Rum, rainforest and Mount Pelée
Martinique is a French overseas region with a strong Creole culture. In the north, Mount Pelée's 1902 eruption destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre, whose ruins still stand, and the rainforest road through the mountains is spectacular. The island is known for rhum agricole, made from fresh cane juice, and distilleries such as Habitation Clément and Depaz welcome visitors. The south has the best beaches, like Les Salines, and Les Anses-d'Arlet's village beaches with turtles offshore. Fort-de-France's Schoelcher Library is a striking iron and glass building.