| Points Of Interest |
Transportation |
Calendar |
Travel
Tips |
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 Fort
St. Louis |
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Overlooking Marigot Bay on the leeward
side of the island sits the imposing figure of Fort St. Louis, the
largest historical monument in St.Martin. Named for the famous crusading
king of France, it was originally built in 1767 to protect the settlement
at Marigot from foreign invaders. The plans were sent over directly
from Versailles at the order of the ill-fated French king, Louis XVI.
Following the events of 1789, the fort was temporarily occupied by
the Dutch to prevent the further spread of revolutionary democracy
which had reached the island from Guadeloupe. Now, it no longer serves
its former purpose, but the steep climb up to the summit provides
a panoramic view of the island and the sea surrounding it, and the
effort is well rewarded. |
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St.-Martin
Museum |
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At the southern end of Marigot, next to
the Marina Port la Royale, is a museum dedicated to preserving St.Martin's
history and culture. A new building houses a variety of pre-Colombian
treasures unearthed by the Hope Estate Archaeological Society. Among
these are a reproduction of the 1,500 year old burial mound that was
only discovered in 1994, artifacts dating back as far as 1800 BC,
and some beautifully adorned ceramics from around 550 BC. A colonial
exhibit details the history of the plantation and slavery period,
and early 20th Century photographs provide glimpses into the island's
modern development. It is open daily free of charge. |
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Marigot |
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The capital city of Marigot is perhaps
the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. Colonial
houses stand beside smart cafés and bistros, pastry shops and luxury
boutiques, and in many ways it looks just like any of the French market
towns you might expect to find on the Continent. A shopping center
at the southern end of town down by the harbor, called Marina Port
la Royale, has some elegant stores with the latest in European designer
fashions and fine jewelry, all free of tax. The entire city is only
four streets wide, so it is very easy to get around. |
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Paradise
Peak |
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Rising from the center of St.Martin at
a height of 1,400 feet stands Pic Paradis, the highest point on the
whole island. Climbing to the top, where there are two observation
decks, provides a spectacular view of the scenery and the tropical
forest below. |
