The official and national language of Petite Martinique (PIT-ty mar-tin-EEK) is French, Creole Patois. By the way Patois is a French word meaning a regional or very local language. This French-based creole also includes
Spanish and African influences.

Here are some of Martinique, phrases, meanings available below:

(comng soon)

New Year’s Day – January 1

February

Carnival

Carnival occurs five days before Ash Wednesday begins and therefore is celebrated in either late February or early March. These five days of festivities are filled with rum drinking, music, costumes and dancing. The majority of the revelry is held around La Savane in Fort-de-France, the capital.

March

Easter Holidays – Good Friday, Easter Monday (late March or early April)

April

Ascension Thursday – Fortieth Day after Easter (occurs late April or early May)

May

Labour Day – May 1
Mont Pelee eruption – May 8
Pentecost Monday (8th Monday after Easter)
Slavery Abolition Day – May 22

There is a commemoration on the eighth May, which is celebrated for the volcanic eruption of Mont Pelee. This is commemorated with live jazz bands and a candlelight procession from the cathedral.

July

Tour de la Martinique (week long bicycle)

Tour de la Martinique (week long bicycle)
Bastille Day – July 14 – Public Holiday
Schoelcher Day – July 21

There is a week-long bicycle race, which is held in mid-July, and the race is conducted for one full week.

August

Tour des Yoles Rondes
Assumption Day – August 15

The tour des Yoles Rondes is also a week-long race, which is held in early August.

November

All Saints Day – November 1
Armistice Day – November 11
Semi-marathon race

December

Martinique Jazz Festival
Guitar Festival
Christmas Day – December 25

Music lovers can enjoy the biennial week-long Martinique Jazz Festival, which is held in December on the odd-numbered years, while the Guitar festival is held on even-numbered years. Thus there is always a music festival there every year.
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-calendar-of-events/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-important-adresses/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-important-adresses/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:41:11 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=402 LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION:

Office du Tourisme;
BP 520;
Pavillon du Tourism;
Rue Ernest Deproge;
97206 Forte-de-France;
Cedex;
Martinique
Tel: 637960 Fax: 736693.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

Note that the Bahamas , Cuba , Haiti , and Jamaica are on
Eastern Time. All others are one hour ahead. Note: Some (809)
area codes are expected to change. If you are unable to get
through on (809), consult your telephone directory or the operator.

Embassy of France:
4101 Reservoir Road,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007.
Tel: (202) 944-6000;
Fax: (202) 944-6166.

Medical Clinics:

Hospital:

Hôpital Pierre Zabla Quitman
(Lamentin. PHONE: 0596/55-20-00).

Hôpital Maison Retraite (Trois Illets,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/66-30-00).

CHG Louis Domergue (R Strade, Trinite,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/66-46-00).

Hôpital du Marin (Bd. Allegre, Marin,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/74-92-05).

Hôpital de St-Pierre (Rue Percee, St-Pierre,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/78-18-24).

Hôpital Pierre Zabla Quitman (Lamentin,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/55-20-00).

Pharmacies:

Pharmacie Cypria (Bd. General de Gaulle,
Fort-de-France. PHONE: 0596/63-22-25).

Pharmacie de la Paix (Corner rue Victor Schoelcher
and rue Perrinon, Fort-de-France. PHONE: 0596/71-94-83).

Emergencies Contact Information:

Ambulance (PHONE: 0596/70-36-48 or 0596/71-59-48).
Fire (PHONE: 18).
Police (PHONE: 17).

Ferry Services:

Fort-de-France to Trois-Ilets, Anse-Mitan beach and
Anse à l’Ane: From early morning until late afternoon,
Vedettes Madinina,
Tel. 596 596 63 06 46, fax. 596 596 63 80 68

Fort-de-France to Trois-Ilets downtown Matinik Cruise Line
travels from Fort-de-France to downtown Trois-Ilets Monday
to Saturday. – Fort-de-France to Sainte-Anne, via Anses d’Arlet
Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday, Societe Martiniquaise Saintannaise,
Tel. 596 596 76.73.45 or 596 596 76.83 23, Fax. 596 596 52.14.73.

Automobile Rentals:

ADA Ducos Tel: 596 596 77 16 77

AG Location Voitures Martinique Ste-Luce Tel: 596 596 62 57 49

Banana’s Car Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 75 62 34

Caravelle Location Tartane Tel: 596 596 58 68 95

Carib Rent a Car Le Lamentin Tel: 596 596 51 15 15

Crocquet S.A. Local Offices Tel: 596 596 60 54 54

Eura Dom Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 60 10 93

Europcar Local Offices Tel: 596 596 51 33 33

Free Dom Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 70 34 70

Fun Martinique Le Marin Tel: 596 596 74 37 10

G.F. Location Le Lamentin Tel: 596 596 51 20 30

Grabin’ Car Rental Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 71 51 61

Helios Location Le Francois Tel: 596 596 54 59 91

Inter Location Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 75 59 14

Jumbo Car Local Offices Tel : 596 596 42 22 22

Locafrance Anses d’Arlets Tel: 595 596 68 61 68

Madiacar Ste-Luce Tel: 596 596 62 35 13

Main dans la Main Le Robert Tel: 596 596 38 03 02

Muca Location Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 60 18 59

Nad in Car Case Pilote Tel: 596 596 61 14 00

National / Citer Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 72 40 13

Ozier-Lafontaine Services Basse-Pointe Tel: 596 596 78 99 56

Rapid Auto Location Local Offices Tel: 596 596 61 82 73

Rent Me Location Le Lamentin Tel: 596 596 57 10 09

River’s Rivière Salee Tel : 596 596 48 05 72

Renteco Ste-Anne Tel: 596 596 76 76 65

Sixt Local Offices Tel: 596 596 42 17 01

Ti Car Location Trois-Ilets Tel: 596 596 66 16 00

Tropicar Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 63 37 41

West Indies Tours Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 54 50 71

Taxi Companies:

Taxi stands are located at the airport, in downtown
Fort-de-France, and at major hotels. All cabs are metered.
Approximate fares: airport to Pointe du Bout hotels, 39E;
airport to center of Fort-de-France, 15E. Between 8 p.m.
and 6 a.m., the taxi surcharge is 40%. Martinique has more
than 200 taxis; 80% of them are Mercedes-Benz.

