Fort de France, the island's commercial center and principal city is well worth a visit, while Anse D'Arlet is a popular, well-photographed anchorage. Scenic highlights include the peaks of Carbet and Mont Pelée, a dormant volcano and the highest mountain on the island, plus trail upon trail through legendary tropical rainforest.

But wherever you explore, you’re likely to discover croissants and baguettes to remind you that you’re in a corner of the Caribbean that is unmistakably French.

The island’s large harbor and its many marinas have made Martinique a major sailing destination. The June Regatta is a four-day sailing festival attracting crews from throughout the Americas and Europe, while the five-day Tour des Yoles Rondes in August celebrates the traditional Caribbean sailing boats used by the island’s fishermen.