Are you heading to Martinique and wondering which route to take? You’ve come to the right place!
Three weeks in Martinique give you the chance to discover the island’s many facets without having to choose between beaches, hikes, villages, and water activities. For our first trip, we changed accommodations several times so we could spend a few days in the north, explore the Atlantic coast, and then spend more time enjoying the southern part of Martinique.
Our itinerary took us from Le Carbet to Le Robert, then to Le Diamant, and finally to Le Marin. Check out this article for our complete day-by-day itinerary.
🧭 Our itinerary at a glance
- 3 weeks in February
- 2 adults and 1 child, age 4
- 4 nights in the north, around Le Carbet
- 3 nights in Le Robert, on the Atlantic coast
- About 9 days in Le Diamant with our family
- The last 3 nights in Le Marin to explore Sainte-Anne and the far south
- A rental car is essential for this itinerary
- Average budget: about 250 € per day
❤️ This article was written entirely by us ; we’ve personally tested all the restaurants, hikes, rentals, and activities we recommend.
Our three-week itinerary in Martinique on a map
Our menu highlights the four key elements of your stay:
- Le Carbet
- Le François
- The Diamond
- Le Marin and Sainte-Anne, along with the main excursions available from each location. These connections help illustrate the general itinerary of the trip; they do not represent a precise route.
During part of our stay, we were joined by Matthieu’s family: there were eight adults and three children among us at that time.
Notre itinéraire en famille
3 semaines en Martinique
Quatre bases pour limiter les longs trajets. Cliquez sur une étape pour isoler ses excursions.
Click on a stage to view its excursions separately. The markers indicate the areas visited, not a precise route. Click on the active stage again to display the entire itinerary.
3 weeks in Martinique
| Step | Approximate duration | Why stay there? | Our Key Findings | Family-Friendly Accommodations Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Carbet | 4 nights | Explore the Northwest and its volcanic beaches | Le Carbet, Anse Couleuvre, Anse à Voile, Saint-Pierre, Depaz Distillery | Casa François with Ocean View |
| Le Robert / Le François | 3 nights | Explore the Atlantic Coast and the White Sands | Caravelle Peninsula, Baie du Trésor, and Îlet Madame by paddleboard | Villa Clémence + Pool |
| The Diamond | About 9 days | Enjoy the Southwest and explore the Anses-d’Arlet area | Turtles, snorkeling, Anse Dufour, Anse Noire, Anse Michel | Kay Agapi, Beachfront Apartment |
| Le Marin / Sainte-Anne | 3 nights | Explore Sainte-Anne and the Far South | Les Salines, Anse Caritan, Piton Crève-Cœur, Savane des Pétrifications, Anse Trabaud | Coco Residence + Pool |
The days when you move serve, of course, as a transition between two stages. The exact count therefore depends on how you count the arrival and departure days.
Why did we choose four landing spots?
Distances may seem short on a map, but trips can take a long time in Martinique.
We were surprised by how heavy the traffic was in Martinique.
The hilly terrain, narrow roads, traffic around Fort-de-France and Le Marin, and the final few kilometers to certain beaches can easily slow down travel.
Moving to a new place allowed us to cut down on long drives and enjoy very different atmospheres:
- 🌋 The North and Its Wilder Landscapes
- 🌊 The Atlantic Coast, its islets, and its white sandy beaches
- 🐢 The southwest—a very convenient way to get to Anses-d’Arlet
- 🌴 The far south around Sainte-Anne and the Trace des Caps.
💡 However, four accommodations are not essential.
To make our trip easier, we would probably choose two main bases: Le Carbet for the north and Le Diamant for the south.
With three stopover points, we would add the Atlantic coast, around Le Robert or the Caravelle Peninsula.
Ten Days in Le Diamant: A Family Choice, Not Necessarily the Most Logical Itinerary
We stayed in Le Diamant for almost ten days because we were meeting up with Matthieu’s family there. There were eight adults and three children: changing accommodations frequently or coordinating eleven people for every trip would have been complicated. This long stay allowed us to enjoy the house, host a barbecue, and return to Anses-d’Arlet several times.
