Diapositive 1 - Croisières Guadeloupe. Site officiel des croisières

Call in Martinique to see at dawn
Fort-de-France ‘s markets wake up
with all their flavors and colors …
or the sunrise on the rainforest’s
ferns.
Later in the morning, you could
enjoy a bath at the marvelous
beaches of Les Anses d’Arlet or
hike to the volcano, Mt Pelee.
We’re waiting
Martinique !
for
you
in
Jean-Bruno QUEUDRAY
Tropical Tour Manager
3
Welcome to Tropical Tours
… 05
An Extraordinary Value
Overview of Martinique
… 08
… 12
FORT – DE –FRANCE
A PORT AT THE HEART OF A CITY
… 14
Fort-de-France’s Points of Interest
Half–Day Tours
Full–Day Tours
… 15
… 16
… 32
GRANDE ANSE
A PORT IN A TURQUOISE BLUE WATERS BAY … 36
Grande Anse’s Points of Interest
Half–Day Tours
… 37
… 38
ST. PIERRE
A PORT IN AN HISTORIC CITY
… 42
St. Pierre’s Points of Interest
Half–Day Tours
Full–Day Tour
… 43
… 44
… 48
LE MARIN
A PORT WITH A FRENCH RIVIERA FEEL
… 50
Le Marin’s Points of Interest
… 51
… 52
Half–Day Tours
Created in 1993 like Incoming Travel Agency, Tropical
Tours organizes Tours and Transfers, 365 days a year
days for Tour Operators, and for Cruise Companies, in
Guadeloupe and Martinique. A team of 14 employees
working 12 months.
2014, a doubleMilestone Celebration for Tropical Tours,
because it celabrated its 20 years of service and also its
500th turn around.
YOUR OPERATIONS RUN SMOOTHLY because
our ambition is to combine your professionalism and our
expertise.
5
- We provide services to your guests
efficiently and with care.
- We are an enthusiastic and experienced
team.
- We provide a variety of exclusive
services upon request.
- We apply stringent criteria in selecting our vendors and
suppliers to ensure exceptional quality and service.
- We use highly-trained staff, including 20 German- and
English-speaking Aquila-certified guides, starting with the
2012-2013 season.
- We adapt to your needs.
6
- We maintain round-the-clock
availability of our services.
- V.I.P services upon request.
- A large range of products for your
guests .
- We update our itineraries constantly.
- Your special requests are quickly met.
- You’ll benefit from our 20 years of
experience.
7
For your guests, we
organize shore excursions
from any port of call in
Martinique managing their
needs and their desires to
discover our island.
A wide range of tours is
offered,
catering
to
different
interests
–
whether they are for
nature, culture, sports, or
relaxation – and led by
friendly and high trained
guides in English, German,
Italian,
Spanish,
and
French.
09
10
11
Geography : Located at
1,374 mi (2, 211 km) and 3 hours’ flying time from Miami,
4,350 mi (7, 000 km) and 8 hours’ flying time from Europe,
Martinique is an overseas department of France and one of the
Windward islands in the Lesser Antilles group, with wide variety of
landscapes: crystalline waters, striking flora, lush rainforest,
Diamond Rock and majestic Mount Pelée Volcano.
The island offers a rich heritage, a mix of African drums and
traditional dances, Creole cooking,, history highlights with the
Empress Josephine and the worst volcanic disaster of the 20th
century
An amazing diversity to be enjoyed by visitors.
Climate : With an average temperature of 79°F (26°C), Martinique
has a fairly mild climate. The trade winds from the North East
provide a steady refreshing breeze.
Population and Languages
Approximately 411,000 inhabitants. Fort-de-France is the
administrative capital. French is the official language. Creole is
spoken widely. English is spoken in tourist area.
Currency : Euro.
Entry and Health Formalities : ID card or passport. Non-EU
citizens must have a passport remaining valid 6 months after your
return date. A tourist visa may be required in some cases.
No vaccinations are required. Valid proof of insurance is required
for non-EU citizens.
Water and Electricity : The island’s tap water is drinkable.
Electricity runs on 220 volts.
13
Fort-de-France
A feast for the eyes and the senses.
