Martinique

Martinique is a Caribbean island that is occupied by France in the Caribbean Sea, north of St. Lucia and south of Dominica.

The island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000 inhabitants. In the South of the island and there are many beautiful beaches with a lot of tourists. In the North and the rain forests and the black sand beaches are worth seeing. The interior of the island is mountainous.

Martinique Halal Explorer

Martinique is occupied by France and retains both French and Caribbean culture. The island cuisine is a superb blend of French and Creole cooking that is worth trying. The north part of island lures hikers who seek to climb the mountains and explore the rain forests while the southern portions offer shopping and beaches for those who chose to just relax.

How is the Climate in Martinique

Tropical and humid with an average temperature of 75°F to 85°F. The climate is moderated by trade winds. The rainy season is from June to October and the island is vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average.

Seasons

There are two climatic and three tourist seasons on Martinique. The high season is between December and the end of April, with soaring prices and great crowds of travellers. From May to the end of November, Europeans tend to go elsewhere, as the weather is fine back home and travel possibilities are numerous. Summer months (July and August) are a sort of intermediate season, as Martinique and Guadeloupe residents often take advantage of the good weather to visit the mainland. Prices and tourist services, as well as airplane tickets tend to be rather pricey, or even extremely expensive at this period, so be sure to book in advance to avoid paying double.

All in all, if you wish to avoid tourist masses but still take advantage of a pleasant temperature, we would advise you to visit the island in May and June, as the climate in this period of the year is rather dry with an acceptable level of humidity, and tariffs are still quite on the low side. July and August are hot and humid months, but don’t be discouraged by tourist clichés saying that the so-called “cyclone” period is a horrible one: it does rain rather often, but the weather is still rather pleasant especially if you are planning to sightsee. Don’t count on taking a cruise ship in September, though, as you have considerably higher chances of meeting up with a hurricane or a tropical thunderstorm in this season.

Terrain

Mountainous with indented coastline and a currently quiet but still dangerous volcano as well as related volcanic activity.

Highest point 

Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

History of Martinique

Martinique was invaded on 15 January 1502 by Christopher Columbus. When he landed on the island, he found Martinique to be hostile and heavily infested with snakes and therefore only stayed three days. He baptised the island with the name given to the indigenous people, Matino (the island of women) or Madinina (the island of flowers).

The indigenous occupants were part of two different tribes. The Arawaks were described as gentle timorous Indians and the Caribbeans as ferocious cannibal warriors. The Arawaks came from Central America in the beginning of the Christian perioid and the Caribbeans came from the Venezuela coast around the 11th century. When Columbus arrived and the Caribbeans had massacred many of their adversaries, sparing the women, who they kept for their personal or domestic use.

After the discovery by Christopher Columbus, Martinique remained unexplored until 1632, when an expedition led by Pierre Belain d'Estambuc landed on the island at the same time that Lienard de l'Olive and du Plessis took possession of Guadeloupe. The French settled in the north west of the island at the mouth of Roxelane and built fortifications, which later became known as Saint-Pierre. D'Estambucs nephew, du Parquet, acquired Martinique and became its first governor. He made agreement with the Caribbeans and their chief and set about developing the island. Rapidly however and the Caribbeans' territory was threatened and revolt burst out. The courageous Caribbeans were no match for the power of the muskets and they were apparently pushed back to the cliffs and threw themselves in the sea.

Some 240 years later, some say as a resulting curse, Montagne Pelée erupted causing the total devastation of Saint-Pierre. Everybody who lived in the city lost their lives, with the exception of one person held in the city's jail.

Like the other West Indian islands, Martinique experienced a large economic boom due to its tobacco, indigo, cotton production and sugar cane. The lack of labour instigated the black slave trade from Africa between 1686 and 1720. Martinique's wealth resulted in rivalry between the other European nations who shared the West Indies. In 1674 the Dutch landed on Martinique, defended by just a handful of soldiers. They attacked a storage shelter and discovered barrels of rum. Completely drunk the Dutch were thrown into the sea by defenders of Fort Royal, which later became Fort-de-France after the revolution.

The revolution in 1789 never arrived in Martinique. During the revolution they decided to hand over sovereignty to the British to avoid being attacked by the revolutionists who had already attacked Guadeloupe. The British also occupied the island in 1804 and then withdrew in 1814.

During this time a beautiful Creole girl from Martinique, Marie Josèphe Rose married Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796 and became Empress Josephine in 1804. Slavery, which was abolished after the revolution, was re-introduced by Napoleon in 1802, apparently under recommendation of Joséphine. However and the temporary abolishment of slavery had only minor effect on French colonies that weren't Haiti (where an army of former slaves told Napoleon and his army in no uncertain terms what they thought of re-enslavement) as the local white elites simply ignored the decrees from the metropole.