We don’t necessarily recommend spending this much time in Le Diamant on a typical itinerary. Some days would have made more sense to plan from our other accommodations. For example, we could have visited La Baignoire de Joséphine during our stop in Le François, while the loop from Vauclin to Trou Cochon and Anse Michel could have been organized from Le Marin or Sainte-Anne. With this arrangement, the trips would have been shorter and the various stops would have made more geographical sense.
First stop: four nights in northern Martinique
We had booked our first lodging between Case-Pilote and Le Carbet. This part of our trip was disrupted by our daughter’s illness; she also needed time to recover from the trip and the jet lag. So we adjusted our itinerary without trying to make up for all the planned visits.
Day 1: Doctor’s appointment in Fort-de-France and sunset at Case-Pilote
Since our daughter was sick, our first day began with a doctor’s appointment in Fort-de-France. It certainly wasn’t the plan we’d envisioned for our arrival in Martinique, but that’s part of the unexpected that can happen when traveling with a child.
We were able to quickly book an appointment on Doctolib, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was and the quality of the care.
On the way back, we stopped at the Reef Restaurant in Case-Pilote. The restaurant is located right on the water and gave us our first real taste of vacation. The menu features just a few dishes, all made with local ingredients—exactly what we love.
We really liked Case-Pilote: the village was quiet, pleasant, and much less touristy than other parts of the island.
We ended the day watching our first Martinique sunset on the beautiful black-sand beach at Carbet.
🔔 Family-friendly accommodations: information and reservations for Casa François with ocean views ( 2 bedrooms) or Les Bonites Carbet right onthe water (3 bedrooms)
Day 2: Relaxing on Carbet Beach
We spent the next day relaxing on Carbet Beach, enjoying a picnic overlooking the ocean. The water temperature was around 26 °C during our stay.
Le Carbet is very different from the white-sand beaches in the south. Its black-to-light-gray volcanic sand, coconut trees, and the northern hills create a unique atmosphere. The water was clear but slightly choppy when we were there. The depth increases rapidly: if you have young children, stay close to the shore and pay attention to the conditions that day.
⚠️ Avoid sitting directly under coconut trees because of the risk of falling coconuts.
🔔 Family-friendly accommodations: information and reservations for Casa François with ocean views ( 2 bedrooms) or Les Bonites Carbet right onthe water (3 bedrooms)
Day 3: Hike from Anse Couleuvre to Anse à Voile
Our first hike took us to Anse à Voile, a black-sand beach accessible only on foot. We left the car atthe Anse Couleuvre parking lot before following the trail through the forest. ⚠️ We recommend arriving early because the parking lot is very small.
We were there on a Sunday during school break, and yet we found Anse à Voile almost deserted. The beach, lined with coconut trees and surrounded by vegetation, really made us feel like we were alone in the world.
The beach is about 1.5 km from the Anse Couleuvre parking lot. The walk through the forest is an adventure in itself: the trail passes by the ruins of an old house, leads to a lookout point, and then descends to Anse à Voile.
Our 4-year-old daughter walked the trail. Most of the walk takes place under the trees, which is especially pleasant in Martinique’s climate.
💡 Our tips after this outing:
- Arrive around 8 a.m. to have an easier time finding a parking spot at Anse Couleuvre
- Drive carefully on the last stretch of the road, which was in poor condition during our stay
- Bring water, appropriate footwear, and sunscreen
- Don’t count on being able to swim every time with young children, as the sea can be rough
- stop by Anse Couleuvre Beach.
🔔 Family-friendly accommodations: information and reservations for Casa François with ocean views ( 2 bedrooms) or Les Bonites Carbet right onthe water (3 bedrooms)
Day 4: Saint-Pierre and the Depaz Distillery
Before leaving the north, we spent a day exploring the area around Saint-Pierre. From the Morne d’Orange lookout, the view takes in the town, its bay, and Mount Pelée.
Our recommendations in Saint-Pierre:
- Lunch at Kaï Raymond restaurant (affordable and delicious)
- Ice cream at A’Rhum Glace. The coconut and mango flavors were among our favorites.