Spices, souvenirs, Creole food, arts
& crafts, and more.
Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 AM
to 3:00 PM.
The St. Louis Cathedral was built in 1891 with a façade in
Romano-Byzantine style. Inside the Cathedral, take in the
beauty of the stained glass windows, marble altar, and
monumental organ. A truly heavenly sight!
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Free admission.
Appropriate attire required. Photography permitted except
during services.
Originally designed and built for the 1889 Paris exposition, the
structure was shipped to Martinique and reassembled to house
the vast collection of books donated by French abolitionist
Victor Schoelcher to the Martinique Council.
Open Monday to Saturday. Free admission. Photography
permitted.
15
Departure for the city of Sainte-Anne, with
beautiful views along the southern coast, to Grande
Anse de Salines.
This magnificent white sand beach, lined with tall
coconut trees and meeting a turquoise sea, is the
beach of postcards and screensavers.
Sunbathe and swim in calm crystalline waters.
Enjoy local cakes and fresh pressed juices.
17
Departure from the pier by coach, to visit a mini
replica of the Sacred Heart Basilica of
MONTMARTRE in Paris. Situated on the height of
Fort de France, it offers a panoramic view on the city
and its bay.
Then, visit of this famous garden which has been
opened to the public, after 20 years of collection of
flowers and plants and of ground preparation by the
owner M. THOZE.
Walking under the trees, to discover the multitude of
botanical plants and flowers.
Take the opportunity to discover this paradisiacal place
with a suspension bridge. Seen from above, the garden
is even more exceptional and also, the views on Fort
De France Bay and Pitons of Carbet
18
Departure for the city of Le
Marin where you’ll board a
glass–bottom boat and be
greeted by a friendly crew
with refreshments in hand.
During your tour, you’ll
learn the history of the Bay
of Marin and discover its
magnificent
coves and
coconut groves.
Arriving at La Pointe
Borgnesse, you’ll descend
to the boat’s hold to see the
abundant
underwater
marine life.
If you like, you can get a
closer look by getting in the
water; snorkeling gear will
be provided.
Refreshments will be served
aboard before the boat
19
returns to Le Marin.
Discover Martinique’s beautiful southern coast by
boat.
The coastline is dotted with colorful fishermen's
villages, secluded white sand beaches lined with
coconut trees, the famous Bat Cave and its crown
jewel, Diamond Rock.
The boat’s crew members will tell you everything
about this exceptional site.
Then, enjoy a swim in the perfect turquoise
waters of the Caribbean, home to magnificent
coral and abundant marine life.
20
Departure from the pier by bus to Absalon River, for a
morning of canyoning that will delight novices and experts
alike.
Welcome by your monitors and a short meeting point
about safety and security. Then, walking along the
rainforest and the river, from Fontaine Didier to Absalon.
At this riverbed, enjoy the challenges of :
•One vertical line of 10 meters
•A dark and short abseiling
•Jumps from the top of waterfalls with a reception in a big
bowl of water
•Slides
•Rappels
… A fun canyon with a lot of surprises
21
Leaving Fort de France
by bus, to Le Robert
where you will be
welcomed by your
catamaran sailing crew.
You will sail along Le
Robert Bay, well known
for its numerous islets
along the coral reefs.
At your arrival at
Chancel Islet, step onto
this
magical
and
historical site and watch
the Iguanas in their
natural and protected
environment.
Then enjoy swimming
while sipping a rum
punch in the crystalclear water of the little
lagoon with local music. 22
Departure for a photo-stop to Balata Church then
for Balata Garden, Martinique’s most well-known
botanical garden.
Next stop, at le François to visit Habitation Clement,
also known as Habitation Mahogany. Classified as a
National Heritage Site of France, this plantation
includes a superbly preserved 18th century house
that is a wonderful example of the traditional Creole
home. The tour begins with the old distillery, which
was the site of a meeting between President François
Mitterrand and President George Bush, Sr. on the
eve of the Gulf War. Then, see La Maison du
Maître Case-(Master’s House) and the Case-à-Lucie,
a former slave’s quarters now transformed into an
exhibition gallery, where you can taste various rums.
