From Fort-de-France, head back into the jungle — until you reach the N3 junction, heading north.

The Jardin de Balata, with its diverse flora, is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the Caribbean! The garden in Balata is home to more than 300 catalogued plant species and a lovingly maintained garden with stunning exotic flowers.

The best route to St. Pierre is via the D1 — the direct way goes through Fonds-St-Denis. Keep an eye out for warning signs, though — for example "Route Barrière" — the road is sometimes closed. Along the way, you can make a quick stop at a nice waterfall, but it's not worth a detour on its own.
Take the N3 through Le Morne-Rouge and continue toward St. Pierre.
Tip: if you spot a hummingbird caught in a net along the way, bird researchers may be at work nearby. Take the opportunity to admire one of the island's rarest birds.

St. Pierre — the traces of the volcanic eruption are still visible everywhere throughout the town.

A visit to the Volcanological Museum, with photographs and remnants from the eruption of May 8, 1902, is a must. Here you can see a massive bell that was melted down, petrified spaghetti, and fused bottles — and learn about the sole survivor of the catastrophe: Cyparis. A prisoner who survived in his cell thanks to the thick walls, suffering severe burns, and later exhibited his scars in a circus.

After the museum, take a walk through the ruins — the walls of the theatre still stand, along with several houses and the foundations of the old prison, including its cells.

At the end of the D10 road toward Le Prêcheur lies the dream beach Anse Couleuvre. The access road is far from ideal — vines hang across the path and the road is barely wide enough for half a car in places — but it's absolutely worth it! The black sand beach is reached via a short trail through the rainforest, passing an abandoned cocoa factory. And with a bit of luck, you might spot mongooses along the way.

Enjoy the stunning views and fantastic sunsets on Martinique.