- Snorkeling in the bay to see ” Manman Dlo,” an underwater artwork.
Next, we explored the Depaz distillery. Admission to the estate and the park was free during our visit, though there was a fee for certain parts of the tour. The park, at the foot of Mount Pelée, is worth a stop in its own right.
We then headed to the Atlantic coast and stayed at Pointe Hyacinthe, in Le François. Our accommodations offered a remarkable view of the white sandbanks and allowed us to head straight out onto the water.
🔔 Family-friendly lodging: Villa Clémence with a pool and kitchen
Second stop: three nights in Le François
Day 5: Caravelle Peninsula and Treasure Bay
We started this leg of the trip on the Caravelle Peninsula. There are several possible routes through the nature reserve. With our daughter, we followed the yellow trail marked on the map, which was about 4 km round trip. We also took a detour to Mangrove Beach.
The trail was relatively flat, and we saw lots of crabs, which kept the kids busy for a long time. The blue trail lets you extend the hike and get a better view of the lighthouse, but we preferred to stick to a reasonable schedule. We stopped for a swim at Baie du Trésor.
After this short hike, we headed to Cocoa Beach Café to enjoy some delicious burgers with our feet in the sand on Anse Étang Beach, where we met Célia and Nico from the blog Kikisbackpackingtour and chatted about travel.
This day had everything we were looking for in Martinique: an easy hike, animals to watch, a beach, and a nice place to have lunch.
🔔 Family-friendly lodging: Villa Clémence with a pool and kitchen
Day 6: Paddleboarding around Îlet Madame
From our lodging, we were able to paddle out to the white sandbanks off Îlet Madame. We paddled through shallow water and saw some beautiful starfish.
💡 White sands are areas of light-colored sand in the open sea where the turquoise water is shallow enough to stand in.
This trip remains one of our fondest memories of the Atlantic coast. However, it’s important to take into account the wind, the actual distance from the starting point, and the participants’ skill levels. A trip that seems easy in the morning can become more challenging on the way back if the wind picks up.
Guests who do not have their own equipment at their accommodations can rent a kayak or book a tour in Robert Bay. Madame Islet is located across from Pointe La Rose and is one of the Robert Islets.
🔔 Family-friendly lodging: Villa Clémence with a pool and kitchen
Day 7: Car Breakdown and a Tour of Habitation Clément
On the day we were leaving for Le Diamant, our rental car wouldn’t start. With the help of our host, we pushed it up a hill and managed to get it running again.
Fortunately, our route to Le Diamant took us close to the airport and the rental agency. The rental company replaced the car, upgraded us to a higher class, and covered the cost of the fuel we used during the beginning of our stay. So this incident was resolved smoothly, even though it would have been much more of a hassle in a remote area.
We took advantage of this day of transition to visit Habitation Clément. We particularly enjoyed its large park and the many artworks installed in the gardens. The tour combines heritage, the history of rum, architecture, and contemporary art.
We then headed to Le Diamant, where we met up with Matthieu’s family for the longest part of our trip.
🔔 Family-friendly lodging: Villa Clémence with a pool and kitchen
Stage 3: About nine days in Le Diamant
Le Diamant served as our base for exploring southwestern Martinique. There were eleven of us at the time: eight adults and three children. Traveling as a group meant a different pace, with more days spent doing things together and a few quieter moments at home.
Our vacation rental had direct access to Diamant Beach. This beach is beautiful, but the sea there can be rougher than in the sheltered coves. We especially enjoyed it for its setting and for the time we spent in front of the house.
Day 8: Turtles at Grande Anse d’Arlet
Another great day—our first outing since Le Diamant took us to Grande Anse d’Arlet. The turtles come to feed in the seagrass beds and can be seen while snorkeling from the beach.
We packed our masks and snorkels in our suitcases, which we highly recommend for a trip to Martinique. You can also rent glass-bottom boats there, which are a great option for children who aren’t yet comfortable swimming on their own.
We had lunch at Ti Sable, right on the shore of Grande Anse. With the turtles, the beach, and lunch with our feet practically in the sand, this day instantly became one of our favorites.
