), and observe the natural environment of the peninsula and its treasures: sa..

Habitation Clément is an exceptional estate that will delight aficionados of the "Route du Rhum". The property, which witnessed the meeting between George Bush and François Mitterand in 1991, has retained its cachet. It is a characteristic ..

Finished in Paris in 1887 according to plans by Henri Picq , then despatched and reassembled in Fort-de-France in 1893, Schoelcher Library features an incredible range of inspirations from the metallic Eiffel structure and Egyptian-Byzantine to Art ..

The winding Route de la Trace, from Fort-de-France to the delightful village of L’Ajoupa-Bouillon, unveils some of Martinique's most spectacular panoramas. The mountainous landscape – the road runs alongside the Pitons du Carbet, will enchant nature ..

The Pitons (peaks) du Carbet, of which there are 6, owe their amazing shape to their volcanic origins, forming a spectacular backdrop to the Route de la Trace. Piton Lacroix , which attains 1,196m, commands a splendid view. Older than Mount Pelée, t..

This lovely hike is only for experienced hikers (an alternative 1hr walk in the forest is also possible). The Jesuits' Trail, which owes its name to the religious brotherhood that opened it in the 17C, cuts through tropical forest , providing an opp..

The Gorges de la Falaise hike (2hr30min with swim) starts with a long descent down into the valley before reaching the entrance to the gorges. The view on arriving of the River Falaise that has cut a 120m-deep path through a lava flow (andesite) is q..

The small church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption-et-Saint-Joseph, à Case-Pilote, features a timber frame in the shape of boat hull, which is characteristic of local religious architecture in the 18C. Inside it hides a fresco (1863) by Henri Daymier, de..

To gain a better insight into the extent of the devastation caused in 1902, head for the Centre district and the Frank-Perret Volcanic Museum , which charts the eruption step by step. The deliberately conserved ruins dotted around the streets also p..

An absolute must! This scientific, educational and cultural centre stages temporary and permanent exhibitions devoted to volcanoes, earthquakes and cyclones. Take the time to watch the "Volcans des Antilles" documentary film, which is extre..

To find out more about agricultural rum, go on a tour of the Depaz Distillery. This sugarcane plantation has been masterfully taken over by Victor Depaz, whose entire family died during the volcanic eruption of 1902. He is also behind the château sur..

An iconic feature of the landscape of Martinique, which it destroyed several times, Mount Pelée, a youthful 400,000-year-old volcano, is still in activity and hot springs and the occasional lava torrent still pour forth. The Morne-Rouge Maison des V..

Habitation Leyritz is a fine illustration of an 18C plantation. The Rue case-nègres, for example, the slaves' quarters, is a reminder of how society was organised at the time: unmarried slaves had to sleep in a separate dormitory. The estate's origin..

The St James Rum Museum, created by the company of the same name, provides an excellent insight into the history and farming of sugarcane, as well as to rum flavours, because the visit includes a tasting session. From the museum and distillery to..

The François Isles are famous for the Fonds-Blancs, high sandbanks that surround and delineate the isles. These white coral sandbanks are dotted around the bay a few hundred metres from the coast and it is sheer bliss to wallow in 60cm of warm green ..

Josephine's Bath, the most visited of Fonds-Blancs, owes its fame to Empress Josephine who is said to have bathed here. However a host of other legends also lay claim to the name, so you'll have to choose for yourself. Coral reefs and islets shelter ..

From Petite Anse Macabou as far as Cap Macré , the headlands' path is both relatively effortless and also commands great views of the coast. The path will take you past very varied landscapes (mangroves, pristine and touristy beaches, beach mornin..

The beaches of the peninsula of St Anne embody all the attributes of the idyllic picture postcard of Martinique: deep blue sea, white sandy beach, palm trees and fantastic sunsets. You cannot fail but find a beach that suits your taste, from shaded f..

Less popular and far quieter than Grande-Anse, the cove of Anse Dufour, fringed by coconut trees, invites swimmers and sunbathers to relax on its golden sand. A few colourful huts, a sheltered shoreline, transparent water and rubber trees paint an id..