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Spanish navigator Christopher Columbus discovered St. Martin
in 1493 during his second voyage to the Caribbean. The next
century brought an era of infamous piracy and buccaneers, all
of whom coveted the island for its’ protected anchorages and
rich salt deposits. During the early 1600s, Holland began colonizing
the island of St. Martin and built a fort, provoking a strong
response from Spain. They established a military presence on
the island, but later deserted.
In 1648, the French and Dutch
signed the Mons Concordia treaty, which divided the Island
in two parts. The French agreed to occupy the north, to be
known as St. Martin, and the Dutch the south or St. Maarten.
The treaty recognized the island’s dual nationality and its
unity. There would be no physical borders between the two sides
and people could move freely from one side to the other. As
a result, St. Martin/St. Maarten became known as the “friendly”
island - a reputation that still continues today. The entire
1648 agreement is still in effect and is a great source of
pride for the residents of the island.
St. Martin is situated in the middle of the Caribbean
Sea and is halfway between Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe and is
the closest French territory to the United States coast. The
closest neighboring islands are:
Anguilla - 7 nautical miles / 11 kilometers
Nevis - 65 nautical miles / 105 kilometers
St. Barth - 15 nautical miles / 24 kilometers
Saba - 33 nautical miles / 53 kilometers
St. Eustatius - 39 nautical miles / 63 kilometers
St. Kitts - 55 nautical miles / 88 kilometers
Tintamarre - 4 nautical miles / 6 kilometers
The average elevation is 65 feet / 20 meters and the highest
point is Pic Paradis at 1,392 feet / 424 meters.
The French side of St. Martin covers an area of 34-square
miles / 54-square kilometers.
The inhabitants are called St. Martinois.
The Town Hall, Sous Prefecture, and the majority of administrative
offices are located in Marigot on the west coast.
Other villages and neighborhoods include: Grand Case (southwest),
Colobier (south/southwest), Cul-de-Sac (southeast), Quartier
d’ Orleans (south), Baie Nettle (southwest) and Terres Basses
(southwest).
In 2006, the population on the French side of St. Martin was
approximately 35,000 people.
St. Martin - Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean
Gastronomy is the jewel in St. Martin’s crown. The island boasts
a wonderful selection of restaurants from the traditional lolo’s
and beachside cafes to the finest and most reputed dining rooms
and they each take pride in their individual and exceptional
cuisine. Great chefs, as well as barbeque connoisseurs, masterfully
combine shellfish, seafood or succulent meats with hints of local
spices and other exotic tropical fruits to create delectable
cuisine. The multicultural cooking will delight taste buds and
astound all one’s senses.
32 beaches surround St. Martin
Some are windy and windswept, while others are pristine, peaceful
and calm. Each is unique and brings out the beauty of the island.
Choose from scuba diving, surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing
and kitesurfing if looking for active beach activities, or
just relax on the sand and take in the sun.
Shopping in Marigot
St. Martin is most definitely the capital of the Caribbean when
it comes to elegance and luxury. As an added bonus - everything
is tax-free. As such, Marigot has become a duty-free paradise
for fashonistas.
Marigot Market
Home to the largest open-air market in the Caribbean with more
than 100 stands, market vendors warmly welcome visitors. Come
and meet the local ladies whose charm, humor and kindness will
captivate. Numerous artisans and craftsmen from around the
world present their best of creations. Take home unique and
lasting souvenirs.
This is also the market where local people buy fresh fruit and
vegetables, and fish caught fresh from the sea. Specialties include
an abundance of fresh spices and local sun-kissed rhums (rums).
The Butterfly Farm
Located on the road to Galion Beach near Orient Bay, this enduring
attraction amazes and fascinates children of all ages. It’s
best to visit in the morning when the butterflies come out
of their cocoons. Bring a camera and remember to wear brightly
colored clothes, as they will attract these winged creatures.
Open daily at 9 a.m. Last tour begins at 3 p.m.
Fort Louis
Overlooking the capital of Marigot and the harbor, the ruins
of Fort Louis provide visitors a reminder of life in the 1700s.
At that time the French had sought to protect the city from
the English.
Réserve Sous-Marine Régionale
This unique park, located on the northeast portion of the island,
encompasses both land and water. The reserve was created to
protect the island’s wildlife, birds, as well as sea turtles
and fish. Ferry boats take visitors to Tintamarre.
Other island activities include bicycling, golfing and horseback
riding.
These are just a sampling of things to do in St. Martin. To
learn more, visit the St. Martin Office of Tourism’s website. |
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