🐢 Observe without disturbing: the presence of turtles is never guaranteed. Keep your distance, don’t touch them, don’t chase them, and don’t stand over them when they come up to breathe.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
Day 9: Anse Dufour and Anse Noire
Anse Dufour and Anse Noire are neighbors, but offer two very different landscapes. The former is a small beach with light-colored sand, known for turtle watching. The latter is a cove with black sand, surrounded by vegetation and rolling hills.
We spotted some turtles again at Anse Dufour. The main problem in the area is parking. There’s only one road leading to both beaches, and the spots fill up quickly. We had to park quite a distance away and walk the rest of the way.
To enjoy the beach at a more leisurely pace, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. This is especially important if you have children and beach gear.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
🐬 Take a boat trip to watch dolphins and snorkel with turtles
Information and reservations for dolphin watching and snorkeling with turtles
Day 10: Snorkeling in the village of Anses-d’Arlet
The village of Anses-d’Arlet is famous for its pier, which is aligned with the church. Of course, we took the classic photo, but our fondest memory lies underwater.
About 30 meters from the beach, a rock is home to a wide variety of fish. The site resembles a natural aquarium and is accessible directly from the shore.
This was our favorite snorkeling spot during the trip.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
Day 11: Snorkeling at Pointe Borgnèse and ice cream at Le Diamant
We tried snorkeling from Pointe Borgnèse Beach. During our visit, we saw very few fish, and the outing seemed less interesting to us than the ones at Anses-d’Arlet.
This account reflects only the conditions encountered on that particular day. Visibility, swell, wind, and water conditions can completely change a snorkeling session.
That evening, we had ice cream at Frisson Sucré. We especially recommend the flavors made with local fruits, such as mango or guava.
The best place to enjoy it is just a few steps away: the Diamant Pier, facing the ocean.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
Day 12: A Boat Trip to Joséphine’s Bathtub Without a Boating License
We rented our license-free boats from Rose Bay Martinique to explore the white sandbanks off Le François. The rate was about 150 € per boat, for four adults and two children in our group.
After the rental company gave us some instructions, we set off for the famous Baignoire de Joséphine. This white sandbar is one of Martinique’s most famous attractions. Being able to drive the boats ourselves gave us more freedom than an organized tour would have.
We then continued on to Long Islet. We had a picnic there in a much quieter setting, and we were the only ones there.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
You can also choose to take an organized tour departing from the Port du François:
Day 13: Hike to Trou Cochon and Anse Michel
We hiked the loop from Le Vauclin to Trou Cochon without the kids. We followed this AllTrails route. The loop is about 6.9 km long and usually takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to walk. It passes through a wide variety of landscapes: savanna, dry forest, coastline, a fishing village, and mangroves. The official starting point is in the Château Paille neighborhood, near the UCPA center in Vauclin.
After the hike, we had lunch at Le Cocotier in Anse Michel, then enjoyed the beach. Anse Michel was one of our most beautiful discoveries: white sand, coconut palms, and water in countless shades of blue.
The beach may be affected by Sargassum. During our visit, there was none, and the conditions were very pleasant.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
Day 14: A quiet day at home
We had purposely set aside a day without any sightseeing. We took advantage of the direct access to Diamant Beach, then hosted a barbecue with friends of Matthieu’s parents, who had lived in Martinique for a year.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
Day 15: Return to Anses-d’Arlet
We enjoyed snorkeling in the village of Anses-d’Arlet so much that we went back. We also stopped by Grande Anse again to see the turtles.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Info and reservations for Kay Agapi, apartment on Diamond Beach
Day 16: Anse Figuier and a change of accommodations
On the way to our last place to stay, we stopped at Anse Figuier. The beach is a great place to take kids thanks to its setting, the surrounding vegetation, and the generally calmer water. It also has a snorkeling spot accessible from the shore.
