Karl WP Beyer Between Dominica in the north and St. Lucia in the south lies the French overseas department Martinique. Flower island the aborigines called the island of 1.128 km². And the island always shows itself in lush green and blooming. It would take several stays in Martinique to get to know the big island. It is difficult for the day guest to choose what is right for him from the abundance of offers. Among the many, the following is particularly noteworthy.
Fort-de-France
It is obvious and advisable to first look at the capital of Martinique. Definitely worth seeing ...
- which has been under monument protection since 1979 Town hall, which is considered an example of colonial architecture.
- the Place de la Savane. There is a marble monument in the large green area Empress Josephine. Napoleon's first wife was born in Martinique as the daughter of a sugar baron.
- the streets running across the bay Rue Victor Hugo, Rue Antoine Siger, Lamartine street and Rue Moreau De Jones. These streets are home to the city's most exclusive shopping opportunities. In this context it should be mentioned that the streets of the old town are drawn in a straight line as if with a ruler. A city from the drawing board.
Saint-Louis Cathedral
which was built in 1895 from prefabricated parts in a frame construction Saint-Louis Cathedral.It is located in the center of the city and cannot be missed. Your tower is given as 60 meters high.
Bibliothèque Schoelcher
There are various indications of origin for the building. It is said to have been built in the Tuileries in Paris in 1887 to amuse the Parisians. According to another source, it was built as a Caribbean pavilion for the 1889 Paris World's Fair. At some point, however, the pavilion was dismantled and shipped to Martinique. Its ground plan corresponds to that of a Greek cross. The roof is crowned by a glass dome.
Fort St. Louis
The fort is not accessible in all areas. Parts of the facility are still used for military purposes today.
A visit to the higher altitude is also worthwhile The Red Morne. From this place tours to the volcano become Mountain Pelée offered. If you are not drawn to the volcano, you have a good view of the volcano and the sea from an observation platform on a clear day.
Beaches
The best beaches are in the south of the island. Of particular note are ...
- of the Grand Anse de Salines in the south of the island. It is considered to be the most beautiful beach on the island. White sand and coconut trees galore. Here the visitor can also look at a salt lake and the lava forest Savane de Petrifications delight.
- of the Diamond beach in the town Le Diamant. A small episode is permitted in this context. The small island lies in front of Le Diamant Rocher you diamond. At the beginning of the 19th century it was occupied by British troops for 18 months. French ships passing by were shot at. The British bureaucracy turned this rocky Navy outpost into a British warship by the name of it His Majestic Ship Diamond Rock. According to reports, the fun stopped when the powder ran out and the water tanks were dry.
If you don't want to go that far, you can cross it Flemish Bay by ferry (there are 2 lines) in the direction Pointe du Bout and bathes at the Anse mitan or the Anse D'Arlets.
Museums
In Martinique the visitor encounters many museums. Whether the banana museum or a museum in memory of Paul Gauguin's five-month stay on the island, everything is taken care of. Museum lovers visit in Fort-de-France ...
- the Archeology Museum. More than a thousand archaeological finds from prehistoric times bear witness to Martinique's history and that of its native Indians.
- the Museum of History and Ethnography. The museum is located in one of the oldest houses in Fort-de-France. Using original objects, visitors are shown how people lived and lived in the late 19th century. Documents, paintings and engravings from this period reflect significant historical events on the island.
- the Bibliothèque Schoelcher.
Gardens
Plant lovers should the Jardin de Balata on the Rte de Balata, 10 km from Fort-de-France. This garden is said to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the Caribbean. In the design, emphasis was placed on shady paths. And it has recently become possible to walk over a bridge at the height of the treetops.
