Saint-Martin

Saint Martin lies in the north-east Caribbean, among the Leeward Islands, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. France and the Netherlands have shared it since 1648, making it the smallest inhabited island in the world divided between two nations. This page covers the French side, Saint-Martin: an overseas collectivity of France that is part of the European Union and uses the euro. Its capital, Marigot, has a market, a harbour and the ruins of Fort Louis above the bay.

Grand Case is known as the island’s gastronomic capital, where French restaurants sit alongside lolos, simple roadside grills. The beaches range from quiet Baie Longue and secluded Baie Rouge to lively Orient Bay, and the Pinel islet is a short hop from the shore. Boats run day trips to Anguilla and Saint-Barthélemy. Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) is on the Dutch side, in Sint Maarten, and the border between the two halves of the island is open.

It is warm all year, and the trade winds soften the heat. The driest months run roughly from December to April or May; hurricane season lasts from June to November. Saint-Martin suits couples and honeymooners, food lovers, beach holidays and sailing.