Just over a half hour up the coast from capital Fort-de-France, the town of St. Pierre was once considered the "Paris of the Caribbean" before it was buried by the 1902 eruption of nearby Pelée, the island´s highest peak at 4,583 feet (1,397 meters). And while a new town grew up nearby, visitors can explore the ruins of the old city, including a jail cell which protected of the eruption´s three survivors, and learn more at the Musée Volcanique. These days the volcano is calm (though still classified as “active” – and is closely monitored); in fact it´s a popular spot for hiking and its spectacular panoramic views over island and sea, and its rainforested slopes and surrounding valleys were just last fall added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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