Audio Communication Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 63 10 10

Cooperative Martinique Taxis Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 63 63 62

Kiosque des Taxis Trois-Ilets Tel: 596 596 66 00 90

Madinina Taxi Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 70 40 10

Parking Taxis Ste-Anne Tel: 596 596 76 73 73

Radio Taxis Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 64 10 10

Taxi 2000 Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 71 58 55

Taxis Parking Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 73 32 21

Taxis Pax Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 73 07 91

Bus Services:

The public buses are inexpensive, much public transport
is by collective taxis, 8-passenger limousines bearing the
sign TC. (There are some 400 TC’s all over the island.) Hours:
early a.m. to 6 p.m. In Fort-de-France, the main terminal is
at Pointe Simon.

S.T.T.P. Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 73 32 00

Transtours Caraïbes Ste-Luce Tel: 596 596 48 00 91

Transports Casanova Case Pilote Tel: 596 59678 83 67

Transportation Services On 2 Wheels / Scooters:

Euro Scooter Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 63 33 05

Jetsun Le Diamant Tel: 596 596 76 21 70

Ste-Luce Location Ste-Luce Tel: 596 596 62 49 66

Sud Loisirs Ste-Anne Tel: 596 596 76 81 82

Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises Tel: 305 262-6677

Clipper Cruise Line Tel: 314 727-2929

Club Med Cruises Tel: 212 977-2100

Commodore Cruise Line Tel: 305 967-2100

Costa Cruises Tel: 305 358-7325

Crystal Cruises Tel: 310 785-9300

Cunard Line Tel: 212 880-7500

Disney Cruises Tel: 800 951-3532

Dolphin Cruise Line Tel: 334 943-3510

Epirotiki Cruises Royal Olympic Cruises Tel: 212 397-6400

EuroCruises, Inc. Tel: 212 691-2099

Holland America Line Tel: 206 283-2687

Mediterranean Shipping Cruises Tel: 212 764-4800

Norwegian Cruise Line Tel: 305 436-4000

P & O Cruises Tel: 310 553-1770

Regal Cruises Tel: 813 867-1300

Seabourn Cruise Line Tel: 415 391-7444

Sea Cloud Cruises Tel: 516 767-9302

Seawind Cruise Line Tel: 305 573-3222

Silversea Cruises, Ltd. Tel: 305 522-4477

Star Clippers, Ltd. Tel: 305 442-0550

Tall Ship Adventures Tel: 303 755-7983

Windstar Cruises Tel: 206 298-3057

World Explorer Cruises Tel: 415 393-1565

Internet Service Providers:

Internet Cafes:

CyBer CluB CaRaiBe
Tel: 05 96 60 22 51
cyberclubcaraib@hotmail.com

l-Relais
24 ruede lapaix
Tel: 00-33-596-58-24-42
Email: i-relais@wanadoo.fr

Travel Agents and Bureaus:

American Express Travel Agency
(800) AXP-0046
Contact the company for daily rates
and availability.

Liberty Travel
(800) 216-9776
Contact the company for daily rates
and availability.

Airline Companies:

Corsair Tel: 596 596 42 16 73

Banks:

Tourism info centers:

Craft Centers
Basket-Weaving workshop
Morne-des-Esses
97230 SAINTE-MARIE
Tel: 596 596 69.83.74
Open Monday to Friday
from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.,
1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Free.

Pottery
97229 TROIS-ILETS
Tel. 596 596 68.17.12.
Open Monday to Saturday
from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Free

“Les Ombrages” / Smelling The Flowers
Trou Congo – 97216 Ajoupa Bouillon
Tel: 596 596 533 190
Fax: 596 596 533 591
Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tourists’attractions:

A C F Aviation Le Lamentin Tel: 596 596 51 07 17

Aquabulle Le Marin Tel: 596 596 74 69 69

Aquascope Trois-Ilets Tel: 596 596 68 36 09

Aquascope Zemis Ste-Anne Tel: 596 596 76 83 71

Aventures Tropicales Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 64 58 49

Belle Kreole (La) Le Francois Tel: 596 596 54 96 46

Caribtour Le Lamentin Tel: 596 596 50 93 60

Escapade Tour Trois-Ilets Tel: 596 596 48 22 64

Jeep Aventure Ste-Luce Tel: 596 596 62 32 05

Petit Train (Le) St-Pierre Tel: 596 596 78 31 41

Vedette Evasion Le Francois Tel: 596 596 54 96 87

Vedette River Cat Le Marin Tel: 596 596 74 96 79

Sightseeing tours:

Ecomusee de la Martinique Riviere Pilote Tel: 596 62 596 79 14

Habitation Ceron Le Precheur Tel: 596 596 52 94 53

Institut de la Mode et des Traditions Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 70 49 70

