CHARMING VILLA DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH, FACING THE SEA

After a two-week stay, and exploring all around Martinique, my wife and I decided this is the best location on the island. The Caravelle peninsula is a marvelous place to hike, swim, and relax. Situated on the edge of the village of Tartane, the house looks northeast, over the Bay of Tartane. Out the back door, and down a trail five minutes through the woods, is a secluded beach looking north, on the other side of Point Bibi. [Anyone serious about hiking in Martinique should obtain the Institut Geographique National 1:25,000 "serie bleu" topographic maps. 4502MT covers Presqu'ile de la Caravelle.] A morning run might take one to the south side of the peninsula, to the weather station at the tip of the peninsula, to one of the many beaches, or up Morne Pavillon, and would invariably end at the village bakery to pick up the newspaper and a baguette for breakfast. The catch of the day appears at the fish market as the boats come in around noon...fish sometimes familiar, sometimes mysterious, and langouste always available. Supplies are available at the village's gas station/general store. The lively vegetable market in La Trinite is nearby. Local restaurants are simple and good. We ended up cooking at home half the time, and eating out half the time.

The owner has decorated this bright, open, airy house with good taste and with interesting art. He is a most gracious host, devoted to his guests' enjoyment of this lovely place. We would gladly return.