Originally from Martinique, I will help you discover this island with its sensational landscapes, historic cities and strong culture.
There Martinique is full of sensational landscapes, between heavenly beaches with white or black sand and invigorating rivers, arid hiking trails and lush vegetation barely letting the sun filter through, cities that exude a past rich in history, and mountain ensuring that it never goes out.
She is also a cultural destination. Through its various rums and its heritage linked to the Habitations, the little-known tradition of Bèlè, the traditional and epic Tour of Martinique of the round Yoles which reminds us that it is an island of sailors, its various festivals which bring people together, its markets whose scents confirm a extremely rich gastronomy and a friendliness very characteristic of Martinique.
The gastronomy of Martinique is varied and serves as a witness to the history of the island and its inhabitants, with Caribbean influences (such as smoked chicken), European, African (brought by slaves) and Indian (from Indian immigration), always adapted to the products of the island.
He is credited with the international musical genre called Zouk, but there are others traditional music such as the biguine, the mazurka or the Creole waltz, or other genres which are becoming more and more popular such as reggae and dancehall.
Behind the postcards we discover historical and social realities complex and exciting things that make up the Martinique of yesterday and today.
Area
Population
Cash
Language spoken
Chief town
The first inhabitants were the Arawak Indians, who had to flee, from the 9th century, before new arrivals, the Kalinago. Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot in Martinique on June 15, 1502, during his fourth voyage to the "Indies". However, it had already been discovered (without stopping there) by Alonso de Ojeda during his expedition of 1499-1500. It is found on the map of Alberto Cantino (1502) under the name of Ioüanacéra or Joanacaera (formed from the prefix ioüana = iguana and the suffix caéra = island) that is to say the island of iguanas, in the Carib language.
After landing in Martinique in 1502, Christopher Columbus did not take "possession" of the island, which continued to be ruled by the indigenous population. The first French colony was established in 1635 by Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc.
Slavery developed there from the middle of the 17th century in order to provide free labor to the cane planters.
Thousands of black slaves were brought mainly from West Africa. Apart from a short period of abolition during the French Revolution (abolition not applied in Martinique following the Treaty of Whitehall signed between the British and the colonists, maintaining slavery and placing the island under English domination from 1794), slavery remained legal in France until after the fall of the July Monarchy in February 1848. 74,447 Martinican slaves were thus "freed" against 425 francs per slave (around €1,100) for the planters.
In Martinique, the abolition of slavery came into effect on May 23, 1848 following the riots of May 22 (the date of commemoration of the abolition in Martinique).
Colonization followed the slavery regime, until March 19, 1946, when the island became a French overseas department.
You have chosen to travel to Martinique, but you would like to to inform on the transportation, there life on site and the budget to expect? Here is the basic information to know.
Martinique is easily accessible, by direct flights, from France and Belgium. Indeed, it is and will remain one of the most popular destinations for Europeans looking for warmth.
The airlines serving Martinique from Europe, and offering the cheapest tickets, are:
Ticket prices obviously depend on the tourist season, and generally vary between €350 and €800 round trip. But since the end of the health crisis and the start of the war in Ukraine, we have observed a surge in prices, and this, among all airlines. In 2023, prices will rather be between €570 and €1100.
Enough to partially cut into your travel budget… but there are ways to make up for it in terms of accommodation or food!
Like flights, accommodation prices will depend heavily on the tourist season you are traveling in. You can easily go from single to double if you travel in high season.
Prices also vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. By finding the right balance between comfort and cheapness, this is where you can save money (to compensate for the price of the ticket for example...).
At Plume Evasion, we will not mention hotels unless they are "locally-owned" and/or respect an eco-responsible charter (we want to respect sustainable values, that is to say, promote the local economy, and respect the environment as much as possible).
But between Airbnbs, lodges, guesthouses, unusual accommodations (bubbles, glamping, tree houses, etc.), there is plenty to do. Prices will vary depending on the “standing” of the accommodation chosen:
In Martinique, the public transport network is quite limited. However, for your travels, depending on your accommodation and the places you want to go, you can opt for the bus, the sea shuttles or even taxis.
Mozaïk Network : The Mozaïk network is deployed in the Fort-de-France urban area including the municipalities of Saint-Joseph, Schoelcher and Lamentin. It has approximately 40 lines. A round trip will cost you €2.70.
The TCSP of Martinique: The TCSP (Transport collectif en site propre) of Martinique is a high-level service bus line that connects Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin, passing in particular through Aimé Césaire international airport. It is part of the MOZAIK network.
There are also bus networks serving the North and South of the island, but the stops and frequencies are limited.
To move around freely, it is recommended to rent a car. Rental prices also depend on the season and vary between €250 and €400 per week..
In Martinique, you will find activities for all tastes: culture, gastronomy, sports, nature, responsible travel... everyone will find something for them, as well as their budget. Although some "tourist trap" sites display quite high prices, you can find other excursions and visits, of greater interest and off the beaten track, free or at more than reasonable prices.
As for restaurants, it all depends on what you want. The most economical options are the small local restaurants, or the beach huts, and the food trucks that you will find on the side of the road. You can buy hearty meals there for around ten euros.
Restaurants will display prices according to their standing.
– Very cheap (sandwiches, small dishes or pastries to take away) : less than 12 €.
– Cheap : 12-20 €.
– Average prices: 20-30 €.
– Chic: 30-40 €.
– More chic: 40-55 €.
If you want to save money when cooking, be aware that everyday consumer products are on average 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than in Europe. But it will still be the most economical solution.
EN 
FR