10 Best Villages and Towns in Martinique

Fort-de-France offers the vibrancy of city life in tranquil Martinique. The capital sits on a bay on the island’s west coast and boasts breath-taking views of the Caribbean Sea and the pointed green peaks of the Carbet Mountains. Visit the town’s many markets to get a taste of local flavours, from spices and produce to the catch of the day.

The local culture reflects the fusion of French and Creole influences, and the Colonial-era architecture has a colourful Caribbean flair. Strolling through town, you’ll see bright floral murals and the latticed spire of La Cathedrale Saint Louis. For a break from the bustle, rest in the lush tropical gardens of La Savane.

Situated on the northern coast, Le Carbet is famous for its black sand beaches and for its association with post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. The town’s west-facing beaches are lined with restaurants where locals gather to dine with a sunset view. Plage du Carbet offers the most amenities, while the Grande Anse is an exceptional spot to relax under the coconut palms.

Gauguin painted a number of works during a stay here in 1887. Visit the Centre d’Interprétation Paul Gauguin to learn about these works and the artist’s stay in Martinique.

The town of Saint-Pierre has an unusual history. Once the island’s thriving cultural and economic centre, it was almost entirely destroyed in a violent eruption of Mont Pelée in 1902. Now a quiet seaside enclave, the town has been rebuilt but ruins of what was remain. The small but fascinating Musée Frank A. Perret memorialises the tragedy and displays astonishing artefacts found after the eruption. 

Plage De Saint-Pierre stretches along the coast of the town, offering calm waters for wading. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the magical Zoo de Martinique. This lush botanical garden and zoological park is housed in the ruins of the Habitation of Anse Latouche, a former sugar plantation, giving it a unique character.

Les Anses d’Arlet is a picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast. Surrounded by idyllic beaches, the town attracts some tourists but retains an authentic charm. The streets are lined with traditional wooden houses and a red-steepled church greets you at the beach. Around the town are steep green hills with hiking paths.

While there are several beaches to explore here, you may not be inclined to leave the white sands and turquoise waters of the town beach. Tropical fish and turtles swim among the corals, making it popular for snorkelling and diving. To the north, Grande Anse d’Arlet is another magnificent beach peppered with waterside restaurants and bars.

The most remote town on the island’s northern coast, Le Precheur is a pretty, little commune near Mount Pelée. A superb destination for nature lovers, the area offers access to wild beaches and remarkable coastal landscapes. Follow a hiking trail along the coast to explore a series of untouched coves. Anse Couleuvre is particularly stunning – 2 beaches below towering cliffs where beautiful corals can be found thriving along the rocks.

Also in the area is Habitation Céron, a 17th-century sugar plantation transformed into spectacular gardens. The shining star of the gardens is a gigantic 1,800-year-old Zamana tree. After a stroll, stay for dinner at the garden’s lovely outdoor restaurant.

Sainte-Marie has a long history as the cultural and agricultural centre of Martinique. Until the arrival of the colonists in 1658, the area was populated by the Caribs, who made use of Sainte-Marie’s natural resources to farm and make pottery and basketry. Exploring the area today, you’ll see vast fields of banana trees. The Saint-James Distillery is located here, and visitors can sample the cane juice rum and learn about its history. 

The large, hilly commune boasts beautiful landscapes and a number of coves along the coast. It’s known for the tombolo, a natural phenomenon that occurs only a few months of the year when marine currents create a natural sandbank connecting the mainland to the Îlet Sainte-Marie.

The lovely Trois-Ilets boasts a number of excellent beaches, plenty of activities and a rich history make this one of the island’s most popular spots. Named for the 3 green islands it’s situated on, this pretty commune is occupied half by traditional Martinican homes and half by resorts. Water sports are popular here, with everything from kayaks to jet skis available for rental. 

The town is the birthplace of Empress Joséphine, Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife and visitors can learn about her life and the history of slavery in Martinique at the Musée de la Pagerie. Le Hameau de la Poterie showcases works by local artists and La Maison de la Canne delves into the history of sugar cane production.

Located on Martinique’s southern peninsula, Sainte-Anne boasts a whopping 22 km of shoreline. The beaches here are popular for good reason. Coconut and sea grape trees hang over white sand, and the waters are glassy turquoise. The postcard-perfect Les Salines is visited by locals and tourists alike, and the calm waters at Pointe Marin are excellent for swimming and diving. For a wilder beach away from the crowds, head to Anse Michel on the east coast.

The area has a surprising variety of landscapes and hiking trails winding through it. The Petrified Savannah, located in the Martinique Regional Natural Park, is an arid landscape with unique flora and fauna.

At the island’s northernmost point lies little Grand'Rivière. Those seeking an authentic experience will enjoy the gentle way of life in this charming fishing village untouched by tourism. Wander past the pastel houses and peach-painted Satine-Catherine church and sample local dishes like lobster and crayfish fricassee.

The town is bordered by dense greenery, and coastal paths offer a chance to explore the wild landscapes in this area. Plage de Sinai is secluded and surreal, a beach from the Jurassic era. The jungle hugs close to the black volcanic sand and forested mountains stand shoulder to shoulder along the coast.

The village of Ajoupa-Bouillon is located in the foothills of Mount Pelée, an area known for its unique natural features and diverse plant species. Traversing Les Gorges de La Falaise is a magical experience, essential for lovers of adventure. In a short but challenging foray into nature, visitors travel up the Falaise River through a narrow, green gorge. The journey concludes at a waterfall that spills into a natural pool.

A short drive from the village you’ll find the beautiful Domaine De L’Emeraude, an arboretum with walking paths. Explore 3 trails through tropical forest to see more than 100 species of native plants.