FRENCH ANTILLES
GUADELOUPE, MARTINIQUE, St. BARTH & St. Martin
ISLAND FUN FACTS
Capital: The Capital city of this region is Basse-Terre
Population: According to data recorded by United Nations (UN), the population is estimated to be 400,124
Religion: About 80% of the region’s population are Roman Catholic. Other major religions include protestant denominations.
Language: The official language in Guadeloupe is French. Otherwise the residents also speak Antillean Creole.
Carnival:
Guadeloupe Carnival is an exciting celebration that commemorates centuries worth of the island’s tradition and heritage. Guadeloupe Carnival is a buzzy season of celebration featured with music, dance, costumes, decorations, food, drink, parades, parties and enjoying beignets- a sweet French donut.
The Guadeloupe Carnival is not just popular to the natives but also attracts lots of tourists to this gorgeous Caribbean island.
Side of Street Drive-On: While in Guadeloupe drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Currency: The state’s national currency is the EURO.
History:
The first European to discover Guadaloupe is Christopher Columbus around 1493. Spanish made several barren attempts to colonize the region. The French also had an eye for Guadeloupe and so they overthrew the Spanish settlers.
In 20s century, Felix Eboue ascended to governorship as the first black on that post. In 1946, Guadeloupe was made an overseas department of France. In 1967, racism took tall, resulting into conflicts, frequent riots and racist attacks on the black Guagaloupeans. These clashes claimed a number of lives. In 1970s, the urge to acquire independence pushed the movement to prompt France into declaring Guadeloupe as part of French.
In 1980, the struggle turned into violence with many uprising action groups being launched. Guadeloupe became greatly autonomous in 2000. However, in 2009, clashes arose due to low wages, poverty, unemployment and many other economical challenges. Despite the tension, the French government seemed unbothered by the resistance and the strike lasted for 44 days. A visit by Nicolas Sarkozy calmed the violent wave and he vowed to campaign for reforms.
THINGS TO DO
1.Glass-bottom boat trips
2. Deshaies Botanical Garden
3. Quad Biking
4. Water Sports 5. Le Tapeur 6. Ilet Gosier 7. Guadaloupe’s Aquarium
Guadeloupe is an island that has been largely influenced by the French, Arica, India, and its neighboring Caribbean regions. There way of life is rooted in traditional and aesthetic activities such as: – Music and dance – Art – Culinary traditions
Guadaloupe dishes include:
1. Fritters – tiny cod fritters/vegies
2. Saury – small, elongated fish cooked by frying
3. Bananas – fruit bananas
4. Bebele – dombres, tripe, and green bananas
5. Blaff – this is shell or flat fish prepared in spicy water or a type of broth
1.Pointe des Chateaux, Saint-Francois, Grande-Terre.
2. Basse- Terre National Park
3. Climb La Soufriere, Saint-Claude
4. Fort Napoleon
5. Jardin Botanique de Deshaies
6. Cousteau Reserve and Pigeon Islands
7. Local Distilleries
8. Desirade and Petite-Terre Islands
1. Plage de Grande Anse
2. Plage de Pompiere
3. Plage de Malendure
4. Vieux Fort Beach
5. Plage de Bananier
6. Pain de Sucre Beach
7. Grand Anse Beach
8. Petite Terre
9. La Datcha Beach
For the lovers of birds, in Basse-Terre, there is a forest habitat was reported to home several species of birds like Sterna antillarum, Purple throated carib scientifically named Eulampis jugularis, Green -throated carib (Eulampis holosericeus), Antillean hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus), Scaly-breasted thrasher (Margarops fuscus), and Pearly-eyed thrasher (Margarops fuscatu).
Getting There
If you have a car then you shall have the best exploration in Guadeloupe. You can hire one at Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport (PTP) in Grande-Terre’s main city.
ISLAND FUN FACTS
Capital: Fort De France
Population: Approximately 500 000 inhabitants
Religion: Roman catholism was predominant during the French rule. Currently, there is evident growth in evangelical Protestantism (Seventh day Adventists). Other religions in Martinique include the Jewish, Bahai, and Muslims.
Language: French, Martinican Creole, and Antillean Creole
Currency: Euro
History:
The native term for Martinique is ‘Madiana’ which means the ‘Island of Flowers’. The island was also nicknamed ‘Jouanacaera’ which refers to ‘the island of iguanas’. Christopher Columbus discovered Martinique in 1502 at a time when the area was dominated by Indians.
In 17th century ‘Compagnie des iles d’Amerique’ colonized Martinique. Around 1636, King Louis the 13th authorized slavery in French Antilles. This action was a catalyst for the onset of colonization, where natives battled with the French. The climax of the battles was ‘the battle of ‘Rocher du Diamant’.
In 1845, the French recovered the Island, and when Napoleon war was over, the state experienced stability. Despite the conflicts, slavery was still on even when other regions like Guadeloupe had abolished it.
Between 1816 and 1848, Martiniqans experienced a series of revolts. By 1948, slavery was wiped out of Martinique by the Minister of Foreign Territories, Victor Schoelcher.
