In the North, Wild, dramatic, proudly decked out in luxuriant green. A land of water and fire, tinged with metallic sand. The South: open country, vibrant shimmering colors. A land of gentle contours.


Everything is here to smell… In the morning, there’s the fragrance of flowers and herbs glistening with dew. As the day wears on, a delicate mix of aromas wafts through the air, hinting at the fresh ingredients of Creole dishes being prepared.

Everything is here to taste… The flavors of Martinican cuisine are subtle and complex, a mix of influences from America, Africa, Europe and Asia. It’s the world on your plate, whether boeuf bourginon or court-bouillon, foie gras or fish curry.

French, the official language, is spoken by almost everyone. The local Creole patois uses words borrowed from France, England, Spain, and Africa. In the wake of increased tourism, English is spoken in the major hotels, restaurants, and tourist organizations.

Restaurants generally add a 15% service charge to all bills, which you can supplement if you think the service is outstanding. Some hotels also add a 10% service charge to your bill. Tip taxi drivers at least 15% of the fare.

The climate is relatively mild - the average temperature is in the 75°F to 85°F (24°C-29°C) range.
Taxes & Service Charges - Most hotels include a 10% service charge in the bill; all restaurants include a 15% service charge. Also added onto your hotel bill is a resort tax known locally as "une taxe hotelière," which ranges from 2€ to 2.50€ ($2.60-$3.25) per person per night, depending on the hotel's rating and category.

Banks-- Most of the banks of Martinique maintain the following hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30am to noon and from 2:30 to 4pm. In recent years a few of them have opted to close on Wednesday afternoon. Others maintain a policy of remaining closed a ll day Monday, but opening their doors every Saturday morning between 7:30am and noon. There are about a dozen ATMs in Fort-de-France, at least three at Lamentin Airport, and a scattering of others throughout the island, usually in such touristed areas as Pointe du Bout, Le Diamant, and Ste-Anne.