St. Martin

Background

St. Martin is the French half of the world's smallest territory to be shared by two sovereign states. The other half, St. Maarten, is governed by the Netherlands. A peaceful border exists between the two that taxis cross frequently. French St. Martin is 53 square kilometers in size and has a slightly smaller population than its Dutch counterpart. However, other aspects of St. Martin diverge more starkly from St. Maarten. St. Martin is lavish, elegant, and cosmopolitan. It is also much quieter than St. Maarten and an ideal place for secluded rest and relaxation.

Neighborhoods

Marigot: The capital of St. Martin, Marigot, is home to many sidewalk cafes, bars, and music venues. Marigot's Marina Royale hosts street entertainers, and the French mentality pervades life here as proven by long meals and late nights. As a neighborhood, Marigot is where to head for upscale shopping and dining. Also, the marina here is where to catch the ferry to nearby Anguilla or St. Barts. If you're planning to stay, there are a handful of places to call. Try Hotel La Plantation, Hotel Beach Plaza, Residence Anse des Sables, La Residence Hotel, or Couleur Cafe Guest House.

Village of Grand Case: Grand Case on the northern shore is the "culinary capital of the Caribbean." Grand Case has gourmet restaurants with international chefs. Tuesday means Harmony Night, and Harmony Night means that the main road closes for artists and musicians. This neighborhood is known almost exclusively for its fine food, but if it is accommodations you are after, then TripAdvisor offers suggestions on that front too. Check out Le Petit Hotel, Hotel L'Esplanade, Grand Case Beach Club, Hotel Mont Vernon, or Sunsea Atlantide Residence Hotel.

Orient Beach: This crescent-shaped beach is nudist-friendly at the far end. Tourists off cruise ships may end up at Orient Beach, but overall it is a good place to go with your family. St. Martin is known for its duty free shopping, and therefore, its designer goods sold at reasonable cost. The currency here is the Euro though you may be able to use the American Dollar (at a less than favorable exchange rate).

Beaches

The beaches on St. Martin offer the best way to relax. Several of French St. Martin's beaches are listed below with short descriptions to help figure out which is best for you.

• Baie Aux Prunes. This beach is quiet since it is the location for many of St. Martin's most exclusive homes.
• Baie Nettle. This area is the French side of Simpson Bay Lagoon; it is near many hotels and the capital, Marigot. Come here for watersports.
• Friar's Bay. This is a great place to bring your family since it is protected from winds and heavy surf.
• Gallion Beach. This protected Nature Marine Reserve on the windward side of St. Martin has trails to hike, reefs to snorkel, and sailboats to charter.
• Grand Case Beach. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas here as well as Sunset Cafe, which will cater to your gastronomic needs.
• Ilet Pinel. There are several beaches in this area. Restaurants, bars, and shopping are easily found at Ilet Pinel.

St. Martin was sparsely populated by Carib Amerindians (who had already eradicated the Arawak tribes) when Columbus landed in 1493. The day of Columbus's arrival was the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, hence the island's present name. The Treaty of Concordia divided the island between the French and the Dutch in 1648; currently the official language of St. Martin is French, and the official languages of St. Maarten are Dutch and English. St. Martin retains its French affiliation and is a sedate yet sophisticated Caribbean destination. L'Esperance Airport can accommodate small jets and propeller planes from neighboring islands so be sure to include St. Martin on your island-hopping itinerary.

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Neighboring islands in the Leeward islands

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