Places to Visit in Fort-de-France, Martinique, America
Fort-de-France is the capital city of Martinique, an overseas territory and department of France. It is home to French naval base, Fort Saint Louis. The major identities of Fort-de-France include Fort Desaix, Jardin de Balata, Fort-de-France Cathedral and Fort Tartenson.
Geography of Fort-de-France:
Fort-de-France coordinates with 14°36′00″ N latitude and 61°05′00″ W longitude, is located on the west coast of the island at a maximum altitude of 1,070 meters. It covers a land area of 44.21 sq. km.
History of Fort-de-France:
Fort-de-France houses many historical structures of the 17th and 18th centuries, Fort-de-France is the major one which was initially construed in 1638 to defend the city against the attacks of enemies but later it was destroyed by natural disaster and reconstructed in 1669. Fort-Royal and Fort-La-Republique were the two previous names of the fort.
Connectivity to Fort-de-France:
Fort-de-France is located around 10 km away from Martinique Aime Cesaire International Airport which is placed in Le Lamentin, one of the suburbs of Fort-de-France. MACIA is served by Corsair International, Air Caraibes, Air Antilles Express, Seaborne Airlines, American Airlines and many other international airlines with direct flights to Caracas, San Juan, Paris, Miami, Montreal, Cayenne and Barbados.
To move within the city and to reach the airport, tourists can use mopeds or cars or taxis. Fort-de-France has main port of the territory, served by many ferries and boats.
Food and Shopping in Fort-de-France:
The famous shops in Fort-de-France are as follows:
- Leader Price
- Rue Victor Hugo
- Spice Market
- La Galleri
The prominent food corners in Fort-de-France are listed here below:
- Bacchus Bar
- Garage Popular
- La Cave a Vin
- La tavola italiana
Things to do in Fort-de-France:
- Swimming
- Visiting Historical sites
- Hike to Cascade Didier
Tourist Attractions in Fort-de-France:
Fort Desaix:
Fort Desaix is one of four forts of Fort-de-France (the others being Fort Saint Louis, Fort Gerbault and Fort Tartenson) located on a Morne Garnier and was constructed between 1768 and 1772. It was earlier known as Fort Bourbon.
Jardin de Balata:
Jardin de Balata is a must see attraction in Martinique, situated on Route de Balata, around 10 kms away from Fort-de-France. This 3 hectare striking botanical garden was established in 1982 by horticulturist Jean-Philippe Thoze and now it is home to around 3,000 kinds of tropical plants. An entrance fee is charged.
St. Louis Cathedral:
The St. Louis Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral, designed by Parisian Pierre-Henri Picq. The outer structure of the church is really a great treat to the eyes of the tourists.
Other places of interest in Fort-de-France include:
- Place de la Savane
- Schoelcher Library
- Sacré-Cœur de Balata Church
- La Savane
- Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport
- Le grand marché
- Dillon distillery
- Jardin de Balata
- Sacré-Coeur de Balata
- Cascade Absalon
Best time to visit Fort-de-France:
Probably the beginning months of the year will be the ideal time to travel Fort-de-France to explore beautiful beaches.
Accommodation options in Fort-de-France:
Fort-de-France is a picturesque city with plenty of natural attractions and historical monuments. It is also renowned for its world class hotels and most of the hotels are renovated recently to provide top hospitality services for the tourists. The major hotels in and around Fort-de-France are listed below:
- Carib Hotel
- Karibea Valmeniere Hotel
- Hotel La Bateliere
- Hotel l’Imperatrice
- Bayfront Hotel
- Karibea Squash Hotel
- Le Lafayette Hotel
- Engoulevent
- Victoria Hotel
- Centre International de Sejour Martinique
- Akena Foyatel
- Charming studio Fort de France
- Le Nid d’Amour
- Coote Plage
- TI’CASE
- Green Diamond