New York City 4.25 hrs

Boston 4.5 hrs

Miami 2.5 hrs

Philadelphia 4 hrs

Los Angeles 5.5 hrs

Chicago 5 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 5.25 hrs

San Francisco 6 hrs

The Wild North: Characterized by lush rainforest, thick vegetation, and streaming waterfalls this mountainous area is a nature-lover's dream. You can spend whole days hiking around the jungle or simply enjoying the views from a well-paved road and comfortable car. Either way the rocky, jagged coastlines and colorful flora are spectacular and worth the trip to view them. The larger mountains are in the northwest, including the dormant volcano Montagne Pelee. The volcanic nature of this region has resulted in a fertile land full of fruits, flowers, and wildlife.

Le Lamentin: The midsection of the island is a relatively flat plain that supports most of the plantations of the island. Sugar cane is the dominant crop, with pineapples and bananas occupying much of the land as well. Many islanders live on this lush strip of land.

The Luxurious South: While still mountainous, this area of the island has many lower hills, calm and sandy beaches,and the fashionable Fort-de-France. The true nature of this French island is best illustrated in the breathtaking shore and indulgences of the elegant capital city. Whether luxury to you means spending hours in the sun on a black sand beach, or hopping between chic shops and gourmet restaurants, you'll find plenty of both. Even though this area is more developed than the north, wildflowers and birds are still abundant enough to make exploring the wooded areas around the beaches worthwhile. The Baie de Fort de France, full of twisted mangroves, is an alluring wetland.

Martinique is a volcanic island where the elevation rises gradually from the southeast to the northwest. A central plain creates a flat dip in the generally hilly land and there is a dormant volcano in the northwest. The north is relatively undeveloped to preserve the lush rainforest. The south is more developed, and home to the island's capital and sandier beaches. Martinique's west coast borders the Caribbean Sea and the east coast borders the Atlantic Ocean.

Martinique is blessed with a year-round tropical climate that can be divided into two seasons. The winter Dry Season runs from November to April and boasts pleasantly warm temperatures with low humidity and little precipitation. The summer Wet Season runs from May to October and is accompanied by high humidity and a bit more rain. Throughout the year, however, pleasant trade winds keep the air cool. The heart of hurricane season lasts from late August to early November, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.

Spring average 75°

Summer average 81°

Fall average 78°

Winter average 72°

As with most Caribbean islands, any time is a good time to visit. The most popular time is January through March, which coincides with Carnival season. Since the weather is great year-round, spring and fall are wonderful times to visit because they are the "off season," and there are far fewer people to contend with. Hurricane season runs from late August to early November, but strikes are rare, last only about two days, and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare.

Martinique has gorgeous scenery with such variety as volcanic rainforests, jagged cliffs and soft, sandy beaches in its natural areas. Its European sophistication and style make Martinique a far-flung "tropical suburb" of Paris.

Musee Paul Gauguin: Many people are enraptured by Martinique's beauty, and artist Paul Gauguin was one of them. He spent a half-year in a hut to capture the surrounding beauty and many of his original paintings and reproductions are on display here.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: With abundant sea-life from the coast to the deep waters of the sea, exploring the underwater life is an interesting and exciting outing. Fish and coral are abundant near the coast for the snorkelers, while sunken ships and deep-water schools keep divers fascinated.

Explore the Villages: Although the main cities have much to offer in the way of Creole culture and sophistication, there is no better way to experience the local way of life than to spend some time in the smaller villages around the island.

·* Ajoupa-Bouillon: This flowery village is an excellent place to start the exploration of local life. Situated in the middle of a pineapple plantation, it is interesting to see how important these exotic vegetables are to the locals. This village is also a great starting point to explore other areas of the north. Within a half-hour's walk, there is Gorges de la Falaise, a gorge that welcomes swimmers and cliff jumpers. Also within the village is Les Ombrages, a botanical garden that has marked trails throughout the rainforest.

·* Les Trois-Ilets: One of the few villages on the island with brick and wood buildings, this quaint village is acclaimed for its pottery and woodwork, but is best-known as the birthplace of Napoleon's empress, Josephine. The kitchen of her former estate is now the Musee de La Pagerie, where memorabilia, including a love letter from Napoleon, are on display.

·* Les Precheur: Along the northern Caribbean coast, this village is home to volcanic hot springs. Legend holds that a soak in these springs will heal any ailment, spiritual or physical.

Beaches: All of the beaches are public and topless bathing is prevalent. For calm waters, stick to the Caribbean side and expect to pay a fee for entry to some beaches.

·* Anse-Mitan: With golden sand and crystal water, sunning and swimming are the perfect pastime activities here. Small bistros are hidden among the surrounding palm.

·* Anse-Trabaud: If you crave seclusion, there is no better place to find it. White sand and the sea are your only companions.

·* Baie des Anglais: You have to drive through a plantation, and pay the owner 15 francs, to get to this beach. However, it is huge and often empty!

·* Les Salines: Although crowded with families during holidays and the weekends, this stretch of coastline is peaceful on weekdays. Without a doubt, it is the most beautiful of the gold sand beaches.

Visit Fort-de-France: Start by exploring the city on foot. In addition to the many shops and restaurants there are many cultural attractions in the capital.

·* The Bibliotheque Schoelcher: This is an architectural masterpiece. Built in 1889 for the Paris Exposition, it was soon dismantled and brought to Martinique. Just as much a library as it is a museum, with attractions and exhibits inside.

·* La Savane Park: A stroll around this park's gardens gives an exquisite picture of the mix of French culture against the backdrop of Caribbean nature. Highlights include exotic flowers and monuments to French leaders and noblemen.