Jardin de Balata Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 64 48 73

Jardin de la Pelee (Le) Morne Rouge Tel: 596 596 52 42 51

Mac Intosh Plantation Morne Rouge Tel: 596 596 52 47 47

Maison de la Canne Trois-Ilets Tel: 596 596 68 32 04

Musee de la Banane Ste-Marie Tel: 596 596 69 45 01

Musee du Carnaval Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 73 40 07

Musee d’Histoires Naturelles Fort-de-France Tel: 596 596 63 65 51

Musee de la Pagerie Trois-Ilets Tel: 596 596 68 38 34

Musee Paul Gauguin Le Carbet Tel: 596 596 78 22 66

Musee Vulcanologique
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-important-adresses/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-things-to-do/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-things-to-do/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:36:43 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=400 Nightlife:

Boulevard Allègre

Fort-de-France, Martinique

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE. One of hippest areas of Fort-de-France, especially after the sun hits the hay, Boulevard Allègre is home to a fair number of established and up-and-coming bars and dance clubs, like Le New Hippo, Zenith, Le Must, and Top 50. Many of the nightspots along this strip overlook Rivière Madame.

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Casino de la Bateliere Plazza

Quart Bateliere Schoelcher, off route Alizés, Schoelcher, Martinique 97233 · 596-61-73-23

Description: SCHOELCHER. North of Fort-de-France sits the Casino Plazza la Bateliere, a large, American-style casino complete with around 100 slots, blackjack and roulette tables, and a full bar.

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Hôtel Méridien

Marina Pointe du Bout, Trois-Ilets, Martinique · 596-66-00-00

Description: LES TROIS-ILETS. The Meridien Hotel, which overlooks Fort-de-France from Pointe du Bout, offers a small casino area that features 20-plus slot machines and roulette and blackjack tables. The lively La Baraka, adjacent to the casino, is one of the Pointe’s better discothèques.

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Les Grands Ballets of Martiniquais

cité Artisanale Dillon, Fort-de-France, Martinique 97200 · 596-63-43-88

Description: FORT-DE-FRAANCE. This amazing troupe specializes traditional Martiniquais folk dance and music. The Grands Ballets usually performs at area hotels and resorts nightly. Show times and venues vary.

Shopping:

Centre Commercial de Place d’Armes

4 centre cial Place d’Armes, Le Lamentin, Martinique 97232 · 596-51-77-77

Description: LE LAMENTIN. East of Fort-de-France, this shopping area is the closest to Martinique’s International Airport. Lamentin offers a variety of small boutiques and market areas.

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Centre Commercial La Bateliere

Rue de Alizés, Schoelcher, Martinique · 596-61-32-62

Description: This shopping center is located north of Fort-de-France proper.

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Centre des Métiers

Rue Ernest Deproge, Fort-de-France, Martinique 97200 · 596-70-25-01

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE. Loosely translated as the Center for Trading Art, this place is a must for those wanting to take back some local artwork with them. From coral jewelry and paintings to wickerwork and pottery, this artisanal market is one of Fort-De-France’s true gems. Other such markets are located in St-Pierre and St-Anne.

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Galléria

Acajou Lamentin, Le Lamentin, Martinique 97232 · 596-50-66-63

Description: LE LAMENTIN. Martinique’s most Americanized shopping center, the Galleria in Lamentin stands as one of the Caribbean’s largest malls. Unlike its Stateside cousins, however, the Galleria features a variety of popular French chains like Kookai, Bouche B, Morgan, and Alain Manoukian, and Bonjour Paris.

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Rue Victor Hugo

Fort-de-France, Martinique

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE. Fort-de-France’s main shopping drag, this Parisian-style strip is home to a rich collection of chic boutiques, island-themed specialty shops, and vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to colorful bundles of flowers. A stroll through the city’s main shopping district will reveal such fashion-conscious shops as the parfumerie Roger Albert, trendy Harlem Studio, and La Chamade, whose styles take nods from Paris and Nice. In addition to fostering a terrific shopping atmosphere, Victor Hugo also boast some of the islands most enchanting little open-air cafés and restaurants. Side streets of note include Rues Moreau de Jones, Antione Siger, and Lamentin.

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Spice Market

Marché d’Épice, Fort-de-France, Martinique

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE. Designed and built by Henry Picq, Fort-de-France’s Spice Market opened for business in 1901. This traditional Caribbean market is proverbially awash with tropical colors and aromas, as its stalls are often full of bright Martiniquais flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and exotic herbs and spices.

Beaches:

Anse Céron

North of Le Prêcheur, Martinique

Description: Anse Céron, a brief jaunt from Saint-Pierre, offers beach-lovers a pristine black sand beach, flanked to the west by the icy blue Caribbean Sea and to the east by unspoiled forests. Snorkel around the rock formations off shore, catch rays on the undeveloped beach, and end your day by reclining against a palm tree and watching as the sun sets over picturesque Ilet la Perle just offshore. Bathroom and shower facilities are available at Anse Céron.

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Diamant Plage

Le Diamont, Martinique

Description: LE DIAMONT. Located on Martinique’s southwest corner, Diamant is one of the island’s larger beaches, spanning approximately five km. A favorite with sunbathers and beachcombers, Diamont enjoys a certain freedom from the large crowds that tend to congregate at the northern beaches, thanks in large part to rough waters that tend to eschew swimming. Rocher du Diamont, situated just offshore, was the site of a colonial “playground” for AWOL British soldiers; today, however, it is a haven for divers and snorkelers.

