Martinique

Lush plantations, scenic waterfalls, tropical rainforests plus a replica of the Sacre Coeur church in Paris – Martinique is a Caribbean island with a French accent and more than a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’.

French in style and language the island may be, but the favourite tipple here is rum, not pastis. Take a tour of the Saint James distillery and check out the quality for yourself in a rum punch. Or explore the Pompeii of the Caribbean, the town of Saint Pierre which was devastated by the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902. For a different perspective, snap on a mask and snorkel and make friends with the marine life off Anse-Dufour beach or in Bat Cave, a favourite haunt of angle and parrotfish.

Don’t Miss

Balata Church – Peer at this mini replica of the Sacre Couer Basilica, perched on a hill like the original in Paris.
Le Carbet – Visit the village where Columbus landed in 1502 and Gauguin painted some of his most celebrated canvases.
Morne Rouge – Stroll around this pretty village which sits at the base of the Mount Pelee volcano and is famous for its flower and fruit plantations.

Martinique Action Ashore

• Sign up for a full-on, off-road adventure by Land Rover, bouncing along narrow tracks through banana plantations and sugar cane fields, deep into La Palourde rainforest.
• Take a look around Balata Church and Saint Pierre then sightsee from the waterline, cruising along the coast by boat.
  Go for a spin on the ship’s mountain bikes and work up an appetite for a delicious lunch of French Creole dishes.