Discovering The Island Of Martinique (NAPSA)—There are few places in the world where you can dine on both authentic French cuisine and genuineisland Creole in the same day that you tour a rain forest. Martinique in the Caribbean is one of them. Like many islands in the Caribbean, Martinique is blessed with pretty beaches, a favorable climate, lush vegetation and fine hotels. What sets the island apart, however, is its strong French ties and unique island culture. These aspects lend themselves to a vacation experience that blends adventure, luxury and fun. Staying In Martinique Theisland recently added three, 3-star, all-inclusive resorts to its oT ial already impressivelist of accommodations. The Villa Coloniale guesthouse offers distinguished service in a quiet setting. The 3-star Baie du Galion Resortsits on the top of a quaint hill, facing the ocean. The Diamond Rockhotel is in the south of Martinique, an area known for a its white-sand beaches. Saint Pierre’s bay. Paris of the Caribbean,”the first capital city of Martinique was destroyed in 1902 by a Mount Pele eruption. Today, the town is known as “The Little Pompeii of the Caribbean.” Martinique At A Glance The French island of Martiniquelies in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago and is one of the manyislands that make up the group knownas “The Breezy Islands.” The 426-square-mileisland has the Atlantic Oceanto the east and the Caribbean Sea to its west. I's 1,400 miles Martinique ladies in traditional costume. x Martinique By Taxi Or Car Vacationers can hire a taxi or car at their hotel and drive north out of the city. The road climbs steeply, edging the sea, then twists and turns through picture-posteard villages such as Case-Pilote and Bellefontaine. Vacationers will eventually reach Le Carbet, the area where Columbus landed in 1502 on his fourth trip to the Americas. Visitors can also tour Saint Pierre. Originally known as “The Little ee a 5os.z5iathe a Magnificent Schoelcher Library. Photos courtesy of Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA Sight-Seeing In Martinique Visitors to the island can tourits lush rain forests, comb its beautiful beaches or bask in its fabled valleys. Of course, there’s plenty to do in its capital city as well. Stroll around the green Savane, peoplewatch from a terrace cafe, or wan- der the busylittle balconied streets, lined with boutiques, restaurants, pastry shops and more. from Miami and has a mean temperature of 79. Martinique is home to a numberof natural attractions, including the two peaksof Carbet and Mont Pele—a dormantvolcano spanning 4,586 vertical feet. Theislandis also hometo a tropical rain forest, the majestic Lamentin Plain, and the beautiful Les Salines Beach. Visitors to Martinique shop for indigenousart, as well as fine clothing and wares. Theisland also has a numberof fine restaurants and luxury hotels. The island’s events andstreet festivals provide taste ofits culture and hospitality. For more information, visit www.martinique.org.