23
Travel the inland roads towards the northeast of Martinique to
‘Bele' House. Enter the special world of this traditional island
dance “Bele” with African and European influence. Learn the
origin behind the dance and how it’s performed. After the
exhibition dance you will be invited to test your skills with the
dance troupe.
Enjoy a well-deserved refreshment before
heading to your next stop.
A short drive will bring you to the St James Rum Distillery.
Here you can enjoy the Old Master House and learn about the
development of the sugar cane plantation, cultivation and the
processing of cane since its introduction and active distillation
in Martinique in 1765. Finally you will have the chance to taste
the delicious rum before heading back to the ship.
24
Driving to the town of
Trois Ilets, to the Village
of the Pottery, where your
monitors will wait for you.
After a kayak initiation,
departure with your Statecertified guides to the
Mangrove Forest.
An itinerary will allow you
to see this ecosystem. You
will navigate between sea
and land, in a quiet and
relaxing
environment,
where the only noises will
be ones of the animal
which live there (crabs,
birds …).
During the break, you will
have a bath and as well
refreshments.
25
Depart for the city of Le François to visit Habitation
Clement (Clement House), also known as Habitation
Mahogany. Classified as a National Heritage Site of France,
this plantation includes a superbly preserved 18th century
house that is a wonderful example of the traditional Creole
home. The tour begins with the old distillery, which was the
site of a meeting between President François Mitterrand
and President George Bush, Sr. on the eve of the Gulf
War. Visit the Maison de Maître (master’s house) and
Case-à-Lucie, a former slave’s quarters now transformed
into an exhibition gallery, where you can taste various rums.
Continue to Habitation Belfort, a banana plantation and
learn about the different stages of one of the island’s most
important industries. Tour the plantation aboard a tourist
train. Taste local products before returning to the ship.
26
Departure for the city of Trois-Îlets for a voyage in
time.
La Savane des esclaves (Slaves’ Savanna) offers a
window onto the daily life of Martinicans in the
late 1800’s.
See how sugar cane was made into sugar, how
cassava flour cakes were made and more in
traditional kaz, or house, over the 2 ha (5 acres)
park.
Learn about the plants found in a typical Creole
garden, used for nutritional, cosmetic and
pharmaceutical purposes.
Before returning to the ship, stop off at the
Pottery Village, handmade pottery inspired by the
first inhabitants of the island, the Arawaks.
27
Departure by bus from Fortde-France toRue de la
Fontaine Didier hiking trail.
Look forward to a gentle hike
on well-maintained roads
through the most spectacular
landscape, marked by lush
rainforest vegetation, tropical
trees and an abundance of
wildlife. The trail also takes
you past a number of lovely
waterfalls before you arrive at
Absalon, the final destination
of your hike. You will then
have time to have a rest, relax
and enjoy a well-earned drink
on the banks of a small river.
To save your feet, a
comfortable minibus will then
be waiting to take you on an
equally scenic return drive to
the port and your ship.
28
Travel through the rain forest to one of the best Rum
Distilleries of Martinique, with a stop at Balata Church.
Then discover Depaz Distillery, and learn about the
production process, with a tasting.
In ten minutes, you will arrive to Saint Pierre—the most
famous place in Martinique, albeit for tragic reasons.
The town of Saint Pierre was destroyed by a volcano
eruption in 1902 killing 30,000 people—the sole
survivor was in fact a prisoner who was being kept in
an underground dungeon. Saint Pierre is now France’s
101st City of Art & History. Visit the vulcanology
museum; then return to Fort-de-France passing
through fishing villages, including Le Carbet,
Bellefontaine, and Schœlcher Village.
29
See Martinique in an air-conditioned all-terrain
vehicle with your driver and guide. Plunge into
the rainforest, crossing Martinique between the
banana and sugar cane fields. Your driver and
guide will tell you everything you want to know
about Martinique.
At St. Joseph, after you will enter in a private
property and proceed to the off-road part of your
tour, fording a number of rivers. A stop will be
made to let you appreciate this special place.
Your return to Fort-de-France on interior roads
will give you more marvelous views of the bay.
