In comparison with the other five or six Caribbean resorts at which I have vacationed over the years, the Pierre et Vacances at Saint Luce, Martinique, was something of a disappointment.

We (a British-French couple) have just spent a week there, travelling from Paris by Corsair . Almost all the customers there were from France -- many of them older couples and retirees. The site, on the southern coast, is impeccable. The grounds are well-maintained and the pool is excellent. The beach facilities are poor. The brochures propose wind surfing and other water sports that were not on offer. The rooms are showing their age and need renovation. Service is relatively friendly by Caribbean standards.

The big negative was the food. We were on half board (demi-pension), so did not expect great cuisine and anticipated self-service from a buffet. However the evening meals, costing some 60 euros a night for two, are a disgrace, especially for a French establishment . The choice is soggy, poorly prepared local cuisine or a grill accompanied by greasy French fries.

In summary, I would recommend the resort, with its studio-style rooms, for a modest, relatively low-cost Caribbean vacation but I would advise against taking the full or half board.