The first inhabitants of the island were the Arawak Indians, who arrived several centuries ago. Shipbuilders and fishermen, they cultivated corn, manioc, and tabacco, and were skilful basket-makers. Traces of their presence on the island are now preserved in the Marigot Museum.
Saint Martin Island was discovered by Europeans on 11 November 1493--"Saint Martin Day"--by explorer Christopher Columbus.
Beginning in the seventeenth century (1626), the island became an attraction for Dutch and French colonists. Their descendants share the island peacefully. A treaty was signed between the two nations in 1648 on Mount Concordia. The Dutch took over the South with the salt marshes of what would later be known as Philipsburg, while the French occupied the northern part of the island. The result of this accord was the birth of the smallest territory in the world that is shared by two nations.
The treaty recognized both the dual nationality of the island and its unity at one and the same time: There would be no physical boundary between the two nationalities, and there would be completely free exchange of persons and property between the two parts of the island.
Thanks to this peaceful coexistence, Saint Martin, nicknamed "the beautiful Creole," is now a free port that has established itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
63°05 West and 18°05 North on the Tropic of Cancer
An hour from Santa Domingo and three hours from Miami by air, Saint Martin is located at 6 degrees South of the Tropic of Cancer: At 63°05 West and 18°05 North, it is at the extreme Northeast of the Caribbean chain.
Geographically, Saint Martin forms the junction between the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The island lies in the waters of both the Atlantic Ocean to the North and Southeast and the Caribbean Sea to the West.
Rising to the height of nearly 1,400 feet, Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak) dominates plains and plateaus. Tourists find a unique pleasure in discovering such diverse topography amidst the forty or so idyllic beaches that grace the island. Two free ports, one at Philipsburg (on the Dutch side) and the other at Marigot (on the French side) offer the most beautiful imaginable cruise and pleasure ships. Yet more new marinas are currently under construction.
25°C every day
Saint Martin has an inter-tropical climate.
Temperature differences between the two seasons are minimal: 75°F (24°C) in the winter and 82°F (28°C) in the summer. The temperature of the water remains comfortable, between 77° F (25°C) and 84°F (29°C). Rains are always brief and localized, if more frequent, in winter; in the summer, rainfall is less frequent but more abundant.
The "coolest" season lasts from November to March and the warmest runs from July to September.
The trade winds blow freely all year long.
Despite its small size (800 ft.2), the island of Saint Martin is host to inhabitants of over 70 different nationalities: West Indians, French, Dutch, Americans, Indians, Spanish and others... The primary language is English, which coexists with French, Spanish, and West Indian. The intermixing of cultures is just an additional advantage. Speaking more than one language is a tradition on the island.
The population increased fourfold from the count taken in the 1982 census to that of 2002, growing from 8,000 inhabitants in 1982 to 35,000 in 2002.
Color in the Local Architecture
The architecture on the island is a reflection of this cultural diversity.
On the Dutch side of the island, we can appreciate the touch of Americanization, with all the scintillating colors that emerge with nightfall.
On the French side, by contrast, one is struck by more traditional Creole buildings.
The surroundings, then, can appear a bit fragile. Yet, as we explore the island, we come to appreciate its typically Creole-style huts (cases), especially in the village of Grand Case.
The vibrant colors of the houses predominate and are the pride and joy of their inhabitants. It is through these facades that we feel the joie de vivre, the conviviality, and the special hospitality of the island's residents.
Flora and Fauna
With its often dry climate, Saint Martin has vegetation that differs from that of its neighboring islands. Areas in the interior such as Paradise Peak offer more lush vegetation. There you will find cactus, bougainvilleas, crotons, royal poincianas, poinsettias, and galangas. Along the beaches and rocky coasts, there are numerous species of marine birds, including terns, frigate birds, brown pelicans, bald buzzards, and still many others.
A concentration of particular species of flora and fauna are nested in the mangroves located in the north side of the island near Oyster Pond. In particular, from the point of view of tourism, this diversity of vegetation enables visitors to observe a multitude of species in the mangroves areas and in the Mangles Médaillés.
There you may encounter the raccoon and the mongoose, which most often feed on crabs and small fish.
Aquatic flora are nonetheless to be found everywhere. The presence of significant quantities of herbs allows the water to be oxygenated. This vegetation is in turn inhabited by molluscs and fish including starfish, sea urchins, lobsters, and grouper, puffins, barracudas, and skate. Today, these flora and fauna are being protected and have been since 1980, when a maritime reserve and coastal reserve was established in the Eastern part of the island.
Heavenly Beaches
The island offers over forty beaches. Take your choice: Some offer the delicate shade of their coconut palms; other beaches are more savage, swept by the trade winds. Select the shade, the sand, rocks, wind, waves, a bar, a restaurant, lively activity, or pure solitude--every beach has its own special character.
The largest, Long Bay and Plum Bay, in the Terres Basses (the French word for "Lowlands"), are most appropriate for long contemplative walks in the sunset. The rockiest beaches, Baie Rouge, in the "Terres Basses", and Dawn Beach, at Oyster Pond, tend, by contrast, to attract a galaxy of multicoloured tropical fish. The most romantic beach, Anse des Pères (towards Friar's Bay), will persuade even the most reluctant holdouts.