30
Departure
for
Balata
Garden, Martinique’s most
well-known
botanical
garden.
Continue
on
through the rainforest via
the road La Trace to the
town
of
St.
Pierre,
Martinique’s first capital,
destroyed in 1902 by
the eruption of Mt. Pelée.
Learn the history of St.
Pierre with a stop at the
museum and discover the
ruins of the theater. Return
to the ship via the
Caribbean coast,. Photo
stop in the town of CasePilote for its Church, built
in 1640 before returning to
the ship.
31
A pleasant hike on mountainous terrain to the
highest peak on the island, Le Chinois, at 1,397
m (4,583 ft).
Discover the various species of plants that live at
these high altitudes, such as thyme and fern allies.
This volcano has left its mark on volcanology, the
infamous eruption of 1902 having given name to
peléan eruptions.
Superb views on the Caribbean and Atlantic
coasts, as well as the Carbet Mountains, and when
the weather is truly fine, the neighboring island of
Dominica.
Difficulty: A maintained trail. The steep and long
hike requires good physical condition.
33
Departure from the pier to Ste Marie, situated on
the east coast of the island where is St James Rum
Distillery. You will visit the distillery and its Père
Labat museum.
Then head for Morne to the restaurant “Le
Bambou“ , to enjoy a Creole lunch.
After lunch, you will visit Saint Pierre, the most
famous place in Martinique for its destruction by
a volcanic eruption in 1902 which killed 30,000
people. Here you will visit the volcano museum.
Return to the ship driving along the west coast to
see some beautiful little fishing villages.
34
Departure from the Pier towards
the bay of Fort-de-France, then
continue on to Diamond Rock.
While you enjoy cruising on the
water, refreshments will be served.
Around 11 AM, you will arrive at
a superb cove to enjoy a relaxing
lunch, surrounded by turquoise
water. But first, enjoy a swim,
some snorkeling, or a even nap in
the shade of coconut trees. Lunch
will be served after cocktails of the
traditional 'ti punch or planter's
punch.
Lunch will be served on board.
Then, more leisure time for one
last swim before setting out again
along the coast to discover the
beautiful and wild coves.
A stop at Anse Noire and, if you
like, a surprising visit to the bat
cave. Light refreshments will be
served as you return to the Marina
to the sounds of West Indian
music, while enjoying a Caribbean
sunset.
35
Grande Anse
The Village of Anse d’Arlet nestled between two
coves, Anses d’Arlet is a picturesque village of old
Creole-style houses, with a fruit market and
charming church whose front doors lead directly to
the pier.
Destroyed in 1762 following an attack by the British,
the Anses d’Arlet Church was rebuilt a few years later.
It stands as the symbol of the village.
Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The cove of Grand Anse Beach sits at the opening of
Fort-de-France bay, and features a long beach that is
accessible immediately from the pier.
38
Departure for the city of Sainte-Anne, with
beautiful views along the southern coast, to
Grande Anse de Salines.
This magnificent white sand beach, lined with tall
coconut trees and meeting a turquoise sea, is the
beach of postcards and screensavers.
Sunbathe and swim in calm crystalline waters.
Enjoy local cakes and fresh pressed juices
39
Driving to the town of Trois Ilets, to the Village
of the Pottery, where your monitors will wait for
you.
After a kayak initiation, departure with your
State-certified guides to the Mangrove Forest.
An itinerary will allow you to see this ecosystem.
You will navigate between sea and land, in a
quiet and relaxing environment, where the only
noises will be ones of the animal which live there
(crabs, birds …).
During the break, you will have a bath and as
well refreshments.
40
Departure with comfortable
all-terrain vehicles, crossing
the towns of Rivière Salée
and St Joseph, to arrive in
the heart of the rain forest.
You will discover banana,
pineapple and vegetable
plantations
in
the
countryside.
After some photo-stops, take
time to enjoy a tasting of
local fruits and their juices.
Then continue on the
Atlantic Coast, to visit St
James Distillery and have a
tasting of the different rums.
Return through the towns of
Trinité and Le Robert.
41
St Pierre
Established in 1933 by noted American volcanologist
Frank Perret, the Museum exhibits photographs,
documents and items recovered from the city of St.
