St Martin Island
Definitely French

St Martin Island is part of a two nations tiny island in the northeastern Caribbean,

They are an example of mutual friendship for more than 300 years.

There is a “border” between the two countries, but it is practically imperceptible.

But each side maintains the heritage of the Mother country in language, culture, education and government.

One thing is important to note, English is widely spoken on both sides of the island.

St Martin Island is part of the French Caribbean Islands

Exotic Beaches

• The French side of St Martin Island is a tiny piece of France in the Caribbean. It has great secluded beaches, elegant resorts and above all many restaurants offering a dining experience unparalleled in the Caribbean Islands.

If you are looking for the latest French fashion designs, you’ll find them in many of the shops, which are surrounded by small cafes and charming bistros distilling the aroma of fresh French bakery.

• St Martin Beaches are among the best in the Caribbean Islands. It is blessed by more than 30 white powdered exotic beaches, from expansive ones to tiny romantic coves. Some have high waves, ideal for surfers and some tranquil waters classic for families on their Caribbean Family Vacations.

The capital of French St Martin Island is Marigot, a small town of 13,000 inhabitants that keeps the flair of the Mother Nation. It is ideal for shopping in its many Duty Free shops. Rue du General De Gaulle offers many of them and connects both shopping areas of the city, the Harborfront and Port La Royale Marina featuring the high end boutiques.

St Martin Island has many Exotic French Beaches
Do you have a favorite?

St Martin Beaches are idyllic white sand exotic beaches

• From the Harbor front depart the ferries to Anguilla and St Barth. The ride is short and inexpensive so many tourists go back and forth for the day to those other paradises.

Port La Royale Marina has an array of Caribbean Restaurants competing among them to offer the best and most attractive foods ranging from inexpensive Pizzas to the finest of the French and Caribbean Cuisine.

• In French Cul-de-Sac, a small seaside town you’ll find fishermen with boats that run back and forth to the neighboring islet of Pinel.

The Marina Port de Lonvilliers is located at the northern side of Anse Marcel. Among other things, the facilities at the marina include a tiny handful of boutiques, shops and a restaurant

Google Map of the Island of St Maarten/St Martin

Getting there

Flight from Europe, USA and the Caribbean Islands

By Air

Most visitors arrive in St Martin through neighboring St Maarten's Princess Juliana Airport. There are flights from many cities in the Continental USA, Europe, Puerto Rico and all the other Caribbean Islands.

The International airport serves both the Dutch and French sides. If you are flying in on a smaller airline from one of the other Caribbean islands, you will probably fly into Esperance Airport on the French St. Martin side.

By Sea

There are regular ferries to the neighboring islands as well as many yachts arrive here from the other islands on day visits.

Getting around

Taxis and buses are affordable methods of transportation. Most of them are very friendly and speak English. They may offer their service as tourist guides for a few hours and negotiated rates. I say: Go for it.

The local buses run along major routes carrying locals and vacationers for inexpensive fares.

Car Rental

Major companies offer car rental services, beside a few local ones . Many tourists prefer the liberty of a bike or scooter to explore the island and its beaches at their leisure.

Finally, if exploring the two nations and many cultures on the island is not enough, there are regularly scheduled ferries and boats running to the neighboring islands of Anguilla, Saba, and St. Barth, which all make for adventurous and scenic day trips.

This is the market in Marigot St Martin's Capital

A short visit to Ilet Pinel

• In French Cul-de-Sac, a small seaside town you’ll find fishermen with boats that run back and forth to the neighboring islet of Pinel.

• The underdeveloped Ilet Pinel is visited by many tourists for the day. They enjoy the white sandy beaches and good snorkeling.

I recommend this little piece of France in the Caribbean. Your trip to the area is incomplete without visiting St Martin.

Image Credits:

All courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The resorts images are courtesy of the resorts mentioned.

From St Martin Island go to French Caribbean Islands

Go to Caribbean Hiking

Go to Gay Friendly Caribbean

Go to Caribbean Islands Home Page

Copyright Le Caribbean Islands 2008 - 2013