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Plage des Salines

Ste-Anne, Martinique 97227

Description: STE-ANNE. Martinique’s southeastern sector, which is not as developed as other parts of the island, is home to one of the island’s most secluded beaches, Plage des Salines. Here, along what many locals regard as Martinique’s best shoreline, you’ll find plenty of white, sandy space to spread out your towel and catch some rays. No bathroom or shower facilities are available.

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Pointe de Marin

Le Marin, Martinique 97290

Description: LE MARIN. Protected to the south by Grande Anse des Salines, Pointe de Marin is easily one of Martinique’s most popular beaches. On any given day, you’ll find the white sands littered with towels, umbrellas, and tanning bodies. Pointe de Marin faces west, so the sun hits it longer than it does those beaches on the east coast. Bathroom and shower facilities are located here, and several small cafés and eateries overlook the beach.

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Pointe du Bout

Les Trois-Ilets, Martinique

Description: LES TROIS-ILETS. A small peninsula just across the bay from Fort-de-France, Pointe au Bout is the capital city’s “shore area,” with several small and man-made beaches. Some of Martinique’s largest resort hotels are located here – the Meridien, Sofitel Bakoua, Frantour, and Novetel to name a few.

Sights & Activities:

Bibliothèque Schoelcher

Rue de la Liberte, and Rue Perrinon, Fort-de-France, Martinique 97200 · 596-70-26-67

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE. Victor Schoelcher, the man who abolished slavery on Martinique in the 1840s, lends his name to this Hénri Pick-designed building, which was constructed entirely in Paris for the 1889 World Exposition. After the Exposition, the building was dismantled and shipped here, on its corner perch overlooking La Savane.

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Caravelle Peninsula

Qua Tartane, La Trinite, Martinique 97220

Description: LA TRINITE. Home to Caravelle Beach, the Caravelle Nature Reserve, and Château Dubuc, this eastern promitory offers some of the island’s most pristine vistas, as hiking trails take explorers past the ruins of Chateau Dubuc (circa 1173) and down to unspoiled white and gray sand beaches.

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Fort St-Louis

Fort-de-France, Martinique

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE BAY. Fort St-Louis, one of the first Western fortifications on the island, dates from the 17th century, when it was constructed to protect the French Empire’s interests in Fort-De-France. Today, the fort is still in use, serving as the homeport for the Caribbean branch of the French navy. Tours of the fort and island are available – just watch out for the iguanas!

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Habitation Clement

Quart Frégate, Domaine de l’Acajou, Le Francois, Martinique 97240 · 0596-54-62-07

Description: LE FRANCOIS. Where do presidents meet when they visit Martinique? In 1991, when Presidents Bush and Mitterand traveled to the island for a Persian Gulf summit, it was at the exquisite Habitation Clement. Here preserved 18th century colonial-style buildings enjoy a splendid setting surrounded by tropical flora, a palm garden, and orchards. A rum distillery is located on the grounds, as is a gift shop.

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Habitation Mac Intosh

Route Longchamps, off route de la Trace, Le Morne Rouge, Martinique 97260 · 596-52-34-21

Description: LE MORNE ROUGE. Located along the scenic Route de la Trace, the MacIntosh Plantation is actually one of the island’s largest growers of anthurium, a delicate red flower that serves as the national eblem of Martinique. After touring these stunning grounds, you’ll understand why Martinique is known as the “Isle of Flowers.”

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La Savane

Place de la Savane, Fort-de-France, Martinique

Description: Rum distilleries and street side cafés to the contrary, the heart and soul of Fort-de-France is this quiet park, which takes up more than 12 acres in the center of town. Noteworthy for its Parisian-style fountains and garden areas, La Savane is a romantic place to spend an afternoon. The park is also home to a statue of Empress Josephine, the wife of Napoleon I who was born in nearby Trois-Ilets.

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Musée Departemental de la Martinique

9 rue de la Liberté, Fort-de-France, Martinique 97200 · 596-71-57-05

Description: FORT-DE-FRANCE. To learn a bit about the history of this beautiful island, pay a visit to this museum, a colonial-style structure that contains a veritable cornucopia of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that depict the last century and half of life on Martinique.

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Route de la Trace & Balata Botanical Garden

Rte de la Trace, Martinique

Description: The unforgettable Route de la Trace forges its way through island’s dense rain forest, leading travelers over the mountains northeast of Fort-de-France. Blazed by 17th century Jesuit missionaries, the route winds through verdant valleys, past clusters of bamboo and wild tropical flowers, and under a virtual canopy of tree ferns. Martinique’s famous Balata Church, an impressive Roman-Byzantine structure modeled after Paris’s Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and the Balata Botanical Gardens (596-64-48-73) also lie along the route.

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Rum Distillerie Tours

, Martinique

Description: As much for its exquisite flowers and pristine beaches, Martinique is known for its high-quality rum, which many consider the best in the world. Fortunately for travelers, most of the island’s distilleries are open the public, including the famous Trois Rivières Distillerie (596-62-51-78), St-James Plantation Distillerie (596-6930-02), and Dillion Distillerie (596-75-20-20). After touring a given distillery, guests are usually invited to free tasting.

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St-Pierre and Mt-Pelée

St-Pierre, Martinique

Description: ST-PIERRE. When Mont-Pelée erupted in 1902, it devastated the quaint town of St-Pierre, killing nearly 30,000 people and sinking the handful of ships that had dropped anchor in the harbor. Ever resilient, the town’s residents worked hard to rebuild the old capital city and, today, visitors to St-Pierre will quickly find why this town has long been known as the “Paris of the West Indies”: shuttered doors, wrought iron balconies, and charming narrow streets.

