Fort de France Martinique:Fort, French Charm & Creole Flavor

Fort de France Martinique, as its name suggests, was founded as a French fort in 1638 and it remains part of France (and the EU) today! Martinique has grown to become a really popular port of call amongst UK & European based cruise lines and there’s six cruise ports in Martinique! Most ships will dock at Fort de France.

In this guide, I’ll share the top things to see and do, if you’re planning a DIY shore excursion at Fort de France Martinique. It’s a mix of markets, local cuisine and architecture. I’ll also share the best beaches, not just at Fort de France but those easily accessible via a short ferry ride from Fort de France to Les Trois-Îlets.

This blog post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no cost to you.

On This Page

Fort de France Martinique: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎 Straightforward

Fort de France Martinique is a port visited mostly by UK & European based cruise lines, perhaps due to the island being an “overseas department of France”. So despite its small size, Martinique is quite easy to get around on public transport, as if it’s a major town in France! And that’s why I’ve rated a DIY shore excursion as 😎😎😎😎 Straightforward:

• Easy Stroll in Fort de France Town Centre: From either cruise terminal (and there are two – see below for more details), it’s an easy stroll into Fort de France. And unlike many Caribbean ports, there’s enough to do on your own for a full day at port if you so wish.
• Extensive Bus Network: Unusually for a small island in the Caribbean, Fort de France has an extensive bus network, which can easily take you to most of the nearby attractions.
• Easy Access to Beaches: With the Ferry Terminal being next door, the best beaches across the bay at Les Trois-Îlets can easily be reached with a DIY excursion. Just hop on to a frequent ferry and you’ll there in 20 minutes!

Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know

• Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port: There are two cruise terminals in Fort de France – see both marked on my Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Map below👇:
  • Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal: This is the main cruise terminal and where most ships dock. It’s about 10 minutes walk to the St Louis Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Louis), which is roughly the centre of Fort de France.
  • Tourelles Cruise Terminal: This terminal is slightly further away, about 15-20 minutes walk to St Louis Cathedral.
• Currency: Euro (€), as Martinique is technically part of France and the EU, though some tourist sites may accept US$ in cash.
• Language: French – note that English is not widely spoken other than in tourist areas and/or sites typically visited by tourists.
• Official Tourism website is Martinique.org. Martinique Mobilités offers info for local bus services – useful if you’d like to visit beyond Fort de France’s town centre. The website is French only but Google Translate works just fine! (Or just use the Translate tool on your browser).
• eSim for roaming in St Kitts & Nevis: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout – if you’re on a Caribbean cruise, then buy the Island Hopper, valid in 27 Caribbean Islands!

Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Map

• On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
• On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
• If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps

Fort de France Martinique: Top Things to Do

1. Explore the Historic Fort St Louis

Named after King Louis XIV, construction of Fort St Louis began in 1638 to protect the island from the British. It’s still an active French naval base today, so you’ll see modern military activity alongside the historical structure. But come here for the panoramic views of Fort de France Bay, the town centre and the surrounding coastline. There’s also a colony of green iguanas that call the fort home. They’re not native to Martinique but they seem to have settled into the fort quite well.

• Opening Hours: Closed Sundays and Mondays. 9am to 12 noon, then 2-3pm Tuesdays to Fridays. So I would make it your first stop on your DIY itinerary if you’d like to see it.
• Tickets: Stop by the Tourist Information Centre, close to the St Louis Cathedral for tickets before arriving at Fort St Louis – see the tourism office marked on my Fort de France Martinique cruise port map above

2. Wander Through the Vibrant Grand Marché

The Grand Marché or Market Hall in Fort de France is an open air market, right in the heart of Fort de France. It’s especially easy to get to, if you’re docked at the Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal, as it’s only about 10 minutes walk away. You’ll find everything from bakeries, fruit stands, to souvenirs. There’s also two restaurants upstairs. It’s quite authentic, so expect lots of local traders in no-frills stalls.

If you’re into browsing, here’s what to look for locally in Martinique:

• Herbs and Spices: Martinique is known for its locally grown spices. Look for cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, turmeric and ginger. If you’re into baking, then the Martinique vanilla pods are prized for its quality.
• Fresh Fruits: Want a taste of local produce? Then look for tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, guava and bananas which are locally grown. Want to be adventurous? Then try soursop and christophine.
• Rhum Agricole: Martinique is famous for its Rhum Agricole, a type of rum made from sugarcane juice rather than molasses. You’ll find a variety of brands and ages at market. (Most cruise lines will allow you to bring liquor back to the ship. They’ll hold it and give it back to you at the end of the cruise.)

Opening Hours: Closed Sundays. Open till mid-afternoon on Mondays to Saturdays.

3. Visit St Louis Cathedral

The St Louis Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Fort-de-France) is a Catholic cathedral constructed in the 1895 in a Romanesque Revival style with some Gothic touches.