We then headed to our lodging in Le Marin for the last few days.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Information and Reservations for Résidence Coco with a Pool in Sainte Anne
Stage Four: Three nights in Le Marin and the surrounding area of Sainte-Anne
We had chosen Le Marin as our final base, but today we would recommend looking for a place to stay in Sainte-Anne instead. Most of our activities were in that direction, and traffic around Le Marin could be a hassle.
Day 17: Les Salines Beach
We spent our first day at Grande Anse des Salines.
It’s the quintessential postcard beach: a long stretch of light-colored sand, coconut palms, and turquoise water.
It is also one of the most famous beaches in Martinique and can get quite crowded. Despite its popularity, it lives up to its reputation and is one of our favorites.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Information and Reservations for Résidence Coco with a Pool in Sainte Anne
Day 18: Piton Crève-Cœur, Sainte-Anne, and Anse Caritan
We started the day with a hike up Piton Crève-Cœur. This short hike takes you up to a high vantage point where you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of southern Martinique, particularly Marin Bay.
We then headed to Anse Caritan, known for its swing set in the water, and visited the village of Sainte-Anne. We loved its peaceful atmosphere and the fact that traffic doesn’t run right through the center of town, as it does in other towns.
That evening, we had dinner at Ti Cozy, a crêperie in Sainte-Anne.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Information and Reservations for Résidence Coco with a Pool in Sainte Anne
Day 19: Savane des Pétrifications and Anse Trabaud
On our last full day, we hiked through the Savane des Pétrifications. The landscape is almost nothing like the tropical forests we saw in the north: dry vegetation, cacti, cracked earth—it felt like we were walking through an almost lunar landscape.
We saw many more crabs along the way. The hike took us to Anse Trabaud, a secluded beach that we really enjoyed. We ended the day with one last stop at Les Salines.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Information and Reservations for Résidence Coco with a Pool in Sainte Anne
Day 20: Return the car and head home
Before heading to the airport, we washed the car and filled up the gas tank. Be sure to allow enough time for this step, returning the car, and any potential traffic delays.
🔔 Family-Friendly Accommodations: Information and Reservations for Résidence Coco with a Pool in Sainte Anne
Where should you stay to follow this itinerary?
We recommend that you book your accommodations several months in advance, as options can quickly become limited in Martinique, especially during school breaks.
We also recommend that you choose a place to stay:
- 🍳 With a kitchen: Over the course of three weeks, we ate out only five times to stay within our budget. For lunch, we usually had picnics, and for dinner, we prepared simple meals at our accommodations.
- 🏊 With a pool: It’s hot all day long in Martinique, and our daughter enjoyed being able to go for a swim after our sightseeing trips. During our research, we didn’t notice a significant price difference between accommodations with and without a pool.
Staying Overnight in Carbet
We had stayed farther south, near Case-Pilote. In hindsight, we would choose a place to stay right in Carbet, with easier access to the beach and restaurants.
🔔 Our recommendation in Carbet: Casa François with ocean views. This family-friendly apartment is located right on the beach, near restaurants and shops. It sleeps up to 5 people and has 2 bedrooms and a kitchen.
Information and reservations for Casa François with ocean view ( 2 bedrooms) or Les Bonites Carbet right onthe water (3 bedrooms)
Staying in Le Robert or Le François
To recreate our experience, the Pointe Hyacinthe or Pointe La Rose area is a great choice. A view of the bay and access to a kayak or stand-up paddleboard really enhance your stay. Le François is another possible starting point for exploring the “fonds blancs” and the Baignoire de Joséphine.
🔔 Our recommendation in Le François : Villa Clémence, in Le François. This aparthotel offers studios and apartments with kitchenettes, as well as an outdoor pool, a garden, and parking. Its location is ideal for day trips to the islets off Le François.
Staying at Le Diamant
Le Diamant is a convenient base for exploring Anses-d’Arlet, Anse Dufour, Anse Noire, and several beaches in the south. Accommodations with a pool or beach access are a plus, as the sea can be rough just off the town.
🔔 Our recommendation: Kay Agapi, a beachfront apartment. This two-bedroom apartment features a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace that opens directly onto the beach. It also has an outdoor pool and direct access to the beach.
