Fort de France

Fort de France, the lively capital of Martinique, is a blend of French and Caribbean cultures with a backdrop of mountains and sea. Cruise passengers will find a city full of colonial architecture, bustling markets, tropical gardens, and easy access to sandy beaches. With a compact city center, visitors can explore many highlights within a short amount of time, making it an appealing port of call for those seeking both culture and relaxation.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships dock directly at Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal, located just a short walk from downtown Fort de France. The port is busy during the winter cruise season, welcoming hundreds of thousands of passengers each year. Facilities include tourist information, restrooms, and shopping opportunities. The city center can be reached on foot within 10 minutes.

Transportation Options

• Walking - Downtown Fort de France is within easy walking distance of the port.
• Taxis - Available outside the terminal for city or island tours.
• Ferries - Connections to nearby towns such as Trois-Ilets across the bay (20 minutes).

Other towns worth visiting within 100 km (62 miles) include Saint Pierre (45 minutes) and Le Marin (1 hour).

Main Attractions in Fort de France

• La Savane Park - A central park with palm trees and a statue of Empress Josephine.
• St. Louis Cathedral - A striking 19th-century Roman Catholic cathedral.
• Schoelcher Library - Historic library with ornate iron architecture.
• Fort Saint Louis - A 17th-century fortress with guided tours and sea views.
• Local Market - A bustling place for spices, crafts, and local food.

Nearby touristic destinations

• Trois-Ilets - Resort town known for beaches and the birthplace of Empress Josephine (20 minutes by ferry).
• Balata Garden - A botanical garden set in the hills (20 minutes by car).
• Saint Pierre - A historic town destroyed by Mount Pelee volcano in 1902 (45 minutes by car).

Interesting Facts

• Fort de France was once a small fishing village before growing into Martinique’s capital.
• The Schoelcher Library was built in Paris, dismantled, and shipped to Martinique to be reassembled.
• Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon, was born nearby in Trois-Ilets.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Fort de France lies on the western coast of Martinique, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the lush Pitons du Carbet mountains. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round, and a wet season from June to October.

Local Foods

• Accras - Deep-fried codfish fritters, a popular street snack.
• Colombo - A curry-style dish made with meat, fish, or chicken and vegetables.
• Tropical fruits - Pineapple, mango, and guava are widely enjoyed.
• Rum punch - Local rum mixed with fruit juice and spices.
• Boudin Creole - Spicy blood sausage with local seasoning.

Destination secrets

• Visit the covered market early to experience the lively atmosphere before it gets crowded.
• Climb the hill to Sacre Coeur de Balata, a miniature version of Paris’s Sacred Heart Basilica.
• Explore local rum distilleries outside the city for authentic tastings.

Local Customs and Culture

Fort de France has a mix of French and Creole culture. Carnival in February is a major event, with parades, costumes, and music. Politeness is important; greetings in French, such as “Bonjour,” are appreciated. Local crafts, music, and food are strong elements of daily life.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Children up to 6 years old - Play areas in La Savane Park and beach outings.
• Children between 7 and 12 - Exploring Balata Garden and local markets.
• Teenagers aged 13 to 18 - History tours of Fort Saint Louis or excursions to Saint Pierre.

Notice: Port information is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this destination. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information such as visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app. Please note that distances, travel times and pricing may have some inaccuracies or may be outdated. Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. *