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The term French Caribbean varies in meaning with its usage and frame of reference. This ambiguity makes it very different from the term French West Indies, which refers to the specific, formal French possessions in the Caribbean region.

When used as a noun with “the” to indicate a geographic location, as in “visiting the French Caribbean”, the term may refer to any of the following:

• Areas in or around the Caribbean region that are predominantly French-speaking or French Creole speaking. These areas include Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti, French Guiana, French St. Martin, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, Les Saintes and Saint-Barthélemy as well as portions of Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Thomas.

• The two official French overseas departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique. These Caribbean Départments d’Outre Mer are also known as the French West Indies. The department of Guadeloupe includes the dependencies of St. Barthélemy, French St. Martin, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade.

• Any area that exhibits a combination of French and Caribbean cultural influences in cuisine, style, architecture, and so on. New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States is one example of these kinds of influences.

When used as a noun without an article, as in “contacting French Caribbean”, the term refers to:

• French Caribbean International™ (also known as French Caribbean), a company that assists travelers to the French West Indies. Established in 1994, this company provides information and lodging reservation services. Company web site

When used as an adjective, as in “French Caribbean islands” or "French Caribbean style", the term is also ambiguous and dependent upon the user's frame of reference and context.