Bathy’s Club
Troisllets,
Martinique
Telephone 596 66-0000
Fax 596 66-0074

Carib’s Scuba Club
Martinique
Telephone 596 78-0227
Fax 596 66-0074

Club Med/Buccaneer’s Creek
Mr. Rob Brown
Pointe Marin
97227 Ste Anne
Buccaneer’s Creek,
Martinique
Telephone 596 76-7272
Fax 596 76-7202

Club Subaquatique de Case-Pilote
Port de Case-Pilote
B.P. No 3
Case-Pilote,
Martinique
97222
Tel/Fax 596 78-7375
Tel/Fax 596 78-7991
Fax 596 60-5693

Les Amis d Neptune- Centre de plongee
Vuillaume
Marina Des Trois Ilets
Pointe du Bout,
Martinique
Telephone 059 627-0680

Planete Bleue
Marina
Pointe du Bout
97229, Trois-ilets,
Martinique
Telephone 0596 66-0879
Fax 0596 66-1001
Cellular 0596 45-3277

Tropicasub Diving Center
Lafont
BP 17
Saint-Pierre,
Martinique
97250
Tel/Fax 596 52-4682
Telephone 596 78-3803
Cellular 596 24-2430
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-things-to-do/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-things-to-know/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-things-to-know/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:32:07 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=398 Time Zone* EST+1

Summer Sunrise/Sunset: 5:37 AM to 6:36 PM

Winter Sunrise/Sunset: 6:25 AM to 5:42 PM

Average Temperature Summer: 82 degrees F

Average Temperature Winter: 77 degrees F

Average Rainfall: 76″

Rainiest Months: July-November

Water Temperature Summer: 82 degrees F

Water Temperature Winter: 79 degrees F

Average humidity: 75%

Dry Season: December-May

Hurricane season: July-September

The main highways, about 175 mi (280 km) of well-paved and well-marked roads are excellent, but only in a few areas are they night-lit. Many hotels are on roads that are barely passable, so get wherever you’re going by nightfall or prepare to be lost. Then tell a stranger:”Je suis perdu.” (I am lost)! It elicits sympathy. Drive defensively; although Martinicans are polite and lovely people, they drive with aggressive abandon.

Martinique, especially around Fort-de-France and environs, has become plagued with heavy traffic. Streets in the capital are narrow and choked with cars during the day. It’s wiser to visit it on the weekends since almost every weekday from October through late spring is a cruise-ship day. Absolutely avoid the Lamentin Airport area and Fort-de-France during weekday rush hours, roughly 7 to 10 AM and 4 to 7:30 PM, or on Sunday nights. Even the smaller towns like Trinite have rush hours. Pay particular attention late on Friday and Saturday nights. Martinicans love to party and those are the big nights out. Watch, too, for dos d’ânes (literally, donkey backs), speed bumps that are hard to spot — particularly at night — though if you hit one, you’ll know it. Gas is costly, nearly $5 per gallon.

Of the many agencies, Jumbo is the most likely to cut a deal, but few staffers speak English. Europcar will deliver the car to you and later pick it up, and their rates are usually among the lowest.

Agencies:

Avis (PHONE: 0596/42-11-00).

Budget (PHONE: 0596/42-04-04).

Europcar (PHONE: 0596/42-42-42).

Hertz (PHONE: 0596/51-01-01).

JumboCar (PHONE: 0596/42-22-22 or 0820/22-02-30).

By Taxi:

Taxis, which are metered, are expensive. (You can try bargaining by offering to pay a flat rate to your destination.) Drivers of M. Marital Mercedes taxis speak English, Spanish, and German as well as French. At Taxi de Place you will find some English-speaking drivers, lots of courtesy, and new SUVs.

Locals take collectifs (vans that take up to 10 passengers), which cost just a few euro and depart from the waterfront in Fort-de-France to all the main areas of the island. Don’t be shy, because it can mean the difference between paying EUR3 and, say, EUR60 for a taxi to reach the same destination. But drivers don’t usually speak English. Buses also are an option, and are even cheaper (for example, there’s a bus that runs from Trinite to Tartane). The tourist offices can help with maps and information.

M. Marital Mercedes taxis (PHONE: 0596/64-20-24; 0696/45-69-07 mobile). Regular taxis (PHONE: 0596/63-63-62 or 0596/63-10-10). Taxi de Place (PHONE: 0696/31-91-05).
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-getting-around/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-getting-there/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-getting-there/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:26:33 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=394 Most North American travelers begin by flying to Miami, St. Maarten or Puerto Rico on American Airlines (Tel. 800-433-7300) or other air carrier.

Air France (800-237-2747) has flights from Miami to Martinique.

American Eagle (Tel. 800-433-7300) has flights from San Juan to Guadeloupe. From there, Air Caraïbes offers flights from Guadeloupe to Martinique.

North American Airlines (212-333-8680) has seasonal charter flights from JFK New York.

BWIA (800-538-2942) offers service from JFK New York with a LIAT connection in Antigua or Barbados.

From regional islands to Martinique:

Air Caraïbes (Tel: 590-590-82-47-47 [Guadeloupe] / 787-253-0933 [Puerto Rico] / Fax: 590-590-82-47-48 or 590-590-82-47-49) or reservation@aircaraibes.com. US residents can contact Air Caraïbes toll-free at 877-772-1005. Air Caraïbes can be ticketed through Continental, US Airways, Delta and Air France three months before travel.