The British abolished slavery in 1833. This measure encouraged the creation of pro-abolition movements in France where slavery was finally abolished in 1848.

Other Muslim Friendly Cities in Martinique

• Fort-de-France : Capital.
• Le Carbet :
• Le Diamant : Beach town facing the iconic Diamond Rock.
• Le Marin : The main harbour for sailboats, located in a bay.
• Morne Rouge : Access to the Montagne Pelée.
• Sainte-Anne : Perhaps the most touristic town as it is the access point to all the white sand beaches of the south, including the most famous but crowded Les salines.
• Saint-Pierre : Former capital that was destroyed by the 1902 eruption, many historic remains.
• Trois-Ilets : Across the bay from Fort de France and reachable by ferry. Touristic town with big resorts and restaurants.

More Destinations in Martinique

• Macouba, a former tobacco town, currently a great look-out place with a great view of seas and mountains. On a clear day, neighboring island Dominica can be seen.
• Balata, a serene little town with a church built to remember those who died in World War I and the Jardin de Balata a garden with thousands of tropical plants.
• Presqu'île de la Caravelle, easy 30 min walk up to the lighthouse where you get a view of the whole island.
• La Trinité (Martinique), fishermans village where you'll find the most consistent surfing.

Mosques in Martinique

Centre Islamique de Martinique (CIM)

The Centre Islamique de Martinique, located in the capital city of Fort-de-France, is one of the key Islamic institutions on the island. It serves as a place of worship, education, and community activities for Muslims living in or visiting Martinique. The center hosts regular prayers, Friday sermons, and educational programs, making it a vital hub for the Islamic community.

Mosquée Noor-E-Islam

Located in Fort-de-France, Mosquée Noor-E-Islam is another important mosque in Martinique. It provides daily prayers, Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers, and religious instruction. This mosque is known for its welcoming atmosphere and its efforts to foster understanding and unity among the diverse population of the island.

Travel to Martinique

Being an integrated part of the French Republic, Martininque is considered as European as Paris politically and therefore European Union immigration rules apply. In short, EU Muslims and citizens of many other industrialized nations can visit Martinique visa-free, others need a Schengen Visa. For more details, see the European Union

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Martinique

• Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (IATA Flight Code: FDF) - Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport The only airport with any scheduled flights and the main port of entry. For historical and political reasons, many flights are routed through Paris' "domestic" airport Orly Airport|Orly instead of Paris Charles de Gaulle making connecting flights somewhat awkward

• From Paris, Air Caraïbes, Air France, CorsairFly ~450+€ round trip
• From Caribbean, Air Caraïbes, Air Antilles Express and LIAT ~€150 round trip.
• From Germany, (IATA Flight Code: FRA) (via Paris): Air France ~€700 round trip.
• From USA, American Airlines (American Eagle) is once again offering Flights to Martinique, most include a stopover in Puerto Rico. Norwegian Air Shuttle has direct connecting Flights from Baltimore/Washington (IATA Flight Code: BWI) airport.
• From Canada, Air Canada.
• From South America, Cayenne (French Guiana) Air France Codeshares with Air Antilles Express.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Martinique

From the surrounding islands, you can use these ferry companies:

• Express des Iles]
• Brudey Frères October 2017}}

Cruise ships often visit "in season". Modest-sized ships can dock near downtown, and others moor in the Fort de France harbor, with passengers tendered to docks also close to downtown.

How to get around in Martinique

Public transport in Martinique is very limited, which could explain the reason why there are more cars registered in Martinique per person than anywhere else in France. Public transportation from the airport is via the new (mid-2018) TCSP Rapid Bus Transit system. Cost is 1.45 euro for a ticket, which can be purchased at the TCSP stop just outside of the terminal on the other side of the parking lot via a vending machine.

By car

Despite the traffic, if you are going to make the most of your stay in Martinique, it is recommended that you hire a car. Without a vehicle you will miss some of Martinique's best landscapes and scenery. Driving in Martinique will be a pleasure in comparison to other Caribbean islands. The majority of roads are of an excellent standard.

Your driving license from your home country is valid in Martinique. Driving laws are the same as in France and you have to drive on the right hand side of the road. Distances and speed limits are in Km and Km/h. There are several speed cameras on the island and the Gendarmerie are carrying out an increasing number of speed checks, so you should always watch your speed. Unless otherwise stated and the speed limit is generally 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on major roads and 110 km/h on the autoroute between the airport and Fort-de-France.

When travelling to the airport during rush hours, allow plenty of time. The N5 and Lamentin can get very busy. It is particularly busy between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 15:30 and 18:30.

