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Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique and was originally built in the 17th century when it centered around the Fort St-Louis. The settlement was initially called Fort-Royal and even today its inhabitants are called Foyalais. |
However, Fort-de-France was entirely devastated and brought to grounds by terrible fire over a decade ago. The city was left with no buildings and thus the present structures seen in the town are all recently constructed. The city today has a lively and busy town centre bordered by the waterfront and the sprawling suburbs where most of the population resides. This periphery stretches till the surrounding hills and plateaus and comfortably blends with the countryside. The town exudes a strong French influence that is quite apparent in its charming bars, restaurants, and shops.
The port of Fort-de-France is located to the east of the town centre, where the Baie du Carenage houses the naval base, yacht club, cargo ships and occasionally luxury cruise liners.
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The impressive and historic Fort St-Louis, located on the waterfront, still serves as a military base. This Vauban style fortification has strategically built low ceiling arches designed as a defense tactic. You can enjoy some wonderful views of the town from the top. There is also a visual display and gift shop at the Gate. |
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Some parts of the fort are however, not open to the public. Frequent and informative guided tours are easily available at nominal charges in all major languages like English, Spanish, and French. Near the fort is La Savane, an old parade ground, presently a 5-hectare park planted with palms, tamarinds, and other tropical trees and shrubs. The park contains statues of two famous figures from the island’s past, Pierre Belain d’Esnambuc, the leader of the first French settlers on Martinique and Empress Josephine, born on the island and first wife of Napoléon Bonaparte.
The Bibliothèque Schoelcher is situated on the corner of Rue Victor Sévère and Rue de la Liberté, just across the road from the La Savane. Schoelcher (1804-1893) devoted his life to the abolition of slavery and had given his library to Martinique but most of it was burned down in the fire. The Eiffel engineering company constructed this library in iron, shipped it to the island and it was eventually opened in 1893. The exterior has the names of freedom campaigners, including John Brown, of the USA, William Wilberforce, of the UK and Toussaint Louverture, of Haiti. Today it still functions as a library and regular exhibitions are also held here.
Along the Rue de la Liberté near the seafront is the Musée Départemental d’Archéologie Précolombienne that contains relics of the Arawak and Carib Indians. Exhibits include pottery, statuettes, bones, reconstructions of villages, maps, etc. In the centre of town, in the Square of Père Labat, the remarkable and huge Cathedral of St-Louis touches the town’s skyline. This structure, primarily of iron, is built in a romanesque-byzantine style. The arms of past bishops in stained glass grant colour to the choir.
Musée Régional d’Histoire et d’Ethnographie de la Martinique on Boulevard Générale de Gaulle, opposite the Atrium Theatre is a recently opened museum housed in a beautiful creole villa dating back to 1887. The exhibits reflect the origins, customs and traditions of the people of Martinique. The Parc Floral et Culturel, also known as the Galerie de Géologie et de Botanie or Exotarium is a lovely shaded park containing two galleries. One of these focuses on the geology of the island while the other concentrates on the flora of the island. The mid-19th century wooden barracks are presently the workshops for local artisans. Almost 2,800 species of plants have been recorded in Martinique and this park has a wide and awesome selection.
Next to the Parc Floral are the bustling and ever lively markets. The fishmarket, by the Madame River, faces the Place José Martí, where fishermen unload from their small boats or gommiers. Close by is one of several markets selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, and
