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Martinique

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Martinique is a Caribbean island situated in the French West Indies. Martinique was colonized by France in 1635 and is still a part of France even though the French residents only make up about 15 percent of Martinique’s population. The main language in Martinique is French and the money is French currency. It is helpful to know some of the French language when visiting Martinique. U.S. and Canadian visitors are allowed to stay in Martinique for up to three months by showing proof of citizenship.

Martinique is home to Fort de France which is a cosmopolitan city of over 100,000 people and the largest city on Martinique. Martinique has world class lodging and restaurants along with many interesting attractions such as fishing villages, rum distilleries, botanical gardens, hiking, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, and beautiful beaches.

Martinique excels in warm, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 70 to 87 degrees but you can expect a little rain each day.

The peak season for visitors is from mid-November through May. After that time period many of the hotels will close down for months. Martinique’s Carnival begins in January running until Lent. The Tour des Yoles Rondes is in early August and the Jazz a la Martinique festival takes place in early December featuring a range of international talents such as Branford Marsalis.

There are many scattered ruins and other historical monuments to visit. The island is the birth place of Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon. Musee de la Pagerie Trois-llets is a museum located in the village of Trois-Islets featuring Josephine’s family portraits, antique furnishings, and even a love letter written to Josephine by Napoleon in 1796.

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