And not to be forgotten is Pinel Island at "Cul de Sac", which can be reached in just minutes by a shuttle boat. Four good reasons to visit this spot: A very good restaurant that serves fresh lobster, a beach with impossibly clear water, a spot clearly marked out for those who love to contemplate the "world of silence", and finally, an extra advantage for those who love to walk. The most popular, and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Orient Bay offers any number of restaurants and a full array of nautical and sports activities. It is the ultimate trendy beach.
Sports All the Way
Water sports predominate on Saint Martin. Sure, you can tan yourself on the beach, but why not leave terra firma to try some water sports? Guaranteed sensations include jet skiing, a lifting parachute, water skiing, parasailing, Wakeboarding, and sky surfing! Finally, to assure a complete change of scenery for you, nothing beats discovering "the world of silence". Scuba diving is in fact a major activity on the island. Marvelous sites are accessible to all, thanks to a coral reef that allows shallow dives. You just might encounter tortoises, skates, puffins (sea parrots), or even dolphins! The period from January through March is especially appreciated, because it is then that the whales get together to nurse their offspring.
Finally, Saint Martin is well known for its deep-sea fishing (a world championship is even held there): tunas, barracudas . . . and, most impressive, blue marlins, which can be as much as 13 feet long and weigh as much as 600 pounds.
Sightseeing
There are numerous tourist sites that are simply not to be missed.
-First of all, there is the famous butterfly farm close to the Galion Beach.
This is an enchanting site. Discovering thousands of butterflies from all over the world flying in complete liberty in an aviary is an unforgettable experience. The mix of bright colors makes this visit one that fills all, from the smallest children to adults, with wonder.
- La Loterie Farms on the way to Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak). This spot merits a special stop. There is, in fact, a little piece of paradise hidden in this spot. Here you will discover luxuriant greenery: a tropical forest with a waterfall during the winter season.
-Pic Paradis, at 1,400 feet (424 m.) the highest point on the island, offers a panoramic view of Saint Martin. Don't forget to bring your camera!
- Anse Marcel on the way to Cul de Sac. A panoramic view is guaranteed, but at the bottom of the valley, you will also find a marina with a beautiful botanical and tropical garden.
- The Marigot Market, with its typically Creole ambiance, is not to be missed. Located on the sea, it is open every Wednesday and Saturday. - The old Saint Louis Fort at Marigot is a historical vestige, built in 1776. Enjoy its panoramic view of Marigot Bay, which extends to the southwest, and of La Potence Bay, to the north.
- Saint Bartholomew (St. Barth's) is an excursion to be added to your schedule, and can be done by motor boat, by catamaran, or by plane. This island richly merits the detour, for its architecture, its wealth, and its extraordinary beaches.
- Saba is a mythical place for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.
-Anguilla, an island located just across from Saint Martin, offers a multitude of beaches and the opportunity to visit a dolphin park.
Shopping: Duty-free prices for you
Saint Martin is a capital of "duty-free" shopping, with prestigious French luxury labels in prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear designer clothing), jewelry, and parfumes. On the French side, you can allow yourself to be seduced by fine perfumes and clothing. On the Dutch side, there is an incredible choice of jewels and stereo equipment.
Good Food and Nights on the Town
Saint Martin, which Americans have nicknamed "Food Island," is the island of gastronomy par excellence in the West Indies. There are over 561 restaurants spread out over the entire territory, but a large number of these are located in the French part of the island in Marigot, for example, as well as in Grand Case, the capital of fine cuisine. Grand Case offers restaurants with exotic names and an enormous choice of cuisine-Creole, continental, and especially French-all or which are inventive and refined. Among the most enjoyable areas, the main street of Grand Case offers two choices of ambiance: an ambiance with a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and one with restaurants set against the backdrop of flowering gardens.
Finally, after an excellent meal at a good restaurant, why not taste some of the pleasures of the night?
Saint Martin is an island of song and dance. Any occasion is a good opportunity to party. Every evening, you can go out to any number of casinos on the Dutch side--a taste of "Las Vegas"--not to mention the numerous night clubs at Maho Bay. On the French side, stroll along the beach, then party at one of Orient Bay's many restaurants. There is nothing like an evening on the seaside: concerts, disk jockeys...
The capital, Marigot, is also very lively, especially at the Marina Royale, where there are a variety of activities every Thursday during the high season. Finally, to bring the evening to a fine conclusion, choose one of the trendy bars or nightclubs to dance until dawn.
Marne
( 51 )
An holyday rental for 200 €
A trip low price
More...
Tarn
( 81 )
From the Montagne Noire, the southern tip of the Massif Central, to the wide, tranquil plains of the Agout and Tarn rivers, and from the rugged unspoilt Ségala region to the rounded hills of the Vaurais, gateway to the sprawling plains of the Lauragais, the Tarn offers an enormou...
More...
Destination:
Saint Martin
