3 capitals on the biggest, little Island of the world: the French capital, the Dutch capital and last but not least the ‘Gourmet’capital…
Driving on St. Martin is generally pretty easy, but it can also be tricky, like on most Caribbean islands. Despite the fact that there is only 1 major road, the ‘Route National 7’, finding your way can still be quite something! Asking directions is common, but do not be surprised when you are directed towards your hotel with, ’right behind the palm tree next to the yellow bench in front of the Lolo’…
Marigot, the capital of St. Martin, faces the Caribbean Sea and the Island of Anguilla. Its ‘European’ side offers well-known designer and retailer boutiques, together with famous gourmet restaurants. It’s ‘Antillean’ roots however are present all over the city: the market with its colorful fruits, vegetables, spices and home-made rums, cheerful ‘Doudous’ peddling their back garden harvests, many old houses and Creole huts with their typical friezes. The redesigned waterfront today is home to the passenger port for Anguilla and St. Barths. The ‘Fort Louis Marina’ opens to the channel of St. Barth and hosts catamarans and Yachts of all sizes, while the ‘Marina La Royale’, right in the center of the town, opens up to the lagoon and gathers sea farers, amateur sailors and boat captains side by side. Fort Louis, built in 1767, overlooks the bay of Marigot and Anguilla. Some street names are reminiscent of Frances’ past, of which ‘La Rue due General de Gaulle’ in the center of Marigot is just one example.
Leaving Marigot on the N7 direction Grand Case, you will arrive at the peaceful village of Colombier. At the foot of Pic Paradise, its fertile Valley housed 27 plantations in former days, growing cotton and sugar cane, tobacco and arrowroot. Back on the N7, pass through St. Louis, or ‘Free Town’ on old maps, (in memory of land granted to the freed slaves), and then wind and climb the way up to Pic Paradise, the highest point on the Island. Next stop on N7 is the Gourmet capital of the Caribbean island, Grand Case. Very popular with tourists and locals, a centre of international gastronomy and simple Creole Restaurants, called ‘Lolos’. The national airport ‘Esperance’ for domestic flights is located at the exit of Grand Case. Follow the road. Arrive at the newest village, Orient Bay, with the most famous beach on the Island. Quartier d’Orleans, near the border of Sint Maarten, lies at the three-way junction to Philipsburg, Oyster Pond and Marigot. The first Catholic Church was built here and is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours.
Enter Sint Maarten, the capital Philipsburg is located on the Southeast of the Island, at Great Bay, which was a major strategic site. The Europeans conquerors fought bitterly for its perfect mooring conditions. The ruins of Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem are witness to its troubled past. The Navigator John Philips founded the town Philipsburg in 1763. Today it has become the most famous stopover for cruise ships in the Caribbean, at the Port of Pointe Blanche. The Philipsburg Boardwalk and Front Street are able to satisfy even the most demanding shopper. Luxury Jewelers, electronic equipment, major clothing brands, souvenirs.
The Juliana International Airport nestled between the lagoon and the beach, welcomes millions of visitors every year. The runway stretches out between the long and beautiful Simpson Bay Beach, and the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Drive through the famous Lowlands with its majestic villas, wonderful beaches and impressive landscapes; pass the border at Cupecoy, and return to Marigot.