11 Best Sights in Martinique

A good day trip from nearby St-Pierre, this 17th-century village surrounded by pineapple fields and filled with flowers is the jumping-off point for several sights. The Saut Babin, a 40-foot waterfall, is a half-hour walk from Ajoupa-Bouillon. The Gorges de la Falaise is a river gorge where you can swim.

On the route to this village on the Atlantic coast at the island's northern end you pass many banana and pineapple plantations. Just south of Basse-Pointe is a Hindu temple, which was built by descendants of the East Indians who settled in this area in the 19th century. The view of Mont Pelée from the temple is memorable.

On the route to this village on the Atlantic coast at the island's northern end—the wild side of Martinique—you pass many banana and pineapple plantations. Just south of Basse-Pointe is a Hindu temple, which was built by descendants of the East Indians who settled in this area in the 19th century. The view of Mont Pelée from the temple is memorable. Basse-Pointe is a short drive from Macouba and is best experienced as a day excursion.

This colorful fishing village has pastel houses on the hillsides and beautifully painted gommiers (fishing boats) bobbing in the water. Look for the restaurant built in the shape of a boat.

A 20-minute drive from Le Carbet, Bellefontaine is a colorful fishing village with pastel houses on the hillsides and beautifully painted gommiers (fishing boats) bobbing in the water. Look for the restaurant built in the shape of a boat.

The yachting capital of Martinique, Le Marin is also known for its colorful August carnival and its Jesuit church, circa 1766. From Le Marin a narrow road leads to picturesque Cap Chevalier, about 1 mile (1½ km) from town. Most of the buildings are white and very European. The marina, a hub for charter boats, is often buzzing with charter sailboats departing and celebrities on impressive yachts pulling in. There are waterfront restaurants and clubs that are a magnet for the younger crowd as well as for sailors and tourists at large.

This quaint village, the last on the northern Caribbean coast, is surrounded by volcanic hot springs. It was the childhood home of Françoise d'Aubigné, who later became the Marquise de Maintenon and the second wife of Louis XIV. At her request, the Sun King donated the handsome bronze bell that still hangs outside the church. The Tomb of the Carib Indians commemorates a sadder event. It's a formation of limestone cliffs, from which the last of the Caraïbes are said to have flung themselves to avoid capture by the marquise's forebears.

The return of the fishermen at noon is the big event in this important fishing port on the Atlantic. There's also the 18th-century Chapel of the Holy Virgin. Nearby is the highest point in the south, Mont Vauclin (1,654 feet). A hike to the top rewards you with one of the best views on the island. The Hotel Cap Macabou has added activity and tourism to this quiet town. Brand new is Le Village de la Pointe, a self-catering cottage complex, and an even less expensive option.

Pronounced shell-share, this upscale suburb of Fort-de-France is home to the University of the French West Indies and Guyana, as well as Martinique's largest convention center, Palais de Congres de Madiana. Schoelcher was named after abolitionist Victor Schoelcher, who is credited with ending slavery on the island.

A long, nearly white-sand beach and a Catholic church are the highlights of this town on the island's southern tip. A bevy of small, inexpensive cafés offer seafood and creole dishes, pizza parlors, produce markets, and barbecue joints—it's a fun and lively place. To the south of Ste-Anne is Pointe des Salines, the southernmost tip of the island and site of one of Martinique's best beaches.

This quaint fishing village has a sleepy main street with tourist shops and markets, and you can see some cool types taking a Pernod. Many young, single people live in this town. From the sidewalk cafés there are panoramic sea views of St. Lucia. Nearby are excellent beaches, nearly white, and several resorts, including three from the Karibea Hotel chain. To the east is Pointe Figuier, an excellent spot for scuba diving. On the way, the Trois-Rivières Distillery is just off the highway, and Club Med is nearby, on its own peninsula.