Pierre after the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pelée in 1902.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
See the remaining ruins from the 1902 volcanic
explosion of Mt. Pelée, including the prison cell that
held one of the few survivors, Louis Cyparis, the old
theater, and the Colonial Hospital.
Opportunity to take a tour of the city aboard the
“Cyparis” Train.
Departure Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM and 02:30
PM. Saturday at 11:00 AM.
43
Travel through the rain forest to one of the best Rum
Distilleries of Martinique, with a stop at Balata Church.
Then discover Depaz Distillery, and learn about the
production process, with a tasting.
In ten minutes, you will arrive to Saint Pierre—the most
famous place in Martinique, albeit for tragic reasons.
The town of Saint Pierre was destroyed by a volcano
eruption in 1902 killing 30,000 people—the sole
survivor was in fact a prisoner who was being kept in
an underground dungeon. Saint Pierre is now France’s
101st City of Art & History. Visit the vulcanology
museum; then return to Fort-de-France passing
through fishing villages, including Le Carbet,
Bellefontaine, and Schœlcher Village.
45
Departure for the city of Sainte-Anne, with
beautiful views along the southern coast, to
Grande Anse de Salines.
This magnificent white sand beach, lined with tall
coconut trees and meeting a turquoise sea, is the
beach of postcards and screensavers.
Sunbathe and swim in calm crystalline waters.
Enjoy local cakes and fresh pressed juices.
46
Departure
for
Balata
Garden, Martinique’s most
well-known
botanical
garden.
Continue
on
through the rainforest via
the road La Trace to the
town
of
St.
Pierre,
Martinique’s first capital,
destroyed in 1902 by
the eruption of Mt. Pelée.
Learn the history of St.
Pierre with a stop at the
museum and discover the
ruins of the theater.
Return to the ship via the
Caribbean coast, passing
through the towns of Le
Carbet
and
Bellefontaine. Photo stop in
the town of Case-Pilote for
its Church, built in 1640
before returning to the ship. 47
A pleasant hike on mountainous terrain to the
highest peak on the island, Le Chinois, at 1,397
m (4,583 ft).
Discover the various species of plants that live at
these high altitudes, such as thyme and fern allies.
This volcano has left its mark on volcanology, the
infamous eruption of 1902 having given name to
peléan eruptions.
Superb views on the Caribbean and Atlantic
coasts, as well as the Carbet Mountains, and when
the weather is truly fine, the neighboring island of
Dominica.
Difficulty: A maintained trail. The steep and long
hike requires good physical condition.
49
Le Marin
Enjoy the lively scene of the market. Take in the riot
of colors from the local fruits and vegetables on sale.
Browse the stalls for crafts and other souvenirs.
Open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 AM to 1:00
PM.
The church dates to the 18th century in a Jesuit style,
and constructed from dimensioned stone.
Open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 AM to 11:00
AM. Free admission. Appropriate attire required.
Photography permitted except during services.
Classified as a sailing resort in 1998, the Marina is the
largest in the Southern Caribbean. Offering 750 berths
and 100 buoy moorings, the Marina provides easy and
efficient access to the island's pleasures. The Marina
was awarded a Blue Flag label in 2006 for its strict
adherence to eco-friendly practices.
51
Driving to the town of Trois Ilets, to the Village
of the Pottery, where your monitors will wait for
you.
After a kayak initiation, departure with your
State-certified guides to the Mangrove Forest.
An itinerary will allow you to see this ecosystem.
You will navigate between sea and land, in a
quiet and relaxing environment, where the only
noises will be ones of the animal which live there
(crabs, birds …).
During the break, you will have a bath and as
well refreshments
53
VISIT US ON LINE
www.tropical-tour.com
www.croisiereguadeloupe.com
Aéroport Pôle Caraïbes
Zone de Fret
97139 – LES ABYMES
GUADELOUPE
Phone : +59.0590.83.12.35
For more information, please contact
:
Francine QUESTEL
Cruise Department
cruises@tropical-tour.com
Jean-Bruno QUEUDRAY
Manager
direction@tropical-tour.com