This small fort is actually largest historical monument in St.Martin. It is also the best viewing vistas on the whole of the shared island. This includes the absolute best place to view sunsets. It would also be the most likely place to build a fort. It was erected in 1767 on the direct orders of King Louis XVI. This was obviously previous to the French Revolution and the loss of his head in 1793. In fact the Dutch seized the fort after the start of the Revolution in 1789 to head off any sort of anti-royalist elements from Guadeloupe getting subversive ideas.
It was originally built to to protect the settlement at Marigot and its done a very good job. Today Marigot is a beautiful village and bay. Not only do you get panoramic view of the island, you can also see the British island of Anguilla.
The fort is a steep climb and is open every day from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
Written Feb 13, 2012
Website: http://www.best-stmartin.com/detail.asp?storeID=3937&catID=23&typID=81
This gorgeous beach is, in my opinion, ruined by the extraordinary amount of peddlers that are allowed to swarm people who are just trying to enjoy the place.
It's set-up is very European with a series of individual clusters of beach chairs that are accompanied by a restaurant/bar/snack-bar (they vary). They're all comfortable chez lounge chairs, facing the gorgeous water which is rich in tones of sky and aqua blue.
However, you can't enjoy the view when standing between you and it is someone who'd like you to buy a necklace, bracelet, sarong, dress, scarf, aloe or regular massage. When I first realized that this is how things were going to be the thought that crossed my mind was "Are you f**king kidding me?" At one point I was laying on my stomach and one vendor who noticed the sunburn on my back just started rubbing aloe on it while trying to sell me a $30 massage. The aloe felt wonderful of course, but I had not solicited this massage and I felt more anger than relief.
The owners of the restaurants must be getting a kick-back from them. The only respite from this madness is to swim. The water was gorgeous and the waves were wonderful so I greatly enjoyed that.
I'm sorry that this review is so negative and that's not my usual style, but I was so disappointed in this beach.
Updated Dec 9, 2011
World famous Caribbean artist Roland Richardson has a gallery in Marigot. In fact, he w
See my comments on the main page for more info. in fact, he was born right next door. Original Paintings are for sale and Mr. Richardson will even do a portrait of you if you want. Ot you can just browse around if you like with no pressure to buy.
On Thursday's Roland has a meet and greet in the early afternoon.
We were fortunate enough to bump into him and have a long chat. See my blurb on the opening page for more details.
Updated May 2, 2011
Address: 6 Rue De La Republique, Marigot
Website: www.rolandrichardson.com
Grand Case is the gourmet capitol of the world, second to Paris. Located in the north on the French side of the island. Le petite favorite is a small shopping centre, restaurant, and more. Beautiful to look at with all the gingerbread trim.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
While staying at Orient Bay, this was a natural visit for me--I love animals and stuff like that, so my next door lady friend and I went up the driveway to the Butterfly Farm---a huge tented area full of beautiful butterflies, and folk who are willing to take the time to discuss them with you. There is a fee to enter, but well worth it, once you get inside. There are many species fluttering around the enclosed area, as well as places where you can view pupae and cocoons and hear info on their lifestyles.....Many photo oportunities abound in here so take your cameras. The gift shop at the end is wonderful as well, with butterfly gifts for anyone at reasonable prices....
Written Jul 9, 2010
Address: La Ferme des Papillons
Phone: 590-590-873121
Website: www.thebutterflyfarm.com
This is a very cool, very large beach on the eastern side of the French part of the island. There's a decent, but overpriced, bar area and plenty of places to rent any type of water fun item you might desire.
The water here is much too rough for any snorkeling, so if thats your thing you'll want to go elsewhere.
Also, there is a section of the beach here that is clothing optional so beware you may see some 'stuff a sagging'.
Written Apr 28, 2008
There is an outdoor market in Marigot that has some pretty good deals. I should also list this under tourist traps, but its still a good way to kill a couple of hours and pick up some souvenirs for all of the suckers that couldn't come with you on your trip.
Written Apr 28, 2008
Bikini Beach has great things to do. Lots of watersports available (ex. waverunners $90/hr or $45 for 1/2 hour). Massages at the Buddha Garden ($75 hour or $45 1/2 hour). Not to mention the people watching and just lying in the Caribbean sun. This beach is also European style, so you will be able to go topless if you like, we opted not to but did see one woman walking down the bbeach. Club Orient is located at the far right of the beach where you can go fully nude.
Beach is free but if you want lounge chairs, it will cost you $7/each chair and an umbrella is $3.
Written Mar 26, 2008
Dubbed the “Culinary capital of the Caribbean,” Grand Case is without question the best place for dining on St. Martin/Sint Maarten. The town’s main drag is essentially a long row of restaurants, ranging from inexpensive lolos serving barbeque to high-end places serving traditional French cuisine. Reservations are typically unnecessary, as most diners simply walk the street and view the specials highlighted on chalkboards before choosing a restaurant. The restaurants front a somewhat unspectacular but not altogether unworthy beach.
Written Feb 18, 2008
Orient Beach is the most developed, most popular, and busiest beach on the island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Protected from Atlantic rollers by a reef, the beach is a two-mile long swath of sugary white sand surrounded by turquoise waters. It is reputed both for its natural beauty and setting and for being the island’s foremost swimsuit optional beach.
Written Feb 18, 2008
1 Review and 613 Opinions We stayed here in 1999 and it was the best vacation we ever had. Grand Case Beach Club was clean,...
2 Reviews and 84 Opinions I stayed here not too long ago and had some great experiences. I went alone, and wanted to write a...
1 Review and 251 Opinions Stayed for a week in December 2011. The staff was very friendly, most of them helpful - happy to...
Reviews and photos of Saint Martin attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Saint Martin sightseeing.

Orient Beach is the most developed, most popular, and busiest beach on the island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Protected from Atlantic rollers by a reef, the...
3 members live in Saint Martin
Q: hi, is there a bus from Philipsburg (cruise terminal) to Maho beach? We want to spend 2h at the beach to see the big planes...

A: hi have a look at pages made by other VTers on this and other locations in the area as Im pretty sure Ive read tips about watching the planes land.
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I was able to wake up early aboard the Grand Princess this time to be able to see the ship docking not far from Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch-side of the island. Yes, this tiny piece of land...
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St. Martin makes up two-thirds of the two-nation island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten. At a mere 37 square kilometers, the island is the smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between...
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Check out Orient Beach on the French side! It is like walking on flour. Watch out for the nasty old nude English guys, though...ha ha.
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On November 11, 2005, my family and I flew to St. Martin. We decided to rent a villa instead of staying in a hotel. It was our first experience renting a villa. We booked through Villas Caribe, a 3rd...
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Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

If you would like an introduction to the Caribbean islands, St. Martin is a good place to start. The island offers accomodations, dining and shopping for those with a small or big budget. It's close...
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