What to pack in the suitcase when leaving Aimé Césaire? In 2025, visitors leave the “flower of the Caribbean” with five must-haves: a bottle of AOC agricole rum, Creole spices, a madras accessory, a bakoua hat, and handmade soap or perfume. These souvenirs alone sum up the gastronomy, crafts, and lifestyle of Martinique.
| 🎁 Souvenir | 💡 Where to find it | 💶 Average price | ✈️ Transport tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricole rum (Les Rhums Clément, HSE, Depaz) | Distilleries of François, Gros-Morne or Saint-Pierre | €25 – €65 | Place the bottle in an insulated case |
| Spices & condiments (Mada Epices, Domaines Les Tropiques) | Fort-de-France Market, Route de la Trace | €4 – €9 | Vacuum bags to avoid leaks |
| Madras fabric or accessory | Balisier Bijoux de Madras, downtown shops | €10 – €45 | Fold flat to save space |
| Bakoua hat | Workshops in Gros-Morne, Sainte-Anne markets | €18 – €30 | Carry it in the cabin to avoid crushing it |
| Handmade soap & perfume (La Savonnerie Antillaise, Le Parfum des Îles) | Pottery Village, Sainte-Luce | €6 – €25 | Put them in an airtight pouch |
Flavors and Martinique rums to bring back
The sugarcane terroir offers spirits renowned worldwide: Les Rhums Clément (Habitation Clément, Domaine de l’Acajou, 97240 Le François), Habitation Saint-Etienne (HSE) in Gros-Morne, and also Distillerie Depaz in Saint-Pierre. Each house offers exclusive vintages, ideal as gifts.
Creole gourmet basket
- 🥃 Aged VSOP rum HSE for tasting enthusiasts
- 🍍 Passion fruit or coconut punch in small duty-free bottles
- 🌶️ Spice pouches “seeds to toast” or Colombo pastes at Mada Epices
- 🍫 Iconic bar from Chocolats Frères Lauzéa (2 Rue Victor Schoelcher, Le Lamentin)
- 🍓 Les Confitures du Domaine Les Tropiques (Route de la Trace, Morne-Rouge) in guava or banana-vanilla flavors
During a guided tour, the Maison du Coco (Pointe Marin, Sainte-Anne) reveals the production of coconut sugar and offers illustrated ecocups to collect.
For more gourmet basket ideas, the complete file published by Martinique Authentique details the producer sheets.
Crafts, fashion and Creole jewelry
Between vibrant colors and historic know-how, local fashion is expressed in madras, gold, and wickerwork.
Key pieces to pack in the suitcase
- 👗 Dress or scarf in modernized madras by Maison Twal
- 👒 Iconic handwoven bakoua hat (workshop Route de Rivière-Pilote)
- 🌺 “Balisier flower” earrings signed by Balisier Bijoux de Madras (15 Rue Ernest Deproge, Fort-de-France)
- 🌱 Colorful Chien knife, star of Caribbean kitchens
- 🖼️ Vintage poster “Mont Pelée” by My Kréol Touch Design
A complete guide on craft shops is also available on 123souvenir.com, handy for planning a shopping tour.
Perfumes, cosmetics and tropical well-being
Scents of hibiscus and tiaré extend the getaway.
Sensory selection
- 🌸 Light waters “Frangipani flower” from Parfum des Îles (1 Rue Croix Mission, Sainte-Luce);
- 🧼 Cold-process soaps from La Savonnerie Antillaise (Pottery Village, Les Trois-Îlets);
- 🥥 Coconut body butter from Maison du Coco;
- 💎 Cane sugar & vanilla scrub, eco-spa favorite;
- 📿 Spa set + jewelry found on 123souvenir – well-being ideas.
These brands use 90% local ingredients, a marketing advantage for a premium gift.
Practical tips for buying and transporting your treasures
Avoiding breakage or overweight is an art! Here are the rules to follow before checking in your luggage.
Pre-boarding checklist
- 📏 Check the baggage allowance; most airlines limit to 23 kg in the hold.
- 🔒 Place bottles between two pieces of clothing and add a Ziploc bag.
- 🌡️ Protect Frères Lauzéa chocolate in an insulated case; it melts at 28 °C.
- 🗺️ Prefer morning slots at the Fort-de-France Market to avoid crowds.
- 🤝 Support artisans: pay in cash to reduce commissions.
More luggage tips are listed on Tourcrib and the practical guide from Vacances-aux-Antilles.
Which rum to choose for an authentic ti-punch?
A 50° white agricole from Les Rhums Clément brings fresh cane; extend it with a quarter lime and a dash of cane syrup.
Are Martinique spices allowed in the cabin?
Yes, in dry sachets under 100 g; chili pastes count as liquids and can only be checked in.
Where to buy a genuine bakoua hat without counterfeiting?
At the family workshop “Bakoua Création” (Route de Rivière-Pilote, 97211) recognized by the Chamber of Trades; “Produit Péyi” stamp on the label.
How to recognize a 100% local soap?
The mention “Fabrication Martinique” must appear on the packaging; La Savonnerie Antillaise displays traceability of each batch.
Can you ship your purchases by boat to save money?
Depaz and HSE distilleries offer a ColisMer service; count 4 to 6 weeks transit time and a decreasing rate from 10 kg.