Air Antilles Express (Tel. 590-590-38-43-44 or 590-590-38-43-40 [Guadeloupe] ) or resa@airantilles.com. Flights from St. Martin (Grand Case Esperance Airport) or Guadeloupe.

LIAT (Tel. 868-624-4727) or reservations@liatairline.com.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens need to present a passport or one expired
no more than five years or a birth certificat (original
or certified copy) or a voter’s registration card plus
picture ID. All visitors must have a return or ongoing
ticket as well.

DEPARTURE TAX: Get There

AIRLINES

Air Calypso: (590) 93-73-73

Air Canada: (800) 776-3000

Air France: (800) 237-2747

Air Guadeloupe: (011-590) 42-16-71

Air Martinique: (011-596) 42-16-60

American Eagle: (800) 433-7300

LIAT: (800) 468-0482
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-getting-there/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-faqs/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-faqs/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:22:09 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=391 When is the best weather in Martinique?

Martinique excels in warm, sunny weather, averaging temperatures between
21°C (70°F) and 28°C (83°F) whether it’s January or July. Measurable rain
falls an average of 13 days a month in April, the driest month, and about
twice as often in September, the rainiest month. Martinique’s average
humidity is high, ranging from 80% in March and April to 87% in October
and November. The mountainous northern interior is both cooler and rainier
than the coast.

Do I need a passport to visit Martinique?

When traveling internationally, carry your passport even if you don’t need one
(it’s always the best form of I.D.) and make two photocopies of the data page
(one for someone at home and another for you, carried separately from your passport).
If you lose your passport, promptly call the nearest embassy or consulate and the
local police.

All visitors must have a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket.

The best time to apply for a passport, or to renew your old one, is in fall or
winter. Before any trip, check your passport’s expiration date, and, if necessary,
renew it as soon as possible.

Is the water safe to drink?

Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not
pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?

Most tourist locations are equipped with 220-volt electrical outlets. If you’re
coming from North America and plan to use your own appliances, bring a converter
kit with adapters.

Are there any airport fees?

None except for charter flights.

FFr 75 payable in local currency is levied on all foreign nationals.

What is the legal drinking/gambling age?

The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years.

Can I get married in Martinique?

At least one of the pair must reside on the island for 30 days to receive
residency allowing them to apply for a license.

Cost: None

Couples wishing to get married on Martinique must present an original
birth certificate or a copy with a raised seal.

Other documents required include a certificate of good conduct, with
certification of single status.

Also required is a residency card. Please note that one member of the
betrothed couple must have resided on the island for at least one month.

A medical certificate, including proof of a blood test, is also
required and must be issued within three months of the marriage.

French translations of English-language documents must be provided.
At the wedding ceremony, a “Bulletin de Mariage” and a “Livret de
Famille” will be presented.

No fee is involved.

Can I bring my pet to Martinique?

You can temporarily import animals over three months with a health certificate
and a record of inoculations, which must include a rabies shot, issued by a
licensed veterinarian from the country of origin. The rabies shot must have
been administered at least 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to visiting.

For more information contact the Department of Agriculture (Chambre d’agriculture
de la Martinique) at Place d’Armes, BP 312 – 97286 Le Lamentin; tel 05-96-51-75-75;
fax 05-96-51-93-42; e-mail chambagr@ais.mq or accueil@apca.chambagri.fr;

What about fishing?

Hotels will help set up deep-sea fishing if given a day or two’s notice. The
most popular catches: dolphin, kingfish, bonito, barracuda and tuna. A good
contact for charters is Yves Pelisson in Le Diamant whose two boats are Little
Queeny and Maverick Too (Tel: 596 596 76.24. 20; Fax: 596 596 76.13.47).
Marine Hotel (Tel: 596 596 76.46.00), also in Le Diamant, organizes sport
fishing trips, as does Caribtours (Tel: 596 596 50.93.52).

In Bellefontaine, Association Coup de Senne can arrange for visitors to fish
in typical island fashion with fishermen (Tel/fax. 596 596 55.13.88). For surf-
casting, best bets are Cap Macre, Cap Ferre and Cap Chevalier in Sainte-Anne.

Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?

There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.

Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?

Although there are no official nude beaches topless bathing is common.

Martinique – Anse Traubaud is a pretty beach with many palm trees.

It’s topless as a general rule – be sure to check locally before going nude.
You can also check out Petite Anse de Salines and decide yourself if going
nude will be acceptable. Opinions vary on that one. It can be reached by a
foot trail from the Anse Traubaud parking area.

What is there to see or do in Martinique?

Centre des Metiers d’Art
Rue Ernest Deproge, Fort-de-France, Martinique 97200 · 596-70-25-01

Galleria
Acajou Lamentin, Le Lamentin, Martinique 97232 · 596-50-66-63

Casino de la Bateliere Plazza
Quart Bateliere Schoelcher, off route Alizes, Schoelcher, Martinique 97233·
596-61-73-23

Les Grands Ballets of Martiniquais
cite Artisanale Dillon, Fort-de-France, Martinique 97200 · 596-63-43-88

Martinique is a great place, can I move there?

Americans living or traveling in the French West Indies are encouraged to register
with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel
registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov , and to obtain updated
information on travel and security within the French West Indies.

