Thursday, August 20, 2020

Martinique (mahr-tih-NEEK)

Martinique Flag



Why visit Martinique?
Luxury travelers whom are beach lovers, foodies and naturists seeking beautiful beaches, culture, dormant volcano, fishing villages, golfing, history, lush green mountains, mountain climbing, nightlife, relaxation, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, tennis, tropical forest, waterfalls, water sports and windsurfing.



Photo Credit:  falco/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, hats, perfume, rum, soaps, and spices.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Blanc Manger au Coco (dessert). Boudin (sausage). Chatrou (octopus dish). Dorade (grilled fish). Féroce d’Avocat (appetizer).
  • Local Drink to Try: Shrub (liquor). Ti Punch (cocktail).

History
  • In 1463, Christopher Columbus sighted the island.
  • In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrives in Cabet.
  • In 1635 claimed by France.
  • During 1762-1820, the French & British battled ownership.
  • In 1674, annexed by France.
  • In 1804, the British Navy named a rock rising above the sea, H.M.S. Diamond Rock.
  • In 1848, slavery was abolished.
  • In 1815, became French-controlled.
  • In 1851, dormant volcano Mont Pelee erupted.
  • In 1902, the dormant volcano Mont Pelee erupted killing 30,000.
  • In 1974, became a Department of France.

Fun Facts
  • Tourism is its economic stability.
  • In 1763, native Napoleon's Empress Josephine was born.
  • City, Le Diamant renamed a street in honor of former U.S. President, Barack Obama "Rue Obama".
  • Two thirds of the island is protected parkland.


Photo Credit: Joëlle Ortet/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Carnival, Challenge Kite of Fise Academy, (February) International Nautical Week of Schoelcher, (March) Crab Festival, Foire Expo de Fort-de-France, (May) Tchimbé Raid, Yole Festival, (June) Music Day, (July) Banana Festival, Cultural Festival of Fort-de-France, Cycling Tour de Martinique, Le Tour de Martinique, (August) Biguine Jazz Festival, Round Skiff Tour, Tour des Yoles Rondes, (November) Festival of Musicians, International Half Marathon of Fort de France, Martinique Jazz Festival, Raid des Alizés, (December) Festival of Rum, Jazz Festival, and Transmartinique.
  • Holidays: New Years Day, Good Friday, Slavery Abolition Day, Whit Monday, Feast of Assumption, Armistice Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know
  • Daylight savings time not observed.
  • A ferry connects to neighboring islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe and St Lucia.
  • Well populated with bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and wild orchids.
  • Few locals speak English outside of the tourist areas.
  • Local rum uses sugarcane juice rather than molasses prevailing a richer rum.
  • You may enjoy poem, Notebook on Return to My Native Land written by Aime Cesaire.
  • Movies that may inspire your trip, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) and To Have and Have Not (1994).
  • Semiprecious stone "jasper" is found on the southern part of the island.
  • Topless sunbathing is common on the beach and around pools. No nudity, though.
  • After dining, be sure to ask for your bill/check. Otherwise, the premature offer is locally considered rude and rushing diners. 
  • Minimum car rental age is 21.


Photo Credit: orythys/Pixabay 



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.
                                  
                                       Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs in September.

  • Coolest Season: March
  • Humid & Hottest: July -August
  • Peak Season: December - April
  • Shoulder Season: June - November

Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Musee Historique de St Pierre.
  • Museums: An Mao, Ecomuseum of Martinique, Franck A. Perret Museum, Maison de la Canne, Musee de la Pagerie, Musée Départemental d'Archéologie et de Préhistoire de la Martinique, Musee d'Histoire et d'Ethnographie, Centre de Découverte des Sciences de la Terre, Space Museum Aimé Césaire, Le Musée de la Mer, Memorial Anse Caffard, Centre d’Interprétation Paul Gauguin, La Maison du Bèlè, La Maison du Volcan, La Pagerie, Fondation Clément, Habitation La Sucrerie, Plantations Saint James and Sugar Plantation Museum.
  • Popular Attractions: Balata, Balata Botanical Gardens, Bibliotheque Schoelcher, Cabet, Cathedrale St Louis, Diamond Rock, Fort de France, Fort St Louis, Grande Anse de Salines, Lamentin Plain, La Savane, Mont Pelee, Musée de la Banane, Musee Gaugin, Musee Volcanique, Parc Naturel Regional de la Martinique, Pointe Simon, Pointe de Bout, Presque ile de la Caravelle, Rocher de Diamant, Savane de Petrifications, Sacre Coeur de Balata, St Anne, St Pierre,  Tois Ilets


Photo Credit:  falco/Pixabay 



My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available


Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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