Staying in Le Marin or Sainte-Anne
We had chosen Le Marin, but Sainte-Anne seems more pleasant to us for a vacation focused on Les Salines, Anse Caritan, and the Trace des Caps. The choice will depend, however, on price, parking, and the exact location of the accommodation.
🔔 Our recommendation: Résidence Coco, in Sainte-Anne. The residence offers, among other things, a family suite that can accommodate four people, with a kitchen or kitchenette, and features a swimming pool.
A separate guide will be dedicated to the best places to stay in Martinique.
Should I rent a car for three weeks in Martinique?
A car is essential for this itinerary. It allows you to reach the trailheads, secluded beaches, and various lodging options while transporting your luggage.
Our rental cost about 50 to 60 € per day. We recommend a vehicle with sufficient ground clearance rather than a very low-slung city car. Some access roads were narrow or in poor condition, especially in the north. An SUV isn’t required for every route, but adequate ground clearance provides greater comfort.
We avoided driving at night as much as possible. Some roads have limited lighting, there are many curves, and conditions are harder to anticipate when you’re not familiar with the island.
Our comprehensive experience—including vehicle breakdowns and exchanges—will be covered in a guide dedicated to car rentals in Martinique.
How much should I budget for a three-week trip to Martinique?
Our average daily budget while there was about 250 € for our household, or approximately 5,000 to 5,250 € for twenty to twenty-one days. The three plane tickets cost us about 2,500 €, bringing the total budget for the trip to around 7,500 to 7,750 €.
We left during school break, but extended our stay by three days so we could return after the break was over. This adjustment allowed us to find better flight deals than we would have gotten for a round-trip flight entirely during the school year.
| Position | Amount recorded |
|---|---|
| Hosting | About 130 € per night on average |
| Car | About 50 to 60 € per day |
| Boat that doesn’t require a license | About 150 € per boat |
| On-site Expenses | About 50 € per day |
| Flights for 2 adults and 1 child | About 2,500 € |
| Estimated total budget | Approximately €7,500 to €7,750 |
We had booked our accommodations two to three months before departure, but the selection was already limited and prices were high, especially during school breaks. For a trip in February, it’s best to start looking several months in advance.
We cut down on expenses by regularly packing lunches. In the evenings, we alternated between eating at our lodging, small open-air cafés, and a few restaurants.
This budget is just a rough estimate specific to our trip. It depends heavily on the cost of airfare, the number of travelers, the type of lodging, restaurants, and paid activities.
A Three-Week Trip to Martinique with a Child
Martinique was the perfect destination for a trip with our 4-year-old daughter. She got to enjoy the beaches, walk to Anse à Voile, watch the crabs at La Caravelle, and explore the fish while snorkeling from the shore.
The main challenges were:
- jet lag during the first few days;
- the heat on exposed trails;
- parking far from certain beaches;
- roads that are sometimes long or winding;
- the rapidly increasing depth on certain beaches;
- the need to set aside some quieter days.
We also noticed that the people of Martinique were very approachable with children and that our daughter was welcomed with great kindness.
What We’d Change If We Started Over
We ended up staying there for three weeks. That amount of time allowed us to take it easy when our daughter was sick, revisit our favorite spots, and enjoy a quiet day in Le Diamant.
However, we would make a few changes:
- We would stay overnight in Carbet instead of heading toward Case-Pilote.
- To simplify the itinerary, we could skip the last stop in Le Marin and visit Sainte-Anne from Le Diamant.
- If we were to keep one stop in the far south, we would choose Sainte-Anne over Le Marin.
- We would book accommodations even earlier.
- We would choose a car with sufficient ground clearance, while carefully comparing insurance policies and roadside assistance.
- We would set aside several days with no set plans.
Our take on this three-week itinerary
Three weeks is not too long to spend visiting Martinique. The island is relatively compact, but it offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities. The volcanic north, the white sandbanks of the Atlantic coast, the southern beaches, the villages, the hikes, and the snorkeling easily give you the impression that you’re exploring several different destinations during a single trip.
