Martinique: Expand your French Language Learning
Discover how this culturally rich French Caribbean paradise will offer you the perfect opportunity to practice your language skills.
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Why Choose Martinique for Language Immersion?
A Hidden Gem for French Learners
Once you've reached level B1 in your online French language learning course, it's time to test your skills in a Francophone country. For many Americans, the first instinct is to book a flight to Paris. Rarely do they consider travels to a francophone Caribbean country. In the realm of leisure travel, Martinique is to Europeans what Jamaica is to Americans.
Through this compact travel guide, you'll learn a bit about Martinique and be able to effectively plan your first trip to this country of "très magnifique" experiences.
Practical Information
Exchange Rate
As a French territory, Martinique runs on the euro. The current exchange rate for the dollar to the euro is approximately $1.08 to 1 €.
Language Immersion Programs
Think personal travel concierge with a heavy focus on language and cultural education. You'll dine in locally-praised restaurants, visit prominent cultural sites, and practice your language skills with a group of your peers or a personal guide. These two programs offer wonderful excursions, classes and many details you'd like to include in your stay: Language and Luxury, and The Language Exchange.
Getting Around Martinique
Taken at the Clement Rum Distillery
Car Rental
Renting a car is the best way to get around independently. European car rental companies can sometimes charge a 1000 € deposit for foreign renters, but their daily rates could be lower. American based companies conduct business as usual with the possibility of higher daily rates.
Taxis or Private Buses
Coming from the airport, a taxi is the best way to get to your hotel unless you're renting a car. Taxi fares run from 30 € to 72 € per person. Once settled, there is a water taxi ($7 roundtrip) that can transport you to and from different sections of the island. Stops are in Fort de France, Point du Bout and Trois-Ilets.
Guided Tours
These usually range from $44-$118 per person with various activities and durations. These companies come highly recommended:
Important Note
No Uber or Lyft services are available on the island.
Must-Visit Destinations
Fort de France Downtown
Tons of little shops, eateries, and Nightclubs, close to the Airport
Case Pilote
Quiet neighborhood right on the beach, awesome bar/restaurant called Le Shell's that features great craft cocktails, water taxi within walking distance
Trois-Ilets
Directly across from Fort de France, plenty of upscale hotels, local shops, and beaches
South Martinique
Historical French exhibits
Le Diamant
Best beach area
Culinary Delights
Boudin Creole
A fried ball of pork, pigs' blood, onion, and other ingredients
Camembert Frit
Fried French Camembert cheese accompanied by a strawberry/raspberry jam or sugary maple syrup and a side salad. Delish!
Le Féroce d'Avocat
Translates to fierce avocado because of the spiciness. It's a mix of salt cod, lime juice, red pepper flakes and avocado. It's usually found in the appetizer section of most menus.
The culinary scene in Martinique offers a perfect blend of French and Caribbean influences, creating unique flavors you won't find elsewhere.
Trade Wine for Rum
Visit Distilleries
Visit one of the many distilleries on the island. The rum on this island is as exquisite as any wine you'd find in Paris.
Popular Rum Distilleries
Take a Rum Tour
Learn about the rum-making process and the island's history of rum production.
Tasting Experience
Sample various aged and flavored rums to discover your personal favorites. Try one of the more popular flavors of the flavored rum such as pineapple, vanilla, and mango.
Practical Tips & Further Learning
Be Prepared for Island Pace
If you're from a major city or used to putting in many hours for your job, the slower pace of island life offers a healthy contrast. While many Americans or Europeans may be used to 24-hour convenience stores, employees in Martinique do not work late hours, and some places may close as early as 7 pm. If you're not staying in a resort or well-stocked hotel, please make sure you have all your essentials such as chargers, meds, etc. before evening hours.
Enhance Your French Skills Before Traveling
After you've booked your flight and hotel, reach your goals even faster with FluentU's French language learning course by clicking here. Get your 14-day free trial and gain even more vocabulary to use on your trip. Bon voyage!