11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FORT-DE-FRANCE.
Whether you’re visiting Martinique on a cruise ship, as we were, or exploring the island independently, Fort-de-France is well worth your time. The capital is an enchanting, lively place to spend a few hours and offers a wonderful introduction to the island.
Fort-de-France has a distinctive vibe that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
Bright colours, Creole spices in the air, boulangeries sitting alongside market stalls, music drifting through the streets. It’s busy, a little chaotic, and full of character. It feels unapologetically local, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. Most of all, it feels like a real and lived in place.
Getting to Fort-de-France from the cruise port
Fort-de-France is one of the easiest capital’s to visit from the cruise port. Once off the cruise ship, a very short walk will take you to the Malecon promenade area. From here, the city is only a short walk away – less than 5 minutes.
11 best things to do in Fort-de-France
If you have a few hours in Fort-de-France, here are a few wonderful things to do.
1/ Library Schoelcher
One of the most captivating buildings in Fort-de-France, the Schoelcher Library is an absolute must-see. I’ll be honest, it is perhaps more interesting from the outside than in (unless of course you are a French speaker), but definitely worth seeing for a brief visit.
2/ Cathedrale Saint-Louis
This striking gothic style cathedral is another important landmark in the city. A catholic church, it was built in the late 19th century. The interior is surprisingly light, modern and airy, and it’s a peaceful place to pause for a moment.
3/ Shop for some new outfits
Of all the Caribbean islands we visited, I found the shops in Fort-de-France to be the most enticing. Especially if you’re in the market for a new dress – Fort-de-France has some great options. I snapped up a lovely maxi for only €17.
Head to stores in and around Rue Antoine Siger for some charming brightly coloured options.
4/ Parc La Savane
There are a few green spaces in Fort-de-France but Parc La Savane is perhaps the most inviting. A large park, it is surrounded with kiosks for drinks and even a full blown lunch if you’d like it.
When we visited there was a kids band setting up to play – it’s a centrepiece of life in the city.
5/ Get a decent coffee
Good coffee is never hard to find in a French city, and Fort-de-France is no exception. There are plenty of cafés dotted around the centre where you can enjoy an espresso or café crème for just a couple of euros.
We were visiting whilst on the cruise ship Arvia, where frankly the coffee is not the strong point of the ship – so I couldn’t wait to get a decent cup!
6/ Browse the market
There’s an indoor covered market in Fort-de-France. It’s open every day from 06:00 to 16:00, apart from Sundays. It’s worth popping in to look at the fresh fruit and spices on offer. You’ll also find market stalls dotted around the town.
7/ Visit La Française beach
Just a short walk from the centre, La Française Beach offers a surprisingly pleasant seaside escape. It’s not a wild Caribbean beach, but it’s perfect for a quick dip or to drop a towel for an hour or so, with views back towards the city.
8/ See street art
We were delighted to see the area around Rue Perrinon, which has been turned into a cultural display of street art. It’s so colourful and well worth adding to your itinerary in Fort-de-France.
9/ Visit Fort Saint-Louis
Access to the fort itself is limited, unless you book a tour with the tourist office. It’s still worth seeing from the outside if you don’t opt for a tour though, as it plays an important role in the island’s history.
10/ Promenade on the Malecon
A walk along the waterfront promenade is one of the nicest ways to experience Fort-de-France. With views of the bay, passing ferries, and a cooling sea breeze, it’s a lovely contrast to the busy streets inland.
11/ Grab a bite at a boulangerie
No visit to Fort-de-France would be complete without stopping at a boulangerie. Fresh baguettes, pastries, and sweet treats are everywhere, perfect for a quick snack or an easy lunch on the go.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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