Secret treasures of the Lesser Antilles

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

Located on the west coast of Barbados, Speightstown is the island’s second-largest town and one of its oldest urban centres. Founded in the 17th century as a trading port, it retains a well-preserved colonial heritage, with several historic buildings overlooking the sea. Succumb to the charm of this picture-postcard destination featuring long beaches, colonial heritage and an authentic atmosphere.

The port of Deshaies has a magnificent setting on the north-west coast of Basse-Terre Island, the western half of Guadeloupe. Nestling in the crook of a pretty bay on the Caribbean Sea, the village of wooden Creole-style houses extends along the foot of hillsides covered in tropical rainforest. Beyond the bay, the former property of famous French comedian Coluche is now a magnificent botanical garden where you can wander among West Indian trees and flowering plants and spot exotic birds. A little farther to the north is Grande Anse beach, one of most beautiful on the island.

The capital of Dominica, part of the Caribbean archipelago, Roseau is a placid town to be explored at your leisure on foot. From the cathedral Our Lady of Fair Haven, perched upon a volcanic hillside, there is the most stunning view over the town and its bay. Take a leisurely walk around Roseauﾒs Botanical Gardens, one of the richest in Dominica and home to a very famous baobab tree. The adjacent streets, bordered by lopsided wooden houses, lead to an excellent local arts and crafts market and a visit to the museum of Dominica offers a valuable insight into the geographical, economic and political history of the archipelago.

Nestling on the Caribbean coast of Montserrat, Little Bay is set around a tranquil cove fringed by turquoise waters and hills covered in lush vegetation. Here, the sea blends seamlessly with the tropical landscapes that make this ‘island of flowers’ so special. Between mangroves, coral reefs and verdant forests, nature reveals its full diversity, providing a haven for colourful wildlife and flora typical of the Caribbean.

During your cruise, discover the pearl of the British Virgin Islands, said to have been named after a fearsome Dutch pirate from long ago. he hilly landscape offers travellers beautiful wild expanses lined with immaculate beaches where the breeze gently caresses the coconut palms. In this slice of heaven with crystal-clear waters, you will be able to enjoy the lively atmosphere of White Bay. As for the wildlife, iguanas, mongooses, pelicans and blue herons have taken up residence on these islands, much to the delight of our passengers who love a good holiday snap!

Anchored at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana inspires. Its white-sand beaches lined with majestic palm trees stretch out before a sea of endless turquoise hues. A haven for nature, this corner of paradise with a distinctive atmosphere offers the perfect blend of sunshine, sea breeze and enchanting landscapes. The coral reefs reveal a vibrant underwater world inviting contemplation.

The seaside resort of La Romana is ideally located in the south east of the Dominican Republic. In Casa de Campo, luxury villas and golf courses overlook the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Above the River Chavon, a surprising reconstruction of an Italian mediaeval village and Roman amphitheatre serves as the backdrop for a great variety of cultural events. A museum of pre-Columbian archaeology, an American design school, and many artists and artisans have set up in this flowery village. Just off the coast, the idyllic islands of Catalina and Saona are edged with white sandy beaches and palm trees.