Martinique: the Grand Marché in Fort-de-France

Officially opened with great pomp in 1885, the Grand Marché in Fort-de-France, or simply the Marché aux Epices (Spice Market), is the largest market on the island. Beneath its vast metal and glass canopy, you’ll be welcomed by an explosion of colours and scents: fruit and vegetables from farms around the island, plus an array of sacks and a variety of recipients teeming with the flavours of Martinique: vanilla, spices of every description, peppers, “bois bandé”, “rhum arrangé”, energising concoctions etc.

Here, you’ll also find local arts and crafts as well as restaurants open at lunchtime serving typical Creole dishes such as grilled fish, accras (fritters), lambis (large sea snails), crayfish, octopus, chicken colombo etc.

Don’t leave without buying a bakoua, a traditional Martinique hat that will protect you from the sun’s strong rays!

Open from 6am to 3pm. Rue Antoine Isambert, 97200 Fort-de-France.