Best way to travel in Martinique by a Taxi

Taxis in Martinique are not cheap. The taxi fare from the airport to Fort-de-France is around €20, €38 to Pointe du Bout and Le Francois and €55 to Sainte-Anne. Be warned that taxis operate an extortionate 40% extra charge between 8PM and 6AM as well as on Sundays and public holidays. To call a taxi 24hrs dial 0596 63 10 10 or 0596 63 63 62.

Travel on a Bus in Martinique

There are very few buses in Martinique. Most bus services are mini buses marked "TC", which stands for "Taxi Collectifs". The destinations of the buses are marked on a board either on the front window or on the side door. Bus stops (arret autobus) are normally a square blue sign with a picture of a bus in white. Most Taxi Collectifs depart and arrive at the Taxi Collectif Terminal at Pointe Sinon in Fort-de-France. They cost roughly €5 to Saint-Pierre, Pointe du Bout and Diamant, €7 to Sainte-Anne and €9 to Grand-Rivière. There are no timetables and the service can be unreliable. Most services are finished by 6PM weekdays and 1PM on Saturday. There are no services on Sundays.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Martinique

There are shuttle boats every 30mins from Pointe du Bout and Trois Ilet to Fort-de-France. It is a very pleasant way of getting to Fort-de-France and also avoids the traffic. Services finish between 5:45 and 8PM depending upon the day.

• Windward Islands - Windward Islands, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Street Martin. Operating from 8 international offices (USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Monaco).

Local Language in Martinique

Main Article: French phrasebook

French and Creole patois are spoken on the islands; English is known by some inhabitants. They speak very fast, so tell them that you do not know French well.

What to see in Martinique

Please be warned, there are lots of nudist beaches in Martinique.

• Musée des coquillage
• Le musee dela Banane - Sainte-Mairie

• Maison de la Canne - 1 4.533, -61.0232 - Maison de la canne
• La Savane des Esclaves - 14.5264, -61.041 - Savane des esclaves-entrée
• Habitation Clement - 14.601944, -60.906944 - Habitation Clément 001
• Schoelcher Library 1 4.604813, -61.068057 - Fort-de-France - 2014 - Bibliothèque Schœlcher (1)
• St. Louis Gothic Church - Fort-de-France 14.604167, -61.07 - St. Louis Gothic Church, Fort-de-France Cathédrale Saint Louis
• Sacré-Coeur de Balata Fort-de-France
• Jardins de Balata
• Savane des pétrifications 1 4.4011, -60.8576
• Vulcano Mont Pelée 1 4.813056, -61.165556 - Mount Pelée La Pelée vue du Carbet
• Le Diamant - 1 4.48, -61.025556
• Route de la Trace

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Martinique

• Gorges de la Falaise - near Ajoupa-Bouillon 14.8203674, -61.1293566 Opening Hours: 8:00h-17:00h €7 On a length of about 200 metres the river Falaise flows through a canyon (some ten metres deep and 1-3 meters wide). You can discover the canyon by a combination of walking and swimming. The canyon is on private property, hence the fee (it also pays for the guide). Be aware that some parts of the route can only be crossed by swimming, so you should wear swimming gear (no jeans, shirts, not even hats). However, you need to wear hiking shoes (no flip-flops etc.) as the hike goes over slippery stones. You can rent appropriate shoes at the entrance. Note that the guide might be able to carry small cameras, but don't bring mobile phones, huge cameras or other stuff. You can leave your clothes, wandering gear, electronics etc at the hut where the guide is waiting.

• Anse Noire - Chemin rural de l'anse du Four - Free Beautiful beach on the way to Answe d'Arlet. Be careful if you swim there during or after the rain shower. The palletuvier trees are all around and will sip in the water ending up stinging you. Be aware!!! Paradise on earth. Black sand! Wednesday swam with tortules, what a majestic moment we had on this beach!!! Keep it clean please.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Martinique

Money Matters & ATM's in Martinique

Like the rest of France and the official currency is the euro ("€", ISO currency code: EUR). It is divided into 100 cents.

US dollars are not accepted in shops, but some stores and some Halal restaurants and hotels take credit cards. The best exchange rates can be had at banks. Not all banks will do foreign exchanges and may direct you to Fort-de-France to do such transactions.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Martinique

The best offerings include French luxury imports (e.g., perfumes, fashions, fruit cocktails) and items made on the island, e.g., spices and rum.And some merchants offer 20 percent tax refunds for purchases made by credit card or travelers checks, though many may not accept the latter.

