Martinique ne cache pas sa origine francaise…. Err, Martinique does very little to disguise its French origin, and let's you enjoy her "joie de vivre." Martinique has where you'll find a little taste of France and a whole island of possibilities!

As the center of French influence in the Caribbean, sophisticated Martinique gracefully combines Paris chic with West Indian charm. Fort de France offers shopping for high fashion, perfume and jewelry. The tiny boutiques throughout the city sell everything from French couture to Riviera wear. To discover the real Martinique appeal, however, it's necessary to venture outside the city to the backdrop of sparkling waters and forest-clad mountains. Martinique's true charm is in its variety of landscapes in such a tiny area (only 1100 sq kilometers.

On Martinique's beautiful black and golden sand beaches, carefree days can be spent indulging in a wide variety of water sports or boating. You can also visit Diamond Rock, a spectacular rock formation that rises 500 feet out of the sea. Other highlights include La Trace, a road through the interior presenting great panoramic vistas, and a network of well-marked hiking trails.

The rest of the island is also very mountainous; the Pitons de Carbet (maximum 1,196 m) are in the centre of the island and Montagne du Vauclin (504 m) is in the south. Small hills or mornes link these mountains and there is a central plain, Le Lamentin, where sugar cane is planted. An extensive tropical rainforest covers parts of the north of the island, as well as pineapple and banana plantations.