Sites to see on Saint Martin : Art and Culture

Art & Culture on Saint Martin : Sites to see

French Saint Martin : From Marigot to Oyster Pond

Marigot, the capital

Capital of French Saint Martin, and base of its vice-prefectorial offices, Marigot is by far the most popular spot in terms of shopping and everyday activities. Its elegant bars and stylish shops attract a great number of visitors, local and foreign alike. The city’s name originates from the marshes and swamps (referred to as “marigots”) once surrounding it. It became the island’s capital during the era of sugar production, and its fort Saint Louis was constructed under the reign of Louis XVI. Since these times, the city has been partitioned into several districts, such as Bellevue, Saint James or Saint Jean. Marigot today is a town with an extremely elegant atmosphere, with Latin allures similar to those of the mainland.

FORT LOUIS Tel : 05 90 29 22 84

RESTAURANT LE MARRAKECH

ANCIEN BUREAU DE L’OFFICE DU TOURISME DE MARIGOT

MAISON DE DE WEEVER

Marigot Market

The market is held on the waterfront every Wednesday and Saturday morning, displaying a colourful variety of fruits, vegetables, fish and spices. Definitely not to miss if you are in search of local atmospheres and flavour.

Village for Ecotourism

Saint Martin has put in place a so-called “village for Ecotourism”, in order to preserve its patrimony and heighten the awareness of the local population and tourists on the conservation of nature and culture. The village is situated on the site of the Bellevue Estate, overlooking Marigot, and is entirely dedicated to the universe of nature. Visitors to the project have the possibility to involve in a multitude of activities such as fishing boat trips, kayak, walks, horseback riding or mountain bike, guided tours around the remnants of an old sugar factory, or a treasure hunt. Special workshops offer the possibility of taking pottery, wickerwork and painting lessons, with the animation of folk music groups and their instruments. Visitors can also get a taste of local culinary specialties such as lambi pudding, accras, Johnny-Cakes (small salty rolls, homage to the bread eaten by workers in the salt lakes), ribs, ti-punch, guavaberry punch, tamarind juice, guava and coconut cakes and other delights of local cuisine.

Between Marigot and Grand Case

LA LOTERIE FARM Tel : 05 90 87 86 16 Fax : 05 90 87 86 16

HOPE ESTATE Adresse : BP 507, Association archéologique de Hope Estate Marigot Tel : 05 90 29 22 84

Grad Case.

A pleasant village with traditional cabins built of sticks or wood, surrounded by a sandy bay of a few kilometres long. The impressive Rocher Creole ornaments the bay, and watches over the serenity of this old fisherman’s town, once a rich place due to salt production and the breeding of cattle and horses. The town is home to the island’s best restaurants and most beautiful Creole houses. Getting around is quite simple: there is only one large boulevard, the Boulevard of Grand Case, bordered with restaurants and bars.

An interesting site to see in the vicinity of Grand Case is the remains of an Indian village referred to today as “Hope Estate”, as the original name of the habitation is unfortunately unknown. The 1920s saw the beginning of archaeological activity on Saint Martin, though up to the 80s only six prehistoric sites were excavated, which later often became victims of modern construction. From 1984 on, thanks to the enthusiasm of certain local residents, a few other pre-Colombian sites were listed, which eventually led to the discovery of an American Indian village beneath the plateau of Hope Estate, dominating the plains of Grand Case. Fragments of broken pottery, utensils, linen and food were found in the proximity of the habitation, of which there remains not more than the holes left by wooden poles used for the construction of huts. Ceramics as well as magnificently ornamented linen and clay models sculpted with shells and rock prove the existence of a rich cultural patrimony, The excavation of a dozen graves during the last archaeological expedition have permitted specialists to reconstitute the funeral rites of these ancient people, who buried their dead in the foetal position. Tombs were accompanied by offerings, ceramics and stone and shell utensils. The Hope Estate Archaeological Association has been in charge of excavation campaigns in the area since 1993, and expeditions between January and March have revealed extraordinary findings. The site is accessible to all, though only on appointment. Count three hours for a complete visit.

Between Oriental Bay and Oyster Pond

FERME AUX PAPILLONS Adresse : Le Gallion Beach Road, quartier d’Orléans Tel : 05 90 87 31 21

The French Quarter (Quartier d’Orleans)

The French Quarter is the first town founded in the 17th century by French colonists. It is a pretty site with its picturesque cabins, though the bougainvillea and hibiscus have unfortunately been devastated by hurricanes. The shabby appearance of certain houses is mainly due to natural disasters: Hurricane Jose on the 21 Octobre, 1999 with a force of 3 and Hurricane Lenny, the 17 November, 1999 with a force of 4 and winds blowing at 300 km/h.

Dutch Saint Martin

Though Sint Maarten is not a significant cultural centre, Philipsburg is a must-see for the liveliness inexistent in the French part of the island. The city is composed of two parallel roads, of which the most famous one is the shopping street: Front Street (Vorstraat), following the coast. Its numerous shops, often owned by Indians, offer a good choice of hi-fi material, TV, video, electronics, sunglasses, watches, jewellery, alcohol, tobacco… The most famous brands are the greatest bargain here, as everything is tax-free and haggling is more than authorised.
Back Street (Achterstraat) is in violent contrast with Front Street: it is characterised by its beautiful coloured wooden houses, inhabited by the local population, often of apparent poverty. The city’s prettiest beach is Great Bay, where you will also find a multitude of beach restaurants and stores.
The waterfront has been under construction and constant expansion in the past few years. “Borderwalk”, the newest part of the promenade is a very pleasant place to take a walk along the shore. This area is always bustling with activity, and is definitely not the place to be bored.

FORT AMSTERDAM

MAISON DU GOUVERNEUR RINK

ZOO, SINT-MAARTEN ZOOLOGICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN Adresse : Route de Arch Road à Philipsburg, parc de Saint-Martin N.V. PO Box 531 Philipsburg Tel : 599 543 2030

ZOO, SINT-MAARTEN ZOOLOGICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN Adresse : Route de Arch Road à Philipsburg, parc de Saint-Martin N.V. PO Box 531 Philipsburg Tel : 599 543 2030

Fortress of Pointe Blanche

Overlooking Great Bay, the fort once served to protect Saint Martin. On leaving Philipsburg, take Front Street, then turn left and continue until you reach a T crossing. Turn left again at this point and take the road leading upwards into the hills surrounding Philipsburg. The fort offers an extraordinary view on bays, beaches and several islands, of which the closest one is Anguilla.

Eden Park

Take the road in the direction of Emile Volcano. The park extends on over 1.4 ha of well kept and signposted forest. A great place to take a walk in nature.