Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique — a French overseas territory and one of the most distinctive islands in the Caribbean. Formerly known as Fort-Royal, the city boasts colonial architecture with ornate iron balconies reflecting its rich Creole culture. Lush tropical forests, an active volcanic mountain, and pristine beaches surround the city.
Part of the Lesser Antilles, Martinique sits between Dominica and St. Lucia. French settlers arrived in the mid-1600s and have remained ever since — making this island as much a part of France as Paris, with French cuisine, French fashion, and French administrative policies. Martinique was also the birthplace of Empress Josephine; her childhood home is now a museum containing love letters from Napoleon.
Martinique is one of the few Caribbean islands still growing sugarcane and bananas, and has a respected reputation for producing unique agricole rum — rum made directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses.
Check out these excursions in Martinique.
Know Before You Go
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Fort-de-France, Martinique – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Fort-de-France, Martinique
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
The port is located on Martinique's central-western coast at the mouth of the Madame River — the largest port on the island. Depending on your cruise line, your ship will dock at either Pointe Simon pier or nearby Tourelles, which is about a 15-minute walk to the center of town.
The cruise terminal has a shopping complex with numerous vendors. Each ship is traditionally greeted by a local hostess in traditional Creole costume — a welcoming touch that sets Martinique apart from most Caribbean ports.
Getting Around Fort-de-France, Martinique
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚗 Car Rental
A good option for exploring the island independently. Driving is on the right-hand side. An international driver's license is required. A VAT of 8.5% is added to the final bill. US-based rental firms are recommended — local French West Indies rental services can have confusing rates and poor customer service.
Budget has an office at 30 Rue Ernest-Desproges, La Faie, Cruise Terminal, Fort-de-France. Avis is located at Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport.
🚕 Taxis
Local law requires all taxis to have a working meter running during transport. If a driver quotes a flat rate, find another cab. For island tours, negotiating with the driver is acceptable. A 40% surcharge applies between 7pm and 6am.
🚌 Buses
Grands buses (about 40 passengers) operate within Fort-de-France city limits. For travel outside the city, Taxis Collectifs (TC) are privately owned minivans holding 9 passengers with flexible routes based on passenger needs. These vehicles may not always be in the best condition — use your judgment before boarding.
⛴️ Ferry
Ferries depart from rue de la Liberté in Fort-de-France to the hotel and tourist district of Pointe du Bout. An inexpensive and scenic way to cross the bay. About 20 ferries run in 60-minute intervals between 6:30am and 9pm.
Things To Do in Fort-de-France, Martinique
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Fort-de-France is one of the most visually striking cities in the Caribbean — and the island beyond is extraordinary. Here's what to see and do:
Bibliothèque Schoelcher — One of the most recognizable landmarks in Fort-de-France. This stunning public library was originally built in Paris for the 1889 World Exposition, then disassembled and shipped to Martinique to be reassembled. Named after Victor Schoelcher, a leader in the fight to free Caribbean slaves. Unmissable even from the outside.
Mount Pelée — An active volcano that last erupted in 1902, destroying the city of Saint-Pierre and killing nearly 30,000 people. It has been quiet since. The hike to the summit offers awe-inspiring views over the island. A dramatic and historically significant site unlike anything else on a Caribbean itinerary.
Balata Botanical Gardens — A three-hectare garden with over 3,000 plant species on display. Walk the carefully landscaped grounds and cross the suspension rope bridge over the jungle canopy. One of the finest botanical gardens in the Caribbean.
Fort St. Louis — An imposing fort towering 200 feet above a steep cliff with some of the best views of both the city and the sea. Tours available in several languages.
Pointe du Bout — Directly across the bay from Fort-de-France, accessible by a short scenic ferry ride. Martinique's most popular resort area with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and man-made beaches equipped with chairs and umbrellas. A complete contrast to the working city of Fort-de-France.
Check out all excursions in Martinique for dozens more activities across the island.