Our fondest memories are of the turtles at Grande Anse, snorkeling in the village of Anses-d’Arlet, Anse à Voile, Anse Michel (without sargassum), Les Salines, the white sandy bottoms at Le Robert, and our secluded picnic on Îlet Long.
Our itinerary was neither comprehensive nor perfectly optimized. We didn’t climb Mount Pelée, visit Fort-de-France as a tourist stop, or explore all of the island’s famous sites. This itinerary reflects our style of travel: plenty of nature and water activities, a few cultural visits, and enough time to enjoy the places as a family.
Our Favorite Spots in Martinique
After three weeks there, several places really stand out.
- The first is the Anses-d’Arlet area. We loved watching the turtles at Grande Anse and exploring the fish around the rock in front of the village. We went back there several times, which pretty much sums up our enthusiasm.
- The white sands are also among our fondest memories, both during our stand-up paddleboarding trip off Îlet Madame and during our day-long boat trip to La Baignoire de Joséphine and Îlet Long. The picnic on that islet, all by ourselves facing the water, remains one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.
- As for beaches, we’d highlight Les Salines for its postcard-perfect scenery, Anse Michel for its coconut palms and vibrant colors when it’s not covered in sargassum, and Anse Figuier for its family-friendly atmosphere. In the north, the walk to Anse à Voile and our arrival at this nearly deserted beach gave us a glimpse of a much wilder side of Martinique.
Finally, the warm welcome the children received left a lasting impression on us throughout our stay. The people of Martinique were very friendly toward our daughter and the other children in our family, which made the trip especially enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Three-Week Stay in Martinique
Is three weeks too long for Martinique?
No. Three weeks is enough time to explore the north, the Atlantic coast, and the south without having to change activities every day. This length of time also gives you plenty of leeway to revisit your favorite beaches and accommodate any unexpected events.
How many accommodations do I need to book for three weeks?
Two or three stops are usually enough. We used four to minimize some of the travel time. For a simple itinerary, we would choose Le Carbet and Le Diamant. If we added a third stop, we would include Le Robert or the Caravelle Peninsula.
Where is the best place to stay in Martinique?
There is no single ideal area for the entire island. Le Carbet is a good choice for the north, Le Diamant for the southwest, and Sainte-Anne for the far south. Le Robert is a good option for the islets and the white sandbanks.
Is a car essential in Martinique?
Yes, to follow this itinerary. The secluded beaches, hikes, and changes in accommodations would be difficult to organize using only public transportation.
How much should I budget for three weeks?
We spent about 250 € per day on accommodations while we were there. Our lodging cost an average of 130 € per night, and the car cost between 50 and 60 € per day. With about 2,500 € for plane tickets for three people, our total budget can be estimated at between 7,500 and 7,750 €.
Is this route suitable for young children?
Yes, by adjusting the pace and choosing certain hikes. Our daughter was 4 years old. She joined us for the beach trips, short walks, and water activities, while we hiked the Trou Cochon trail without the kids.
Where can you see turtles in Martinique?
We spotted them at Grande Anse d’Arlet and Anse Dufour. Grande Anse was our favorite spot to repeat the experience, but the presence of turtles is never guaranteed.
What were our best snorkeling spots?
The rock in front of the village of Anses-d’Arlet was our best spot for fishing. Grande Anse and Anse Dufour were the best places to spot turtles.
When does sargassum appear in Martinique?
Sargassum strandings are generally more frequent between April and August, but they remain unpredictable and can occur year-round. The Atlantic-facing coasts, particularly around Le Robert, Le François, Le Vauclin, and Sainte-Anne, are usually the most affected. The Caribbean coast is generally less affected. Before choosing a beach, it’s best to check local observations and forecasts, as conditions can change quickly.