In March 1902, Saint Pierre, the capital of Martinique faced a natural destruction from a fatal eruption of Mt. Pelee which claimed the lives of all 30,000 inhabitants. since then, the capital was moved to Fort De France.
In 1946, Martinique was honored as a French territory and from 1982 other areas have always regarded Martinique as a French region.
THINGS TO DO
“No one enjoys a good party like the French, and so it’s no surprise that the nightlife on Martinique is anything less than exquisite. With bars, cocktail lounges, and dance clubs, there is no shortage of opportunity for the fun-loving adventurer. However, when peak tourist season is finished, the nightlife options tend to subside.
Martinique does not really have any national teams to root for given the size of the island. However, there are plenty of facilities strewn about the island where locals often enjoy a pick-up game of futbol or volleyball.
Although Martinique may be a small island, it still shuts down as takes to the streets during Carnival season. Martinique is a little unique in that it hosts a pre-Lent Carnival (called Vaval), but also hosts several festivals during Lent as well. The party never stops in this French paradise.”
Boat racing is an ancient and popular sport in the Island of Martinique. Wooden boats were constructed with a main purpose for fishing, and also for racing for fun and competition.
In the present, this hype of this game has escalated and several companies extend their sponsorship to gain a crowd for marketing. Football is also one of the most celebrated games in the Caribbean. Most residents, especially men subscribe to a certain soccer team.
Women most times are lured by their men, husbands, or friends to support a team they desire. Whenever there is a match, the streets would go empty until when the game is over. Swimming, Cycling and Tennis are also additional sports that are occassionally organized in this Island of flowers.
The natives in Martinique have a unique Creole culture. With Creole language being the main language, it forms an essential medium of the state’s rich tradition. Martinique poet Aime Cesaire steered culture growth named Negritude towards the end of 1920.
The goal of the movement was to restore Africanism as it was, before France came into power. Among the positive outcome of the Negritude is a blooming growth in music, dance, art, literature, plus legalization of the Creole culture enacted by Cesaire (who served as Mayor of Fort de France).
Martinican cuisine was a mix of Creole and French recipes, featured with hot pepper commonly reffered to as ‘piment’. It’s market centres flock with various fruits and vegetables such as guava, mangoes, apples, coconuts,passion fruit, yams, cabbage, manioc breadfruit, and gumbo.
Seafood forms a large portion of their meals. The common delicacy being fish dipped in a thick tomato stew. Presently, many households are embracing imported meats and poultry. Vegetable soup with crab, gumbo, and ‘Matoutou’ which is rice and spicy crab is a meal commonly served during Easter and other special times.
On Saint days, you’l find many kins doing fried veggies or fish cakes as appetizer,with goat mutton or chicken curry surfacing in the main meals. ‘Ti-punch’ a popular drink with sugarcane and flavoured with sweet lemon, ‘planteur’ which is any fruit juice, plus ‘shrubb’ made with tangerine and marinated orange are great drinks that always light up the mood of every gathering.
1. Balata Botanical garden
2. Les Salines
3. Fort-de-France
4. Les Trois-llets
5. Saint-Pierre
6. Boat Tours at Pointe du Bout
7. Chateau Dubuc and the Caravelle Peninsula
8. Route de la Trace to Morne Rouge
9. Musee de la Pagarie
10. Zoo Martinique and Le Carbet
11. Sainte Anne
12. Hiking on Mt. Pelee
13. Diamond Rock
14. Gorges de la Falaise
1.Anse Couleuvre
2.Carbet
3. Madiana
4. Anse Noire
5. Grande Anse du Diamant (Dizac)
6. Pointe marin
7. Grande Anse des Salines
8. Cap Macre (Anse Baleine, Anse Four a Chaux)
Getting There
“International carriers with flights direct to Martinique’s modern Aimé Césaire Airport (FDF) include Air Caraibes, Air France, Corsair, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines and Norwegian. Direct flights from Miami to Martinique are available on Air France and American Airlines. Norwegian also offers nonstop flights from New York, Boston and Baltimore/Washington D.C. With plenty of options available from many international destinations, flying to Martinique is just as convenient as it is relaxing.
If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of flights and airports, you can instead indulge your luxurious side on an inclusive cruise to Martinique. When you want to explore the beautiful Caribbean jewel that is Martinique, you can rent a car and explore this tropical French paradise like a true local.”
ST. BARTH ISLAND FUN FACTS
St. Barth or St.Bart or Saint Barthélemy is the island of the overseas collectivity of the French in the Caribbean sea.
Capital: Gustavia
Population: 9,793 (2017 Census)
Area: 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi)
Country: France
Religion: Christian
Language: Dutch. English, Spanish, Papiamento
Carnival: St Bart’s Carnival celebrations, the king of Carnival at Shell Beach on Ash Wednesday
Currency: United States Dollar (USD), EURO
Side of Street Drive-On: Right
History:
Barth was originally inhabited by Arawak Indians; they were followed by the Caribs. Saint Barthélemy is now a French commune forming part of Guadeloupe.