The U.S. Embassy is located in the First Caribbean International Bank Building
on Broad Street. Internet: http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov. The Consular Section
is open for American Citizens Services from 8:30am to 11:30am and 1:00 to 2:00pm,
Monday-Friday, except Barbados and U.S. holidays. For after-hours service, American
citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados,
telephone 1-246-436-4950.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Martinique is located at the Hotel Valmeniere #615,
Avenue des Arawaks, 97200 Fort de France, telephone (011) (596) (596) 75-6754,
fax (011) (596) (596) 70-8501, email: usconsulaireagencemartinique@wanadoo.fr.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm, except French and
U.S. holidays.

What about island hopping?

Fort-de-France to Trois-Ilets, Anse-Mitan beach and
Anse à l’Ane: From early morning until late afternoon,
Vedettes Madinina,
Tel. 596 596 63 06 46, fax. 596 596 63 80 68

Fort-de-France to Trois-Ilets downtown Matinik Cruise Line
travels from Fort-de-France to downtown Trois-Ilets Monday
to Saturday. – Fort-de-France to Sainte-Anne, via Anses d’Arlet
Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday, Societe Martiniquaise Saintannaise,
Tel. 596 596 76.73.45 or 596 596 76.83 23, Fax. 596 596 52.14.73.

Can I access the Internet from Martinique?

open weekdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and Saturday 6 PM to 1 AM. In Pointe du Bout,
Prolavnet is both an Internet cafe and a laundrette. There’s also Internet service
at the main post office and in some of the branches in other towns like Le Francois.
In Le Marin, the Calebasse Cafe, a music venue by night, has an Internet station;
it’s closed Monday but opens early, at 7 AM. Local ISPs include Net Antilles
(website: www.antilles-net.com) and Wanadoo.

Calebasse Cafe
19 bd. Allegre
Le Marin, Martinique
PHONE: 0596/74-84-20

Cyber Cafe Blenac
Rue Blenac
Fort-de-France
Martinique
PHONE: 0596/70-31-62

Prolavnet
Villa Creole
Pointe du Bout
Martinique
PHONE: 0596/66-07-79

Can I use my cellular telephone in Martinique?

GSM 900/1800 networks in use. Roaming agreements in operation. Network providers
include Bouygues Telecom Caraïbe and Orange Caraïbe (website: www.orange.gp).
Coverage extends throughout the French Antilles and in French Guiana.

What is the Dress code in Martinique?

Dress in Martinique is casual. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits,
short shorts, and short tank tops in public. For dinner collared shirts are
suitable for men and light cotton sundresses for women. You may want to bring
a light sweater/jacket for evenings.

Do you need a driving License?

Driving is on the right side of the road and valid driver’s license is needed to
rent a car. Minimum age is 21. Buses are inexpensive as are collective taxis with
the sign TC.

Emergencies Contact Information?

Ambulance (PHONE: 0596/70-36-48 or 0596/71-59-48).
Fire (PHONE: 18).
Police (PHONE: 17).

Hospital:

Hôpital Pierre Zabla Quitman
(Lamentin. PHONE: 0596/55-20-00).

Hôpital Maison Retraite (Trois Illets,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/66-30-00).

CHG Louis Domergue (R Strade, Trinite,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/66-46-00).

Hôpital du Marin (Bd. Allegre, Marin,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/74-92-05).

Hôpital de St-Pierre (Rue Percee, St-Pierre,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/78-18-24).

Hôpital Pierre Zabla Quitman (Lamentin,
Martinique. PHONE: 0596/55-20-00).

Pharmacies:

Pharmacie Cypria (Bd. General de Gaulle,
Fort-de-France. PHONE: 0596/63-22-25).

Pharmacie de la Paix (Corner rue Victor Schoelcher
and rue Perrinon, Fort-de-France. PHONE: 0596/71-94-83).

What are the entry requirements in Martinique?

American, Canadian, and British citizens require a valid passport. All visitors
must also have an onward or return ticket.

Nationals of other countries may require visas. Consult your nearest France
consulate or embassy.

What is the language in Martinique?

The official language of Martinique is French. Others: Creole patois.

What are the store hours in Martinique?

Stores that cater to tourists are generally open weekdays 8:30-6, Saturday 8:30-1.
Many stores in Fort-de-France close 12:30-2 for lunch.

What about tipping?

All restaurants include a 15% service charge in their menu prices. You can always
add to this if you feel that service was particularly good.

Can you use credit cards?

Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants in Fort-de-France and
the Pointe du Bout areas, and you will generally get a favorable exchange rate
on purchases; few establishments in the countryside accept them. Many establishments
are no longer accepting American Express because its fees are too high, so be certain
not to leave home without it, but also carry a second or third card, a MasterCard or
Visa. There’s generally a 20% discount on luxury items paid for with traveler’s
checks or with certain credit cards.

Travelers cheques:
Accepted in most places, and may qualify for discounts on luxury items. To avoid
additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques
in Euros or US Dollars.

Is there a best time to visit the island?

High season runs from mid-November through May, and the island can be quiet the
rest of the year, with some hotels closing down for months, particularly in
September and October. Those places that remain open offer significant discounts.

Is there an airport?

Martinique’s ultramodern International Lamentin Airport near Fort-de-France, has
regular flights daily on American Airlines (from N.Y., Newark and other U.S.
cities to Pointe a pitre) with connections on Air Caraibes from Pointe a Pitre.
From Miami, Air France flies jets (737’s) daily. BWIA offers daily service from
JFK with a LIAT connection in Antigua or Barbados. Air Caraibes fly to and from
Guadeloupe, St.Martin, St. Lucia (Vieux Fort), Dominica, Antigua, St. Vincent,
Grenada and Trinidad. Air Antilles fly several times a day to and from Guadeloupe
and St Martin but also to and from St Domingo (Dominican Rep) and St Barth.
LIAT also serves nearby islands. In 2004, Martinique welcomed 514,470 stay-over
visitors.

