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General Information |
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The very first inhabitants of the island were the Saladoïde Indians who arrived about 180 A.D. from South America. They were chased out by the Arawaks, peaceful fishermen who came from the surroundings of the Orenoque about 300 A.D. As elsewhere in the area, they were in turn invaded by the terrible Carib Indians, fierce fighters from the Amazon region who were want to devour their enemies while keeping their women at their service. That explains that Christopher Columbus discovered a people who spoke two different languages depending on whether they were men or women. In the Carib language, the island he had discovered in 1502 on his fourth voyage was called "Madinina", meaning "Flower Island".
The French colonized the island in 1635. Well administered and very fertile, it became the richest French possession in the Antilles, thanks to the sugar cane. After a short occupation by the British between 1794 and 1802, the French abolished salvery in 1848, setting free more than 72,000 slaves of african origin. In 1946, Martinique became a French department.
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Practical information |
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Communications
- Le Lamentin Airport (0596.42.19.95 ou 97): International flights to France the US via San Juan, Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, Haïti,.. and connexions to St. Martin, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Domenica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Canouan, Union, Grenada, Barbados.
- Shuttle services to Guadeloupe, les Saintes, St. Lucia, Domenica.
- Important bus service
- Car and bike rentals
- Taxis
- DHL Fort de France T.: 0596.50.41.41
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Commentaire |
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INTERET DE L'ILE
Une forêt tropicale, une grande ville (Fort de France) où l'on trouve de tout. De très nombreux chantiers navals, shipchandler et divers services aux yachts. Sa côte au vent est sans doute l'une des plus belle.
- Golf 18 trous dessiné par Robert Trent Jones:
Golf Country Club, aux Trois-Ilets
Tél : 0596.68.32.81 Fax : 0596.68.38.97 www.golfmartinique.com.
LES BONS ET MAUVAIS PLANS SUR L'ILE !
- Un goût de civilisation (commerces, cinémas, ...)
- Une côte au vent très sauvage
- De très nombreux mouillages
- De très bonnes connections avec l'extérieur (avions, bateaux, ...)
Par contre,
- un accueil parfois peu sympathique.
NOTRE APPRECIATION
Il est indispensable de visiter la côte au vent, très sauvage et réputée difficile. Cependant avec un bateau bien accastillé, un équipage compétent, un bon moteur et un alizé pas trop frais, elle est tout à fait praticable.
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No visas required for citizens of the European Union, Canada and USA, unless staying over 3 months.