Shopping opportunities include: Galleria, in Lamentin (near airport), is the island's largest mall, with several European branded stores and others. Fort-de-France's Spice Market offers stalls full of local/unique flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and herbs and spices. Rue Victor Hugo: Fort-de-France's main shopping street - a strip of sometimes tiny, Paris-like boutiques, island retail outlets and vendors of fresh fruit and flowers

As a decidedly Catholic island, very few stores are open on Sundays or holidays celebrated in France.

Business hours: Sundays may find many stores closed. Check in-advance before hiring transport to any particular store or shopping area.

Halal Restaurants in Martinique

Please visit the city pages for Halal restaurant listings

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Martinique

Martinique - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Martinique, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Martinique. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Martinique and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Martinique. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Martinique. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMartinique: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Martinique.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Martinique: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Martinique, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Martinique.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Martinique, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Martinique, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Martinique and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Martinique, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Martinique, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Martinique without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Martinique is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Martinique.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Martinique is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Martinique, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Martinique Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Martinique

eHalal Group Martinique is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Martinique. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Martinique.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Martinique ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Martinique. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Martinique, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Martinique are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Martinique

Camping is available in both mountain and beach settings. Setting up just anywhere is not permitted. For details call Office National des Forets, Fort-de-France, (33) 596 71 34 50. A small fee is charged.

In addition there are hotels, bed and breakfasts (gites), villas and even private islands, Ilet Oscar and Ilet Thierry, for rent.

• Le Paradis de l'Anse - Paradise Cove Resort - Anse Figuier 97211 Riviere Pilote ☎ +1 403 561-8223 (in Canada) Starting at Canadian $65 per day. Charming 18-unit resort with swimming pool, restaurant and air-conditioned units with ocean view. Detached cabins available. Family-owned and friendly. Also offers all-inclusive vacations, with vehicle rental and tour guide services (to desert beaches and other activities).

• PV-Holidays Saint Luce Holiday Village - This holiday village in Martinique offers self catering, air-conditioned accommodation ranging from 2-person studios up to 2-bedroom apartments for 6 persons. The holiday village enjoys a picturesque location on the south coast of the French Caribbean island, surrounded by tropical gardens with direct access to a beautiful white sandy beach.

- Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa - ☎ +596 (596) 54 80 80 - Looking out toward the sea, colourful villas conceal dreamlike suites, with their small private pools and their views of the big blue ocean, and, of particular note and their outdoor showers. Exotic woods and abaca fabrics adorn the rooms in a fusion of Creole and Asian influences - La Prairie, 97240 Le François (Martinique).

• Centre International de Sejour Martinique - Rue Ernest Hemingway | Zac Etang Zabricot, Fort-de-France 97200 - GPS: From 38 Euros Officially the Only hostel in Martinique, 144 beds in 66 rooms.

The cheapest rooms you will find in Martinique cost around €25 per day and they are often offered by families who want to make some extra money, you will need to search carefully online or ask for taxi drivers.

Study in Martinique

• Universite des Antilles

How to work legally in Martinique

For European Muslims coming from an EU country, working in Martinique isn't a problem. If you're from outside the EU, you will probably need a work permit - check with the French Embassy in your country. Do not forget though that the unemployment rate is high. But if you work in the health sector (doctor, nurse), it will be much easier.

Voluntary service: Volontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT). Only for EU/EEA-citizens. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive). You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Martinique

Bring lots of sunscreen!

There are Metropole-style pharmacies which carry top of the line French sunscreen, that can be expensive.

Also, keep hydrated, especially when hiking in the mountainous areas. A hat is often a good thing to have because the sun can get extremely hot.

Watch out not to get caught in Paris Airport buying expensive overpriced sun cream when you can buy the same one locally at reduced cost

Medical Issues in Martinique

See the above mentioned section. Heat prostration and sunburns can be a real threat to those not used to the climate.

Mosquito repellent is a good thing to have if you are sensitive to bites. There is no malaria on this island but other mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue Fever are present.

Watch out for the palétuvier trees. Their sap is corrosive like acid! If it rains make sure you don't go shelter under one of them as you will regret for the rest of your life!

Local Customs in Martinique

Polite manners will go very far in this jewel of the Caribbean. When entering a business establishment, always say, 'Bonjour' and 'Merci, au revoir' when departing. Also note that things often run a lot slower in warm climates, so patience is a must. Also, don't expect kowtowing, smiling 'natives'. The Martiniquais are a very proud, dignified people and are often wary of impatient tourists without manners.

Unaccompanied women in tourist and beach areas are likely to experience frequent cat-calling and similar attention from men. A popularly stated reason for this is that there are a greater number of women than men on the island. The best way to deal with unwanted attention is to ignore the attention or firmly state a lack of interest.

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