The Grand Market

You’ve arrived at the entrance to the Grand Covered Market of Fort-de-France—a must for anyone who loves bold flavours and authentic local culture. This is the perfect place to dive into Martinican life and discover the island’s culinary traditions and artisanal know-how through its wide variety of local products and handmade crafts. Stepping into the Grand Market is like walking into a burst of colour and energy that will awaken all your senses. Here, you can sample local specialities, pick up bottles of rum, spices, and Creole sauces, or browse for souvenirs—like traditional clothing, hand-carved wooden items, Creole dolls, woven baskets, or locally made jewellery. This iconic site dates back to 1886, when the first large market hall was inaugurated on the square. Sadly, it was destroyed—first by fire, then by a cyclone—and in 1901, a new, more modern structure was built using glass and steel, a style that was all the rage at the time. Since its reopening, the Grand Market has remained a lively meeting point for both locals and visitors—people just like you, drawn in by the vibrant colours, the scent of vanilla and coffee, and the unmistakable atmosphere of the islands. And if all that exploring stirs up your appetite, you’ll find plenty of food stalls inside where you can grab a bite. So what should you absolutely try before leaving Martinique? Let’s do a quick, non-exhaustive round-up. Start with acras de morue—crispy, golden cod fritters, often served as a starter. For a quick snack, try the pâtés salés, savoury pastries filled with spiced meat, fish, or vegetables. When it comes to mains, you’re likely to come across chicken or fish colombo, small Antillean blood sausages, or beautifully grilled local fish. Street food is also a big part of daily life here, and one of the favourites is boucané chicken—marinated in sauce chien made with lime, onions, and chilli paste, then smoked or grilled over an open flame. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some fresh island fruit to recharge—guava, pineapple, mango, banana, papaya, or star fruit. But enough from me—it’s time for you to head into the market and experience it all for yourself!