Car Rental Fort De France

Introduction

Fort-de-France is the capital of the French overseas territory of Martinique. It is a small piece of France in the Caribbean, where people eat baguettes and croissants while as they sway to the rousing sounds of Caribbean music. Bars, restaurants and shops have an unmistakable French feel, but the markets are dominated by the sounds, smells and colors of the tropics. French is Martinique's official language, but in the streets you will hear Creole everywhere.

Population

On the island live about 400,000 people. Almost half of them live in and around the capital Fort-de-France. The majority of the population is descendant from African slaves.

Location

Martinique is one of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. North of Martinique lies Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, which lies 700km northwest of Martinique), south of the island lies Saint Lucia. The highest point on the island is the dormant volcano Mont Pelée (1397 m) on the north side. The most beautiful beaches are on the south coast, especially Grande Anse de Salines and Cap Chevalier are popular. The Atlantic coast (eastside) is rocky.

Economy

In the past, the export of sugar was important for Martinique. The sugar plantations still exist, but the harvest is used to make rum, most of which is exported. Furthermore, the country exports bananas and pineapples, mainly to France. The country is not self sufficient and therefore relies on French aid. Tourism is becoming more important.

Airports

Martinique's airport lies five kilometers southeast of Fort-de-France, in the suburb of Le Lamentin. Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (in French: Aéroport international Martinique Aimé Césaire) is easily accessible by rental car via main road N6.

Public Transport

Public transport on Martinique is not very good. There are so-called Taxi Collectifs, which are minibuses departing from Pointe Sinon in Fort-de-France. There are no timetables and also, these buses stop running after 6pm on weekdays, after 1pm on Saturdays and on Sundays there is no service at all.

Traffic and Parking

Martinique has a high "car density". It is therefore pretty busy on the island and especially in the capital, Fort-de-France. Yet, a rental car is an ideal means of transport, because otherwise you might miss a lot of Martinique's charm. Roads are excellent. Do not exceed the speed limit, it is strictly enforced. The center of Fort-de-France has six parking garages.

Hotels

There is no shortage of hotels and holiday resorts on Martinique, but almost all of them are middle class or higher. Martinique is not geared for budget travelers. As Martinique is a popular tourist destination year round, we recommend you to book your accommodation well in advance.

External Sources

For more information about Fort-de-France we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Fort-de-France
• Official website Fort-de-France (French)
• Tourist Information Martinique (multilingual)