Lamentin International Airport (PHONE: 0596/42-16-00).

What about Taxes?

A resort tax varies from city to city. Each has its own tax, with most between
EUR.76 and EUR1.25 per person per day; the maximum is EUR2.25. Rates quoted by
hotels usually include a 10% service charge; however, some hotels add 10% to
your bill.

What about Banks?

ATMs
ATMs generally accept Visa and MasterCard on the Cirrus/Plus and Maestro networks.
Credit Agricole has ATMs located in Fort-de-France at 106 General de Gaulle St,
58 Ernest Deproge St, Lamentin International Airport, and at the Cluny Commercial
Centre, as well as on Schoelcher St in Rivière-Salee. La Poste and Credit Mutuel
also have ATMs at the airport.

The main banks are Banque Francaise Commerciale, Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP),
Bred – Credit Martiniquais, Credit Agricole, Banque des Antilles Francaises (BDAF),
Credit Mutuel, and Societe Generale de Banque aux Antilles (SGBA).

Banking and business hours:

Bank hours vary greatly between branches. In general they are open Monday through
Friday anytime between 7:30/8:45am and 12:30/1:15pm and reopen after lunch anytime
between 1:45/2:30pm and 4/5:30pm. Some are closed all day on Monday as well as
Wednesday afternoons after 12:30/1:45pm. Some are open on Saturday anytime
from 7:30/9am until 12 noon/1pm

What about Crime?

Martinique is a reasonably safe island, where crime is not a major concern. In
Fort-de-France, however, exercise the same safety precautions you would in any
large city. And never leave jewelry or money unattended on the beach or in your
car. Except for the area around Cap Chevalier and the Caravelle Peninsula, the
Atlantic waters are rough and should be avoided by all but expert swimmers.

Calling to and from Martinique?

To call Martinique from the United States, dial 011 + 596 + 596 + the local six-digit
number (you must dial 596 twice). If calling from Guadeloupe you should dial 0596 and
the six digits. Numbers with the 0696 prefix are for cell phones. The Outgoing
international code: 19.

Should I exchange my money for local currency?

Since January 2002 the Euro has been the official currency for the French
Overseas Departments (Departements d’outre-mer), French Guiana, Guadeloupe,
Martinique and Reunion. For further details, exchange rates and currency
restrictions, see France section. US Dollars are also accepted in some
places.

Currency exchange:
All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.
]]> http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/martinique-faqs/feed/ 0 http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/about-martinique/ http://ucaribbean.com/blog1/2008/12/26/about-martinique/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:17:47 +0000 Blogger http://www.ucaribbean.com/blog/?p=389 WHY MARTINIQUE?
Rum distilleries, banana museum, beautiful people,

HISTORY:
June 15 1502, Christopher Colombus landed in Martinique, and discovered these people that he called ” Indians ” or ” red skins ” because of a red dyeing (the rocou) used by Arawaks to paint their body against the mosquitos. The Spaniards did not leave colonists on the island. The Spaniards, who feared the Caribbean Indians neglected this island.
The island was colonized by France in 1635 by Pierre Belain d’ Esnambuc, who died in 1658. In 1664, repurchased by the Company of the Western Indies in 1664, the island becomes a colony of the kingdom in 1674 and Colbert institutes the blacks trade.
Colony of the Crown in 1783, it was very coveted by the English who settled there in 1794, after the first convention of the abolition of slavery.

There have been people living in Martinique, a small island in the Caribbean since 3000 BC, but the earliest record is of the Arawak peoples, who populated it around 100 BC. They named their island Madinina, meaning island of flowers. These peaceful inhabitants were killed by the Carib Indians in the 7th century AD, who occupied the island until the arrival of the Europeans.

PEOPLE / CULTURE:
Ethnic groups: African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Chinese less than 5%

Prior to the discovery of Martinique by Columbus in 1493, the area was inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians. There was no real European interest in the island until French colonies were established in 1635. Though the British made brief attempts to occupy the island during the 18th and 19th centuries, it has remained under French control ever since (along with Guadeloupe). Slavery was abolished in 1848 and, in the late 19th century, tens of thousands of immigrant workers arrived from India to replace the slave workforce on the plantations. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe were administered as parts of French Antilles. In 1946, rather than following a path to independence, the two islands were incorporated into the French nation with the status of Overseas Departments.

Martinique lies in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago and is one of the many islands which make up the group of lesser Antilles, or “Breezy Islands.”

The waters lapping at its shores are those of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the west. The island is located 4,261 miles from Paris (8 hours by plane), and is 273 miles from the American continent (4.5 hours by plane, direct flight). The closest two neighboring islands are Dominica (15.5 miles to the north) and Saint Lucia (23 miles to the south).

Despite the ubiquitous French influence on Martinican culture, French-Indian Creole traditions dominate the island’s cuisine, language, music and customs. Although French is the official language, most Martinicans also speak Creole, which grew out of the pidgin that early setters used to communicate with each other, and which also bears the traces of the many tongues spoken by African slaves.

A literary and philosophical movement known as Negritude emerged in the 1930s, largely through the writings of Martinican native Aime Cesaire, a poet and long-time mayor of Fort-de-France. Negritude strived to advance black social and cultural values and re-establish bonds with African traditions that had been suppressed by French colonialism.
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