Beaches & Outdoors in Fort-de-France, Martinique
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Martinique has some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. The south coast tends toward white-sand romance; the north is dramatic and rugged:
Pointe du Bout
Directly across the bay from Fort-de-France — accessible by ferry in about 20 minutes. Man-made beaches with deck chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The most convenient full-service beach option from the port.
Les Salines
Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean — a long crescent of white sand and calm turquoise water at the southern tip of the island. A taxi or car rental is needed to reach it (about 45 minutes from Fort-de-France).
Anse Mitan
A popular beach near Pointe du Bout with good swimming, watersports, and several beach restaurants. Easily reached by ferry from Fort-de-France.
Anse Noire
A small, dramatic black sand beach on the south coast near Anses d'Arlet — formed by volcanic rock. Unique and beautiful, excellent snorkeling, and far fewer crowds than the southern white-sand beaches.
Shopping in Fort-de-France, Martinique
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Martinique offers one of the better shopping experiences in the Caribbean — a mix of French fashion, local Creole crafts, fresh produce, rum, and spices:
Rue Victor Hugo
The high-end shopping street — the latest trends in French fashion, boutiques, and upscale retailers. The closest you'll get to a Parisian shopping experience in the Caribbean.
Grand Marché (Marché aux Épices)
Fort-de-France's central marketplace, operating since 1885. Fresh produce, spices, rum, crafts, and souvenirs. Colorful, authentic, and one of the best markets in the French West Indies. Don't miss the rum stalls.
Galeries Lafayette Martinique
Located in the Galleria shopping center near Fort-de-France. Clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, toys, and everything in between — the full French department store experience.
Bijouterie Pascal de Rogatis
Crafting jewelry that reflects the tradition of the French West Indies since 1946. Unique rings, earrings, and necklaces you won't find anywhere else — a genuine local institution.
Dining in Fort-de-France, Martinique
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Fort-de-France offers the best of two worlds — spicy Creole dishes and the finest French wine and cheeses. The local Creole cuisine is deeply flavored with island spices, fresh seafood, and French technique.
The Yellow
Fish, rice, vegetables, and mashed plantains — plus duck, steak, and seafood options. A well-regarded local choice for Creole cuisine done properly.
Le Petit Tonneau
An authentic Portuguese-influenced restaurant in the middle of Fort-de-France — small, cozy, and serving top-notch Creole cuisine. Escargots, frog legs, duck, steak, and bacalhau (salt cod) all on the menu.
Chez Carole
A Fort-de-France institution with a colorful setting and authentic local character. A classic choice for experiencing the city's Creole food culture.
La Tavola Italiana
Italian cuisine for those wanting a break from Creole and French fare — a reliable option in the city center.
Nuevo Mejico
Tex-Mex cuisine — tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. A casual and popular option for something different.
The Melting Pot
A fast-service pasta bar — staff prepare and pack your meal quickly for eating on the go. A good option when time is short.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel
Sail the turquoise waters of Martinique's protected bays on a catamaran and snorkel the colourful coral reefs teeming wi...
Book This Tour →Half Day Sail and Snorkel
Spend the morning sailing Martinique's beautiful coastline before dropping anchor at a pristine snorkel spot. A perfect ...
Book This Tour →Caribbean Snorkel and Boat Tour
Discover Martinique's spectacular underwater world on this guided boat and snorkel tour along the island's dramatic volc...
Book This Tour →Fort-de-France, Martinique – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Martinique known for?
Martinique is a French overseas territory known for its French Caribbean culture, world-famous rhum agricole (agricultural rum), the volcanic Mount Pelée, the ruins of Saint-Pierre (destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902), beautiful beaches, and excellent French cuisine.
What currency is used in Martinique?
Martinique uses the Euro — it's a full French territory and EU member. Credit cards are widely accepted. USD is not commonly accepted, so either use a credit card or exchange currency.
What is rhum agricole?
Martinique produces a unique style of rum called rhum agricole, made directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. Martinique's production method is UNESCO-recognized and the rum is considered among the finest in the world.
Do I need to speak French in Martinique?
French is the primary language and English is not as widely spoken as in other Caribbean islands. Basic French phrases are very helpful. In tourist areas and at the cruise terminal, some English is available.
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