EXPLORING SAINT MARIN
ST. MARTIN BASICS EXPLORING ST. MARTIN SINT MAARTEN BASICS EXPLORING ST. MAARTEN
The small capital of Marigot - the entire city is only four streets wide -- has a definite French flair and often reminds visitors of the French market towns on the Continent. Colonial homes stand next to chic restaurants and bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques.
At the southern end of Marigot, next to the Marina Port la Royale, is Musee de Saint-Martin: Sur la Trace des Arawaks (On the Trail of the Arawaks). Dedicated to preserving St. Martin's history and culture, the building houses a variety of pre-Colombian treasures, including a reproduction of a 1,500 year old burial mound and artifacts dating back as far as 1800 BC. The museum's colonial exhibit details the history of the plantation and slavery period.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays mornings, an open-air market is set up along the wharves on the Boulevard de France in Marigot. The Marigot Market features a colorful array of homegrown produce, tropical fruits and spices, and freshly caught fish. It's the perfect opportunity for munching and mingling with the locals, as well as checking out the small shops and local restaurants across the street.
Overlooking Marigot Bay is the imposing Fort St. Louis, the largest historical monument in St.Martin. Named for the crusading Louis IX of France, it was built in 1767. The plans were sent over directly from Versailles by order of the soon-to-be-headless Louis XVI. At the start of the French Revolution, the Dutch temporarily occupied Fort St. Louis to prevent the spread of the nefarious revolutionary democracy that had already taken hold in Guadeloupe. Today, the steep climb to its summit gives a peaceful panoramic view of the island and the sea, and historical markers abound.
Other climbing opportunities include Paradise Peak, which, rising from the center of St. Martin to a height of 1,400 feet is highest point on the island. At top are observation decks and a spectacular view of the tropical forest below. Also along the border in the island's center is Mount Concordia, where the treaty that divided the island was signed in 1648.
A graceful curve of beach near the northern tip of the island shelters a deceptively small village called Grand Case. Although famous for the distinctive gingerbread architecture that adorns its charming pastel-colored houses, what the town also houses are great restaurants, earning it the title of the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. Spend the day on one of the prettiest beaches on the island, then watch for the elusive "green flash" as the sun sinks into the sea. Grand Case comes alive at night when arguably the finest chefs in the Caribbean strut their stuff at superb restaurants.
Halfway between Marigot and Grand Case lies the lovely green valley of Colombier, lush with tropical vegetation set between gently rolling hills. It's one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in St. Martin, perfect for peaceful relaxation and walks along the quiet valley trails. More intrepid explorers can tour the Watermelon Plantation and watch the fruit being turned into liqueur, deserts and assorted treats.
The quiet little fishing village of Orleans, also called the French Quarter, holds only a few houses and small shops. On the eastern side of the island just north of the border with St. Maarten, it was the site of the original settlement of the French in St.Martin, and some of the original seventeenth-century structures still stand.
Then there are the beaches, all of them public, all allowing topless bathing. Starting at Terres Basses, a/k/a The Lowlands, at the western end of the island, the most popular beaches include:
Baie Longue, a secluded arc of white sand with calm, clear waters.
Baie aux Prunes (Plum Bay), small and shady with good surfing on the western edge of Terres Basses.
Baie Rouge, a long, beautiful stretch of sand on the northern shore of Terres Basses complete with snack bar.
Nettlé Baie, a beach that stretches from Terres Basses to Marigot Bay and offers several water sports and dive shops.
Friar's Bay, just west of Grand Case, popular with divers attracted to the beauty of its coral reef.
Cul-de-Sac on the northeast coast with boats that shuttle back and forth to the offshore islets of Pinel Island and Tintamarre.
Petites Cayes, the most isolated beach on St. Martin, accessed by boat or a short walk along the coastal trail from Cul-de-Sac.
Orient Beach, very popular perhaps because of its clothing-optional section, with numerous dining spots and beach shops.
Baie Lucas, the most eastern of the beaches, remote with excellent diving sites.
