CLIMATE & GEOGRAPHY
CHARTER GUIDE
Collectively known as the French West Indies or French Caribbean, St Barth’s, St Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique are slices of France in the tropics. As French overseas Départements, Martinique and Guadeloupe enjoy essentially the same status as mainland France; while St Barth’s and St Martin have chosen to be overseas collectivities, giving them more distance from the mother country. In any case, all the islands are truly a part of France, ensuring modern roads and infrastructure, a higher standard of living than elsewhere in the Caribbean, and the best medical facilities in the Lesser Antilles.
Anywhere in the French Caribbean, visitors will be delighted to find nice bakeries, wines and cheeses and the same chain stores and brands as in France. Being under French protection and part of the European Community, the islands enjoy political stability, with the familiar gendarmes in charge of law and order.
St Martin is the ideal place for those looking for a fun destination, with days and nights filled with excitement. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere attracts tourists from all over the world who enjoy the great shopping, beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and nightlife.
St Barth’s is the favourite destination of the ‘rich and famous’ but, despite all the hype, remains harmoniously developed. As a large number of devotees will attest, St Barth’s is ‘l’ile par excellence’, unspoiled, gorgeous, selective and seductively glamorous.
Guadeloupe and Martinique are still undiscovered wonders with strong personalities. These large islands are for those looking forward to getting off the beaten track to appreciate their lush tropical beauty and genuine Creole culture found in language, music and cuisine.
Whatever you are looking for, the French West Indies offers the Caribbean’s most spectacular natural beauty and diversity. You will find a choice of pristine anchorages, spectacular beaches, exceptional restaurants and shopping; and you can walk in rain forests, climb active volcanoes and swim in rivers or in underwater national parks.
Itinerary 5 days discovering coves and Creole culture around Martinique and GuadeloupeCruise two French West Indies islands, which offer spectacular diving, virtually deserted islets and charming French colonial towns with bustling markets and colourful Creole culture |
Feature French Caribbean restaurants with a sea viewRestaurants which combine French-style cuisine with Creole spices and five-star service are a feature of the French Caribbean, but these also offer stunning views of the sea |
Fact file French Caribbean fact fileAll the essential facts and figures to have at your fingertips when cruising round the islands of the French West Indies – St Barth’s, St Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique |
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