Marigot Town
Capital Of French St Martin...

The French Capital of St Martin is located just about 30 minutes drive away from Philipsburg. Its a beautiful small town utilizing just a few streets as its main core and is snugly tucked away in the bay.

It is definitely one of the spots on the island that delivers that local setting but yet entangled with the colonial influences of France that gives it is unique qualities. Unlike the dutch side where English is broadly spoken on the streets, while visiting the town you will tend to hear a bit more of the colonial language. Don't be dismayed though, almost everyone will have a command of the English Language. This Petit town is also known to be a great place to start exploring on the French side of the island.

I always welcome an opportunity to go to the french side. It gives me an chance to get away from my regular routine. The minute You set foot across the border its as though you've flown to another country.

One instantly notices the difference in the building structures, small shops, French bakeries, cluttered small streets, boutiques and cafes. The more significant part for me though is the noticeable open spaces that no longer exist on the southern side of the Island.

Besides the obvious shopping, there's lots more that the eyes probably wont see at first glance. Just above the town on top of the hill sits the Famous monument Fort Louis. As the historians claim, this fort was built to protect the then settlers on the Island from invaders.

It was built in seventeen sixty-six under the guidance of Louis the sixteenth who championed the effort. Today the ruins sit on top of the hill accessible to any interested persons. Fort Louis offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area and a birds eve view of Marigot.

The Island of Anguilla can also be seen from this vantage point. The Anguilla ferry terminal is located at the water front of Marigot and provides a scheduled service that runs every 30 - 45 minutes between the islands.

Although the area has some activity every day, this location comes alive on Wednesdays and Saturdays and seems to have a life of its own.

Early in the morning fishing boats come in an out delivering the days fresh catch of red snapper, grouper, jacks and others. Butchers bring in their fresh meats and other farmers gather their produce and set up shop in the main market area.

 

A feeding frenzy of locals make their way to town to feast on these nuggets of daily necessities in a frantic effort to avoid the frozen supermarket items. Items such as Fresh meats, poultry, fish, spices, vegetables juices can be found here.