Map of the Island

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Martinique is a little piece of France in the middle of the Caribbean. They pride themselves on good food and sophisticated shopping.

It is a very green island. A third of it is forest/jungle and they grow pineapples, bananas and sugar cane (which means they make rum). The highest point is Mont Pelee, an active volcano in the north of the island. The Pitons du Carbet run down the centre.

The currency used is the Euro, with hotels and larger restaurants accepting Visa and MasterCard. US-Dollars are accepted, but the exchange rates are very poor.

Duty free import levels are 1.5L spirits, 4L wine, 300 cigarettes for EU citizens.

Emergency numbers
Medical 751515
Fire 18
Police 17
Sea Rescue 719292.

Health
There is a risk of bilharzia infection on the island. Avoid wading or swimming in fresh water. The fer-de-lance viper is common in overgrown and brushy fields. Stick to trails. Manchineel trees are found on some beaches, particularly on the south coast. Water dripping from them can cause rashes and blisters. The trees are usually marked with red paint.

Snorkelling & Diving
Snorkelling is good around Grande Anse and Saint-Anne (where we are based pre-cat). The best diving is at Saint-Pierre where many ships went down during the 1902 volcanic eruption.

Food
Food is Creole/French with lots of seafood. Bakeries make good bread, but also light takeaways. Tap water is safe to drink (off the boat, of course). The local beer is called "Lorraine". Island rum is very good and the local aperitif is Ti-Punch, which is white rum with sugarcane juice and lemon.

Transport
Taxis from the airport are readily available, but expensive. There is no bus service, because of the taxi union. Prices in 2001 were 300F to Sainte Anne and 180F to Pointe du Bout, with a 40% surcharge between 8pm and 6am and on Sundays and holidays. Dial 636362 or 631010 for 24hr taxi service.

Fort de France
Not pretty, but good for shopping for Paris fashion, French perfume, leather handbags etc. Tourists get 20% discount off displayed prices at Galeries LaFayette and many other shops. Fort de France is rather dangerous, particularly at night. Watch for pick-pockets and thieves.

Marin
Marin is at the head of a deep bay, with the marina of the west side of town.

Sainte-Anne
Sainte-Anne has a long beach and near shore reefs with good snorkelling.

Recommended restaurants
Poi et Virginie, at the waterfront for goat or lobster or Les Tameriniers (767562) which is north of the church and has a good wine list. Dress smart.

Pointe du Bout
Has the most popular marina. Not much information available about restaurants, but there is one called Chez Fanny at the neck of the peninsula and La Marine, which fronts the marina and is popular with yachters.

Climate
Average daily temperature is around 28-30 degrees F. Average humidity in October is 87%!

Business Hours
Generally 8.30 to 6 weedays and 1pm Saturdays. Banks open 7.30 to 12.00 and 2.00 to 4.30.

Links
www.martinique.org
Lonely Planet Guide