Martinique is a French Caribbean island and overseas region located in the Lesser Antilles, blending volcanic landscapes, white and black sand beaches, lush rainforest, and a sophisticated Creole culture. As a full part of France and the European Union, it offers the comfort of French infrastructure alongside a distinctly Caribbean soul.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Martinique.
-
1
Arawak (Saladoid) peoples settle Martinique, establishing fishing and agricultural communities along the coast.
-
2
Carib (Kalinago) people arrive and progressively replace Arawak populations across the island.
-
3
Christopher Columbus sights Martinique on his second voyage but does not land.
-
4
Columbus lands at Carbet during his fourth voyage — the first recorded European contact on the island.
-
5
Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc formally claims Martinique for France; French settlement of Saint-Pierre begins.
-
6
Sugar cane cultivation expands massively; tens of thousands of enslaved Africans are transported to work the plantations.
-
7
Treaty of Paris — France chooses to keep Martinique over Canada, reflecting the island's enormous economic value from sugar production.
-
8
First abolition of slavery decreed by Revolutionary France; Martinique falls under British occupation (1794–1802), which restores slavery.
-
9
Diamond Rock is commissioned as HMS Diamond Rock by the British Royal Navy and held until 1805.
-
10
Congress of Vienna returns Martinique definitively to France after periods of British occupation.
-
11
Victor Schoelcher achieves permanent abolition of slavery throughout French territories — marked by the Schoelcher Day holiday on 22 May.
-
12
8 May: Mount Pelée erupts catastrophically, destroying Saint-Pierre in minutes and killing approximately 30,000 people — the deadliest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.
-
13
Aimé Césaire born in Basse-Pointe — the poet and politician who will coin 'Négritude' and serve as Mayor of Fort-de-France for 56 years.
-
14
Martinique becomes a French overseas department (département d'outre-mer) — full French citizens with representation in the National Assembly.
-
15
Martinique also becomes a French overseas region (région d'outre-mer) under decentralisation reforms.
-
16
Martinique becomes a Collectivité Unique — the departmental and regional councils are merged into a single territorial assembly.
Historical sites
Places where Martinique's past comes alive.
Saint-Pierre Ruins
Where: Saint-Pierre
Admission: Museum €4 (~$4.30) adults, €2 (~$2.15) children. Ruins free.
Musée Volcanologique Franck Perret
Where: Saint-Pierre
Admission: €4 (~$4.30) adults, €2 (~$2.15) children
Musée de la Pagerie — Birthplace of Empress Joséphine
Where: Trois-Îlets
Admission: €6 (~$6.50) adults, €3 (~$3.25) children
Anse Cafard Slavery Memorial
Where: Le Diamant
Admission: Free
Fort Saint-Louis
Where: Fort-de-France
Admission: €5 (~$5.40) adults, €2.50 (~$2.70) children
Habitation Clément
Where: Le François
Admission: €10 (~$10.80) adults