·* Shopping on rue Victor Hugo: As a territory of France, Martinique has assumed the chic and fashionable nature of its mother country. You'll find everything from the latest runway fashions to classic expensive perfumes in the many boutiques lining this road.

JM Distillery: A visit to this distillery will make a JM fan of anyone. The rhum vieux is produced here, and free tastings in a rum room create a delicious half-day excursion.

Golfing: The combination of the scenery and consistently ideal weather makes Caribbean golf courses some of the most desirable in the world. Most courses are at the resorts, but are open to the public.

Boating: The bay near Fort-de-France is has long been a favorite of yachtsmen and sailors, as it is one of the most beautiful and safe in the Caribbean. Other ports and numerous marinas also rent everything from chartered yachts to one-man sailboats and deep sea fishing vessels.

Hiking: With landscapes that range from lush rainforests to volcanic peaks, Martinique offers many possibilities for a day or a week-long hike. Within the rainforest walks, you will be greeted by dense jungle, 40-ft waterfalls, andeverything in-between. Whether you are an experienced outdoorsmen or a beginner, there is a hike to suit every interest.

Chefs trained in the traditional French school combined with the relaxed atmosphere of Caribbean islands create a memorable dining experience. Menus generally specialize in seafood, and Creole spices dress up every meal.

Gourmet: La Plantation Pays Mele features an innovative mix of the otherwise ubiquitous Creole spice and French gourmet traditions. The acclaimed chef is known for a flair that is unmatched on the island, creating such things as mousse with a sea-urchin sauce. An Asian-style dining room provides a soothing and serene atmosphere. Jeanne d'Arc section, Lamentin

Highly Recommended: Delices de la Mer delivers exceptional casual dining and terrific views of Diamond Rock. The seafood entrees are delicious, and if you dine outside you may be accompanied by hummingbirds! Pointe des Salines, Ste Anne

Local Flair: Le Ruisseau Restaurant sits in the shadow of the towering Mont Pelee. The 18th-century plantation inn that houses it retains its authenticity and the Creole food reflects the grace of the historical kitchen where it is created. Bourg, Basse-Pointe

Romantic: La Villa Creole features two-person tables surrounding an exotic garden and the performing owner, who is a popular singer-songwriter, adds to the romantic ambiance. The food is superb with such originals as salade de poisson cru marine, a local version of sushi. Anse-Mitan, Les Trois-Ilets

There are many nightclubs and lively discos in Martinique, as well as a couple of casinos. Some of the best nighttime entertainment, however, is found in hotels and cultural centers.

Les Grands Ballets de Martinique: Musicians and dancers in traditional costume celebrate their rich culture.

Casino Bateliere Plaza: Whether you fancy the casual atmosphere of the slot machines or the high-rolling formal casino games, this place has it all. Glamour prevails from the exquisite dining room to the gaming hall, and dress is required to match. There is a dance floor that remains open until the casino closes at 3am.

Neptune: The most popular place for Zouk, which is a mix of Caribbean rhythm and Creole "electronica," this club is packed almost every day of the week.

Las Tapas: For sexy salsa and merengue, there is no better place than this popular bar.

Coco Loco: For a night of smooth jazz, Caribbean style, this smoky little place is the best on the island.

Saint's Days: Every month, a different village honors its patron saint. Each village is unique in its celebration as it comes alive with games, shows, music, folk dancing, feasts, and other amusements. January-December

Mardi Gras: A traditional French holiday, this celebration is an integral part of the island culture as well. The streets are filled with costumed revelers in joyful celebration of the last day of indulgence before the Lent fast. March

Carnival: Four days of festivities take over this island, as businesses shut down and streets are filled with parties and parades. Dimanche Gras (or Fat Sunday) features bands set up in the streets accompanied by dancers and singers. March

Martinique Food Show: Restaurants and chefs display their best creations with competitions and food tastings adding to the culinary celebration. April

Le Mai de St Pierre: This month-long festival focuses on the fine arts that reflect the island's history. Events include dance, theater, music, and art exhibits. May

International Jazz Festival: Focusing on the greats in jazz guitar this weeklong festival attracts world-wide attention. Musical exhibitions, free lessons, and workshops are part of this growing event. December

Pack loose-fitting cotton clothes so you'll be comfortable in the tropical sun. Local custom prefers that you reserve beachwear for the beach, so bring a cover up for quick ventures off the sand. While the dress is generally quite casual, French heritage has had its influence so dinner attire is a little bit dressy. Pack a light jacket for occasionally chilly winter nights.

French and Creole are the local languages, but many people speak English.

The current runs on 220 volts/50 cycles AC, so you will need an adapter.

We strongly suggest that you verify the following information and regard this simply as a basic guide.

Entry: A valid US passport is required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Martinique Customs: Visitors may enter Martinique with a reasonable amount of cigarettes or cigars for personal use. For all other items French government regulations apply. For more information, contact the French Government Embassy, 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC 20007, phone 202-944-6000.

US Customs: You may bring back $800 worth of merchandise without paying duty. This can include 1 liter of alcohol as well as 5 cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars duty free. The importation of Cuban tobacco products, however, is strictly prohibited and is punishable by heavy fines and/or criminal prosecution.

Departure Tax: A maximum tax of $13 will be levied when exiting the country, though you should check to see if it was included in the price of your airline ticket.

Martinique Tourist Office: Blvd Alfassa (Bord de Mer), 97206 Fort-de-France, phone 011-596-63-79-60, fax 011-596-73-66-93

New York: 444 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, phone 800-391-4909, fax 212-838-7855, email: martinique@nyo.com