Introduction to The North Loop

As we swing north from Fort-de-France, our main targets are Le Carbet, St-Pierre, Montagne Pelée, and Leyritz. However, we'll sandwich in many stops along the way.

From Fort-de-France, there are three ways to head north to Montagne Pelée. The first is to follow Route N4 up to St-Joseph. From there, take the left fork for 5km (3 miles) and then turn onto Route D15 toward Le Marigot.

Another option is to take Route N3 through the vegetation-rich mornes (hills) to Le Morne Rouge. This road is known as "Route de la Trace" and is now the center of the Parc Naturel de la Martinique.

Yet a third route to Montagne Pelée is via Route N2 along the coast, and the order in which we'll list the towns along the way is as follows. Near Fort-de-France, the first town you reach is Schoelcher. Farther along Route N2 is Case-Pilote, and then Bellefontaine. This portion, along the most popular drive in Martinique -- from Fort-de-France to St-Pierre -- is very reminiscent of the way the French Riviera used to look. Bellefontaine is a small fishing village, with boats stretched along the beach. Note the many houses also built in the shape of boats.

Photo Ops -- Martinique is a photographer's dream -- certainly the French fashion magazines know it, because crews are always around on shoots. The most picturesque sites are La Savane, in Fort-de-France; St-Pierre, the best place to photograph towering Montagne Pelée; La Pagerie, with its decaying ruins of a sugar factory; and the panoramic overlooks along La Trace, a serpentine road winding through the entire rainforest.