Notre feuille de route pour trois semaines en Martinique
Cette feuille de route résume notre itinéraire jour après jour. Vous pouvez modifier l’ordre des visites en fonction de la météo, du vent, de l’état de la mer et de vos envies.
| Jour | Point de chute et hébergement | Programme principal | Nos conseils |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jour 1 | Le Carbet 🛏️ Casa François vue mer | Fort-de-France, Case-Pilote et plage du Carbet | Prévoir une première journée légère pour récupérer du voyage et du décalage horaire. |
| Jour 2 | Le Carbet 🛏️ Casa François vue mer | Journée de repos sur la plage du Carbet | Une plage de sable volcanique agréable pour se reposer. La profondeur augmente rapidement. |
| Jour 3 | Le Carbet 🛏️ Casa François vue mer | Randonnée d’Anse Couleuvre à Anse à Voile | Environ 1,5 km depuis le parking, dans la forêt, avec les ruines d’une ancienne habitation et un point de vue. |
| Jour 4 | Le Carbet 🛏️ Casa François vue mer | Saint-Pierre et distillerie Depaz | Une journée associant l’histoire de Saint-Pierre, les paysages du nord et la découverte d’une distillerie. |
| Jour 5 | Le François 🛏️ Villa Clémence avec piscine | Presqu’île de la Caravelle et Baie du Trésor | Randonnée d’environ 4 km aller-retour dans la réserve naturelle, en suivant le sentier jaune. |
| Jour 6 | Le François 🛏️ Villa Clémence avec piscine | Sortie en paddle jusqu’à l’îlet Madame | Vérifier le vent et l’état de la mer avant le départ. |
| Jour 7 | Le François 🛏️ Villa Clémence avec piscine | Visite de l’Habitation Clément | Prévoir plusieurs heures pour découvrir les jardins, les bâtiments historiques et les expositions. |
| Jour 8 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Grande Anse d’Arlet et observation des tortues | Respecter les distances et ne jamais toucher les tortues. 🐬 Voir l’excursion dauphins et snorkeling avec les tortues |
| Jour 9 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Anse Dufour et Anse Noire | Arriver tôt, car les accès et les places de stationnement sont limités. |
| Jour 10 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Snorkeling dans le bourg des Anses-d’Arlet | Le secteur du ponton et les rochers permettent d’observer de nombreux poissons. |
| Jour 11 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Snorkeling à Pointe Borgnèse et glace chez Frisson Sucré | Pointe Borgnèse nous a moins convaincus. Nous avons davantage apprécié la glace aux fruits locaux dégustée sur le ponton du Diamant. |
| Jour 12 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Baignoire de Joséphine et fonds blancs | Cette sortie aurait été plus logique depuis Le François. 🚤 Infos et réservation pour une excursion à la Baignoire de Joséphine, aux îlets du François et à l’îlet Chancel |
| Jour 13 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Boucle du Vauclin vers Trou Cochon et Anse Michel | Cette journée peut être organisée depuis Le Marin ou Sainte-Anne afin de réduire les trajets. |
| Jour 14 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Journée tranquille au logement | Une pause appréciable au milieu d’un séjour de trois semaines, particulièrement avec des enfants. |
| Jour 15 | Le Diamant 🛏️ Kay Agapi, appartement sur la plage | Retour aux Anses-d’Arlet | Profitez de cette journée pour retourner sur la plage ou le spot de snorkeling que vous avez préféré. |
| Jour 16 | Le Diamant → Le Marin 🛏️ Résidence Coco avec piscine | Anse Figuier et changement de logement | Une journée de transition entre le sud-ouest et l’extrême sud de la Martinique. |
| Jour 17 | Le Marin 🛏️ Résidence Coco avec piscine | Plage des Salines | Arriver tôt pour trouver facilement une place et profiter d’une plage plus calme. |
| Jour 18 | Le Marin 🛏️ Résidence Coco avec piscine | Piton Crève-Cœur, Sainte-Anne et Anse Caritan | Une journée variée entre point de vue, découverte de Sainte-Anne et baignade. |
| Jour 19 | Le Marin 🛏️ Résidence Coco avec piscine | Savane des Pétrifications et Anse Trabaud | Prévoir suffisamment d’eau, une protection solaire et de bonnes chaussures. Le sentier est très exposé. |
| Jour 20 | Départ | Restitution de la voiture et retour | Conserver une marge suffisante pour rendre la voiture et rejoindre l’aéroport. |
📥 Emportez cet itinéraire avec vous
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