Martinique |
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 Rocher du Diamante |
Lying 22 nautical miles south-southeast of Scotts Head on Dominica, is the northern end of the largest, and one of the most prosperous island in the Windwards. This is the French island of Martinique with its busy cosmopolitan capital city of Fort de France. The highest point on the island, and also the northernmost peak, is the Mt. Pelée volcano which, at about 4800 feet, last erupted in 1902 killing almost 30,000 souls, barely a second ago in geological terms. Nevertheless, the town of St. Pierre at the southwestern foot of Mt. Pelée thrives today with many structures now extensions of those buried or burned in the eruption. |
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Ashore in St. Pierre one finds many different kinds of boutiques, ships, markets, restaurants and bars characteristic of the thriving community it is. And of course taxis abound and await your pleasure for a jaunt to revel in the interior of the island and its scenic delights. In the harbor adjacent to this waterfront town are a dozen wrecks from the eruption of more than a century ago that present interesting diving opportunities along with the natural underwater spectaculars. Further south along the western coast lies the diminutive fishing village of Case Pilote presenting a town unspoiled by the pressures of tourism. Aside from the croissants found ashore, snorkeling opportunities represent one of the best reasons to cast an anchor here. |
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The bay area of Fort de France holds on its north shore the city of the same name that is not only the largest city on Martinique, it is also the largest in the Windward Islands and is very French in this offshore French province. Besides being a center of attraction for cruise ships, Fort de France is also a yachting Mecca of the eastern Caribbean. Think of any large maritime city of continental France and you would not be far off in your perspective of this one. You will need to change your dollars to euros as the Martinique view the dollar with some suspicion. Here you will find all the delights of large shopping markets with typically French goods including bread, pastries and wines, all at reasonable prices. And, of course, clothing stores a la Parisian abound as do both French restaurants and the cafes typical of ones you would find on the continent. If the anchorage on the south shore of the bay in the delightful Pointe de Bout - Trois Ilets area is your holding spot, hourly ferries ply the bay to Fort de France on the north side of the bay. |
 Looking to catch a sale |
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At the southwest extent of the Baie de Fort de France is the village of Anse Mitan, a delightful stopping spot of beautiful beaches and shopping opportunities without the hustle-bustle of the city. Ferry boats also ply back and forth to Fort de France. |
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 Tranquil village of Ste. Anne |
As one travels south along the coast, the areas of Anse a L'Ane, Anse Noire, and both Grand and Petit Anse D'Arlet present delightful alternatives to those more busy areas in the Baie de Fort de France, presenting a number of opportunities for water activities as well as beach diversions. Further along and turning to the east towards the southernmost part of Martinique, pass Rocher du Diamante or Diamond Rock on the way to Ste. Anne, a delightful little village with a pristine beach to the west nestled into the hills adjacent to the shore. Immediately to the east lies Club Med at the entrance to Cul de Sac Marin, home of Sunsail Yacht Charters located at the Port de Plaisance or port for pleasure craft. Here you can partake of your favorite seafood prepared in the French or Creole style of your choice. |