Martinique

For those looking for the atmosphere of Paris in the climate of the Caribbean, Martinique is the destination of choice. An intoxicating blend of French and West Indian Creole traditions, Martinique is populated by happy-go-lucky people. The south of the island offers some fantastic, unspoilt beaches while places like Saint Pierre bears fascinating scars of the country's volcanic history.

Capital – Fort-de-France
Major towns - Saint-Pierre and La Trinite
Places of interest – Le Lorrain and La Precheur
Time Zone – GMT -4
Language – French and English. To learn the basics of French visit www.bbc.co.uk
Martinique currency - Martinique, because it is a French territory, uses the euro. €1 is worth around 68 pence.
For up-to-date exchange rates see: www.xe.com/ucc