Central Martinique is discovered essentially by car, but Fort-de-France itself is advantageously visited on foot once the car is parked.
In Fort-de-France, the historic centre (Savane, market, Fort Saint-Louis, cathedral) is covered on foot in a few hours. The Savane parking (paid, €1-2/h) is the most practical to park — direct access to the centre. Other parkings (Lamentin, Pointe Simon) are less central. Traffic is dense and difficult at peak hours (7:30-9am and 4-7pm) on the Fort-de-France ring road and the Lamentin-Fort-de-France axes.
The maritime shuttle Pointe du Bout-Fort-de-France is an excellent option to reach the capital from Trois-Îlets in 20 minutes (€4-6 one way, several rotations per hour from 6:30am to 6:30pm). It avoids ring road traffic jams and offers a pretty view of the bay during the crossing.
The Mozaïk bus network (Fort-de-France urban) and the TCSP (Bus Rapid Transit, 14 km high-level service connecting Fort-de-France to airport and Lamentin) are efficient in the metropolitan area. Unit fare €1.50, day card €4-5. Outside the metropolitan area, buses are rare and impractical for the traveller.
To reach the Caravelle peninsula from Fort-de-France, plan about 45 minutes via the N1 (Fort-de-France-Trinité axis) then the D2 to Tartane. Secondary roads to Caravelle (D2, D5) are narrow and winding: careful driving recommended. The Château Dubuc trail starts from the Château Dubuc parking (free, signposted from Tartane).
Read also
- Fort-de-France, the Creole capital — Savane, Fort Saint-Louis, covered market and Schoelcher Library: the urban heart of the island.
- Tartane and the Caravelle peninsula — Nature Reserve, 8 km trail, Château Dubuc ruins and surf beaches.
- Martinique — Complete guide of the Island of Flowers: visa, budget, regions, climate.
- South Martinique — Les Salines, Le Diamant, Trois-Îlets: the seaside postcard of the island.
- North Martinique — Saint-Pierre and Mount Pelée: the historical and natural soul of the island.