It’s in fact the seventh (7th!) church on the current site. Six other churches on the current site have either been destroyed by hurricane, fire and earthquakes. So the current version, with a metal framework to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes, have fortunately survived for over a century! The cathedral has a distinctive silhouette, with its tall steeple, flying buttresses and rounded arches. The interior is quite ornate with a high vaulted ceiling, decorative columns and a beautiful octagon dome. The cathedral is free to visit.

4. Take a Break in La Savane

La Savane, a former military parade ground, is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing at Fort de France. In addition to lots of shaded rest spots, you’ll also find casual eateries and a coffee stand on the Rue de la Liberté side of the Park.

5. Admire Local Architecture at the Schoelcher Library

Just a block away from La Savane along the Rue de la Liberté is the Schoelcher Library (Bibliothèque Schœlcher). It’s famous for its eclectic architecture, blending Romanesque, Byzantine and Art Nouveau elements. The building was originally designed for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. It was then disassembled, shipped across the Atlantic and reassembled in Fort de France!

The patterned red, yellow and blue brickwork and the carved wooden brackets, make the Schoelcher Library the most distinctive building in Fort de France. The library is named after Victor Schoelcher, a prominent figure who lobbied for the abolition of slavery in the French colonies. It was built to house his personal collection of books and documents related to the abolitionist movement. The library is free to enter.

6. Indulge in Local Creole Flavours

Martinique’s cuisine is a delicious fusion of French, African and Caribbean influences, resulting in quite unique Creole dishes. So for foodies, I would definitely recommend lunch ashore or at least grab some street food and snacks to sample. Here’s a few local specialties to look out for:

• Accras de Morue: These golden frown cod fritters are a beloved appetizer or snack. Typically served with a spicy dipping sauce. If you fancy trying this, pop up to “Chez Geneviève” at the Grand Marché (see above). Seating is available and you can also order takeaway.
• Boudin Créole: For the adventurous eaters, try this spicy blood sausage. It’s often served with rice, beans, and other Creole sides.
• Colombo: This fragrant curry, featuring a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, is a staple in Martinique. Chicken, lamb, or goat is slow-cooked in the flavorful sauce and typically served with rice and beans.
• Chatrou: This small octopus is a local delicacy. It’s usually stewed in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices.

If you have time for a sit-down lunch, then I have marked a few restaurants open for lunch on my Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Map above 🗺️📍👆. All are in Fort de France’s town centre and easily walkable from both cruise terminals. Chez Carole serves Colombo and has daily specials. Djol dou is a homestyle experience and the La Case Créole is a casual eatery. Both offer local Creole dishes.

7. Catch a Bus to Sanctuaire Diocésain du Sacré-Coeur

The Sanctuaire Diocésain du Sacré-Coeur, also known as the Église du Sacré-Coeur de Balata, is a miniature Montmartre! Inspired by the famous Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre in Paris, it’s perched on a hilltop in the Balata district, overlooking Fort de France. The church is built from white stone, with a similar dome to the Sacré-Coeur in Paris. The cathedral is free to enter.

• How to Get There: Catch bus #20 from Aliker Station (Gare Aliker Paul Langevin) – see this marked on my Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Map above 🗺️📍👆 and get off at the last stop called “Sacré-Coeur“. You can also catch #25 from Aliker Station and alight at the same stop but it’s not the last stop on route #25. So let the driver know where you’re going!
  • Timetables: Runs approximately hourly – check or download timetables on Martinique Mobilités – Type in “20” or scroll down to select bus #20. Make sure you select the right direction “”Sacré-Coeur“. Route #20 starts from Aliker Station. For your return trip, the bus stop is on the opposite side of the road.
  • Tickets: One-way tickets are €1.45.
    • Easiest way to buy a ticket is to purchase online on the MT Ticket app. You’ll get a QR code, which you can scan on the bus. If you’re a group, you can buy multiple tickets in one go.
    • You can also pay with cash on the bus if you have € coins or small € notes. If you need a lot of change, then buy your tickets from the ticket booth at Pointe Simon Bus Station, not far from the Pointe Simon cruise terminal – see this marked on my Fort de France Martinique cruise port map above. Buy as many as you need for the day or a day pass is €4.20.

If you’re keen to see the Sacré-Coeur in Fort de France Martinique, then combine it with a visit to Balata Garden below, as they’re quite close to each other. I have details on how to get from the Sacré-Coeur church to the Balata Gardens below.

8. See Exotic Plants at Balata Gardens

The Balata Gardens (Jardin de Balata) has over 3,000 species of tropical plants and flowers, so this is the perfect place to relax for the afternoon whether you’re a keen horticulturist or not. You’ll find everything from towering palm trees and giant bamboo to delicate orchids and vibrant heliconias. Don’t miss the “Hummingbird Highway” where you’ll see lots of hummingbirds feed. There’s also a suspended rope bridge where you can see most of the gardens from.

