Cruising into Martinique: Volcano Views and Rum Tastings

Sailing into Fort-de-France cruise port on a bright spring morning, I was struck by how green and mountainous Martinique is from the water. My return in May 2024 brought a chance to explore more than I had during my brief visit in April 2018.

The capital city of Fort-de-France blends modern development with a backdrop of volcanic peaks. The island is part of the French West Indies, and its culture carries both Caribbean rhythms and French flair. From colonial history to sugarcane traditions, Martinique’s story is layered into its landscapes.

This time, I joined an excursion that revealed the island’s beauty and depth, from the ruins of Saint-Pierre to a hilltop church and a rum distillery with views of Mount Pelée.

Our first stop was the Mémorial de la Catastrophe de 1902, a small museum dedicated to the eruption of Mount Pelée that wiped out the town of Saint-Pierre. Once called the Paris of the Caribbean, this vibrant port was destroyed in minutes by volcanic fire. The museum holds haunting artifacts like melted metal and photos of the aftermath that make the tragedy feel immediate and real.

From there, the tour continued through the island’s lush hills to the Sacré-Coeur de Balata, a replica of Paris’s famous basilica. Perched above the city, the church offered peaceful interiors and sweeping views of Fort-de-France and the coast. Its volcanic stone and whitewashed walls felt both elegant and grounded in place.

The highlight for me was Distillerie Depaz, one of the oldest rum distilleries on the island. The estate had flowering gardens, aging barrels, and views of Mount Pelée rising through the mist. I sampled a flight of aged rums and learned how the sugarcane is crushed and distilled in Creole-style pot stills. Even for a casual drinker, it was a fascinating glimpse into a proud island tradition.