For Covid-19 updates :
St Barts Entry rules as of Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021.
No visitors are allowed to travel to St. Barts or any other French overseas territories until further notice.
For the latest updates check out in Official St.Barth’s island website
THINGS TO DO IN ST. BARTH
Island has many Festivals, Sports, Spa, Beaches, Shopping and nightlife
Rugby is a popular sport on the island.
Aqua Sports: Water sports, Surfing, Kitesurfing, Swimming, Sailing, Paddling, Diving, and Snorkeling
The culture is very much like European Normandy with a little Afro-Caribbean influence. Caribbean birthplace of the calypso, méringue, soca, zouk, and reggae music influence the culture
- Le Tamarin
- Victoria St Barth
- BONITO ST BARTH
- L’Esprit
- La Case de L’Isle
1. Balata Botanical garden
2. Les Salines
3. Fort-de-France
4. Les Trois-llets
5. Saint-Pierre
6. Boat Tours at Pointe du Bout
7. Chateau Dubuc and the Caravelle Peninsula
8. Route de la Trace to Morne Rouge
9. Musee de la Pagarie
10. Zoo Martinique and Le Carbet
11. Sainte Anne
12. Hiking on Mt. Pelee
13. Diamond Rock
14. Gorges de la Falaise
- 1.Anse Couleuvre
- 2.Carbet
- 3. Madiana
- 4. Anse Noire
- 5. Grande Anse du Diamant (Dizac)
- 6. Pointe marin
- 7. Grande Anse des Salines
- 8. Cap Macre (Anse Baleine, Anse Four a Chaux)
- St. Barth Film Festival
- Festival of Gustavia held in August, an occasion of dragnet fishing and partying
- St. Barth Carnival is held in February / March held for two weeks before Ash Wednesday
- Festival Gastronomique (April)
- Yacht Festival (May)
Getting There to St. Barth
Airport: St.Barth island has its own airport Gustaf Airport. Airlines such as Air Antilles, Winair.
By sea: Ferries and Cruises can be traveled from St.Marteen island
ST.MARTIN ISLAND FUN FACTS
St.Martin is another half side of the island with the collectivity of the French located on the north side of the Caribbean sea.
Capital: Marigot – The French side
Population: 5,700 (January 2009 Census)
Area: 53 km2 (20 sq mi)
Country: France (French Republic)
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Methodist
Language: French & English
Carnival: St Martin Carnival – February located on the waterfront down the island’s main streets of Marigot.
Currency: United States Dollar (USD), EURO
Side of Street Drive-On: Right
History:
St. Martin / Sint Maarten, dating back to 4,000 BC. Around 800 AD most Caribbean islands were settled by Arawak Indians who arrived from South America. After the Spanish invasion, the Dutch and French settled and agreed to divide the island. in 1817.
For Covid-19 updates:
As per February 17th,2021, updated travel entry requirements are administered 48 hours before.
Tests must comply with FDA-approved antigen tests. For the US and Canada EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) tests are accepted.
Mandatory check-ins:
- Covid-19 test – Tests must be done 72 hours before travel and must comply with the FDA-approved antigen test. For the US and Canada EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) test is accepted.
- Health authorization application – Passenger details and health conditions are to be filled out in the following application https://stmaartenehas.com/
- Mandatory Covid-19 Insurance – The government has come up with new beneficial regulations as the St.Maarten visitors protection plan. The mandatory insurance costs cover hospital costs, transportation costs, insolation expenses, isolation charges, doctor consultations, covid-19 test, and medical evacuation. St.Maarten visitors protection plan Insurance is to be applied here https://www.sxmprotectionplan.com/
For the latest updates of Covid regulation please visit here the official island website of St.Martin
THINGS TO DO IN ST.MARTIN
The French side of St. Martin is not very well known for its active nightlife, but more or less known for nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. There are many featured restaurants that will display their culinary wonders.
Football, Golf is pretty popular on the island.
Other sporting activities are done daily such as Biking, Boating, Sailing, Fishing, Golf, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Parasailing and Scuba Diving.
Island is known for its French culture, nude beaches various historic highlights, excellent French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
National dish of St.Martin’s is Callaloo soup.
- Catamaran cruises,
- History tours
- Toppers Rum tour
- Perfume making
- Beaches
- Nature experience like Loterie Farm
- Happy Bay Beach
- Duck Beach
- Grand Cayes
- Cupecoy Beach
- Little Cayes
- Creole Rock
- Baie des Petites Cayes
- Nettle Beach club
- Anse Marcel
- Yellow Beach
- Baie Rouge Beach
- Plum Bay
- Long Beach
- Loterie Farm
- Nature Reserve -Grand Cayes Reserve, Naturale de Saint-Martin
Getting There to St.Martin
Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport
Commercial airlines: Air France and others
By sea: Cruise ships, Private Yachting/Boating, and Private Plane
English
Dutch
French
Spanish