Marigot and the French Side

The island is famously shared between two nations, and crossing the open, unmarked border to the French side, Saint-Martin, brings a distinct change of flavour. Its capital, Marigot, is a charming town with an unmistakably French Caribbean atmosphere, set around a pretty harbour and yacht-filled marina. Above it, the ruins of the eighteenth-century Fort Louis offer sweeping views over the bay and, on a clear day, to Anguilla. The town charms with its French cafes, patisseries, boutiques and a lively, colourful morning market selling produce, spices and crafts, giving a sophisticated, Gallic counterpoint to the busier Dutch side.

History

The town takes its name from the marshes around it (marigot), and people have lived here since the 17th century. Fort Louis was built in 1789 to protect the warehouses of the port, and a prison built the same year was used until it became a fire station in 1968. A church built in 1840 had 800 to 900 parishioners, more than 500 of them enslaved; the present church of St Martin of Tours on rue du Fort Louis dates from 1941. Marigot got electricity in 1963 and a seawater desalination plant in 1965 (Wikipedia, Marigot, Saint Martin).

What's there

• The Marigot market - the lively French-Caribbean morning market.
• Fort Louis - the hilltop ruins and sweeping views.
• The harbour and marina - the pretty yacht-filled waterfront.
• The French cafes and boutiques - the Gallic dining and shopping.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the best weather; the Marigot market is at its most colourful in the mornings, especially on market days, and the French side's cafes and restaurants are a highlight at any time. The border is open and unmarked, so crossing between the two nations is effortless.

Things to know

Marigot is a relatively small and, since the severe 2017 Hurricane Irma, still-recovering town, so its appeal is its charming French-Caribbean atmosphere, market, fort views and dining rather than major attractions, and a few hours suffices; the wider French side offers beaches and the gourmet village of Grand Case. As a sophisticated, Gallic-flavoured capital with a pretty harbour, lively market and fine French-Caribbean dining, though, Marigot is a delightful contrast to the Dutch side and a highlight of the shared island.

Nearby

Grand Case, the French-side beaches and the Dutch side are close by.