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The island, originally called Madinina (isle of flowers) has been discovered by Christopher Columbus on his 4th expedition in 1502. She is made a French Overseas Department on march 19th 1946, then a Region in 1974. Martinique is situated at 7.000km from Europe and 2.900km from North America and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean as well as by the Caribbean Sea. The climate here is temperate owing to the trade winds and temperatures vary between 20° to 30°C. The island of Martinique has a surface of 1.080km² (417miles²) - with a length of 70km (43 miles) and 30kms (19 miles) wide on her largest point. The active vulcano "Montagne Pelée" is the highest peak at 1397m (4583ft). Despite her small size, the island offers a great diversity as for the landscape: steep mountains, rain forest, green hillsides, cliffs, savannas, gentle beaches.... She shows two clearly distinct parts: The South with rather dry climate, a landscape of hills with rather poor vegetation. The countryside is farmed by big sugar cane plantations, whereas the coastline offers splendid beaches. It is the most inhabited region of the island as well as the most touristic one. The North is mountainous, rainfalls are very frequent. Therefore, the vegetation is luxuriant, with untouched tropical forest and also banana and pineapple plantations. In the center part, two vulcanic mountains: "Montagne Pelée" (active) and the "Pitons du Carbet". On the West coast - or Caribbean coast - the beaches have black vulcanic sand, on the Atlantic east side the coastline shows many cliffs.

THE NATIONAL PARK This natural park of 700km² (270miles²) is divided in several parts. It comprises the rain forest on the vulcanoes, as well as the peninsula "Caravelle", furthermore the South coast with the petrified forests and the "Salines", and also the "Diamant" region. 31 hiking trails have been marked by the National Forest Office. Thus you can dicover Martinique's fauna and flora without orientation problems.

DISCOVER THE SEA DIVING AND SNORKELLING Beginners and experienced divers will enjoy to discover the magical underwater world of the coral reefs. GLASS BOTTOM BOATS OR SUBMARINES For those who don't dive, another way to discover the underwater beauty. SAILING The Trade Winds blow almost all year round, for the pleasure of yachtsmen, windsurfers or else kitesurfers. GAME FISHING Sports and thrill out on the open sea. Last, but not least, don't forget to plan an excursion around the isles of the "Fonds Blancs" as well as to the mangrove swamps.

MUSEUMS AND OTHER SITES OF INTEREST For an instant let be the beach and its limpid waters, discover Martinique's soul inside the country. Visit some rum distilleries in order to understand an ancient tradition of more than 300 years. You'll get to know the rhythm of life around sugar cane and rum distillery and refinery. An experience not to be missed are cock fights taking place in arenas called "Pitts". In Martinique, fights between snakes and mungos are organized too. In general, the mungo can be declared winner. Sensible persons better refrain from such visits!

Several museums trace back the history of Martinique from nowadays to the precolumbian times. Exhibitions about archaeology, the vulcano, the national costumes, the sea, sugar cane, in memory of the painter Gauguin or else popular traditions, will give you a better understanding of the island.

The zoological garden, the butterfly farm, several botanical gardens and some of the plantations can be visited. A real pleasure for the senses as well as the discovery of tropical nature and a passtime during your vacations.

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