By: Everett Potter

A French outpost since 1635, Martinique gained cachet when Napoleon chose native daughter Josephine as his bride in 1796. Expect to see this mountainous Caribbean isle and its capital, Fort-de-France, on more cruise itineraries this sailing season.

Here are four authentic island experiences:

Under the Volcano
6 Hours
One of the most dramatic drives in the Caribbean starts in colorful Fort-de-France and winds through Martinique’s rain forest along the N3 highway. You emerge at Saint-Pierre, above which rises Mount Pelee. On May 8,1902, the volcano erupted, killing 28,000 people. The small, moving Musee Volcanologique displays melted glass, dolls and photographs of mummified victims.
 

From Bonaparte to Beaches
6 Hours
Drive south from Fort-de-France to Les Trois:Ilets. Marie-Josephe Rose Tascher de la Pagerie – later to become Josephine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and empress of France – was born here on her father’s sugar plantation in 1763. Today the Musee de la Pagerie conjures her life with portraits, love letters from Napoleon, and her childhood bed. Later, head south to spend a lazy afternoon at crescentshaped Les Salines beach.
 

Paddling the Bay
5 Hours
Explore the world of coral reefs, mangroves and fond blancs (sandbars) up close on a kayaking excursion with eco-minded Max Menir of outfitter Fleur d’O. Menir points out reef fish and other sea life while paddling the calm waters of Baie des Mulets. Highlights of a Fort-de-France walk include the art nouveau Bibliotheque Schoelcher (Rue de la Liberte) and the landmark St. Louis Cathedral (Rue Victor-Schoelcher).
 

Waterfront Walk
2 Hours
Highlights of a Fort-de-France walk include the art nouveau Bibliotheque Schoelcher (Rue de la Liberte) and the landmark St. Louis Cathedral (Rue Victor-Schoelcher). At the Grand Marche, vendors sell fruits, bundles of dried sarsaparilla sticks, and piles of chilies. At Chez Carole, in the market, you can lunch on octopus and red snapper.