• How to Get There: Catch bus #25 from Aliker Station (Gare Aliker Paul Langevin) – see this marked on my Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port Map above 🗺️📍👆 and get off at stop called “Jardin de Balata“. Note that it’s not the last stop on route #25, so if you don’t have an active data connection on your phone to check your location, let the driver know where you’re going!
  • Just visited the Sacré-Coeur church? Then walk back to the same stop where you alighted and catch the #25. It’s technically 14 stops but it’s going to be difficult to count, as there may not be someone who’s getting off at each stop. So let the bus driver know where you’re going! You can also visit the Balata Gardens first and stop by the church on your way back to Fort de France.
• Bus Timetables: Runs approximately every 90 mins – check or download timetables on Martinique Mobilités – Type in “25” or scroll down to select bus #25. Make sure you select the right direction “Jardin de Balata”. Route #25 starts from Aliker Station. For your return trip, the bus stop is on the opposite side of the road. 
• Bus Tickets: One-way tickets are €1.45. For more details on how to buy bus tickets, see section above on Sacré-Coeur church
• Opening Hours: Open daily 9am to 6pm, with last entry at 4:30pm – double check opening hours here
• Tickets: €16 adults, €11 kids (3-12), download the Garden Map here to your phone (PDF)

Fort de France Martinique: Best Beaches Near Cruise Port

1. Plage La Française

Plage La Française is the closest beach to both the cruise terminals at Fort de France Martinique. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the main cruise terminal at Pointe Simon but beach lovers will surely be disappointed. It’s not the wide sandy beach that we dream of. It’s actual tiny but it does the job, if you’re just looking for an hour or two of beach time. If you want to forgo all sightseeing and spend the whole day at the beach, you might want to choose elsewhere!

2. Plage De Madiana & Plage de Case Navire

If it turns out Plage La Française is too busy, then Plage De Madiana & Plage de Case Navire – both marked on my Fort De France Martinique cruise port map – are also nearby. They are also similarly sized beaches, so don’t expect a wide sandy beach either. I’ve put these on the list, as they are relatively easy to get to from the cruise port, and further away from the cruise port, are usually quieter than Plage La Française.

• How to Get There: Catch #100, #110 or #111 from Pointe Simon Bus Station, about a 5-10 minute walk from Pointe Simon cruise terminal. Get off at Madiana for Plage de Mariana or V. Schoelcher for Plage de Case Navire. It’s best if you let the bus drive know where you’re heading to.
• Timetables: Between the various bus routes, there’s usually a bus every 30 minutes or so – check or download timetables on Martinique Mobilités and then type in the route number to check. For details on how to get bus tickets, I’ve got details above under “Catch a Bus to Sanctuaire Diocésain du Sacré-Coeur” section

3. Les Trois-Îlets Beaches

Les Trois-Îlets in Martinique, located just across the bay from Fort de France, have some wonderful beaches which are easily accessible from Fort de France via a short ferry ride. If you’re intending to spend the whole day at the beach, then I would highly recommend Plage de l’Anse Mitan. The options are below – see all these marked on my Fort de France Martinique Cruise Port map above:

• Plage de l’Anse Mitan: Probably the most popular beach, out of the ones I’ve listed here. It’s a nice cove, with calm waters and while it’s not a very wide sandy beach, there are water sports, lively beach bars and restaurants to compensate. It’s also easy to get to. Ferry #2 runs between Fort de France and Anse à l’Ane with a stop at Anse Mitan – more detailed below 👇. The ferry terminal is right at the beach.
• Plage de l’Anse à l’Âne: Fewer facilities than at Plage de l’Anse Mitan, so quieter and less lively in general. Take the ferry to Anse à l’Ane and the beach is right there.
• Point du Bout Beach: Close by Pointe du Bout ferry terminal but it’s less of a beach but a bay with shallow water. It’s also close enough to Plage de l’Anse Mitan, such that you can walk between the two.

How to Get From Fort de France to Les Trois-Îlets Beaches

• Ferry Terminal at Fort de France: It’s right next door to the Pointe Simon cruise terminal! No more than a few minutes’ walk.
• Ferry Schedule (from July 2024): Ferries run from Fort de France is to Pointe du Bout, Anse Mitan and Anse à l’Ane run frequently but to a rather odd timetable. Ferries are run by a company called Blue Lines Martinique – detailed schedules are here. (It used to be run by a company called Vedettes Tropicales but it’s no longer the case! You’ll see quite a few other blog posts talking about Vedettes Tropicales! But this change happened in July 2024. There are fewer services than before but still a fairly regular service.)
• Ferry Tickets: Buy these in person at the ticket booth at the ferry terminal. It’s about €7 return, depending on where you’re heading to.
• Journey Time: About 15 minutes to Pointe de Bout and 20 minutes to Anse Mitan and Anse A L’ane

Featured Image by Scott S. Bateman from Pixabay

If you’re visiting Fort de France Martinique, then I hope that this guide has helped you plan your day at port! If you find this guide helpful, I would really appreciate you sharing this with your fellow cruisers in your roll call groups. My Caribbean port series has just started and I could definitely do with some support! Thanks in advance and have a great cruise! Zana

Anchors aweigh! Search for your next port of call here👇

Search