French side · The capital
18° 04′ N · 63° 05′ W
Marigot is the small capital of the French side: a waterfront market, a fort overlooking the bay, shopping streets and café terraces where people speak French. This is where St. Martin feels most like a town.
Come in the morning, when the market sets up by the sea and the boats leave for Anguilla. Climb up to Fort Louis for the view, have lunch by the harbor, then head to the west-side beaches, just a few minutes away.
Prices are in euros, but US dollars are accepted everywhere. On Sundays, the market and most shops are closed: come on a weekday instead, ideally on a Wednesday or Saturday morning.
Updated October 2026
Everything is walkable in half a day. Bring water and a hat for the climb to the fort.
At the end of Rue de la République, colorful stalls line the waterfront: spices, tropical fruit, flavored rums, fresh coconut water, crafts and fabrics. The market is open almost every day except Sunday.
Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the big market days, with fresh fish from the local fishermen. It is the best time to feel the island’s daily life.
Free · Closed on Sundays · Busiest on Wednesday and Saturday mornings
Built in 1789 under Governor Jean-Sébastien de Durat, on the orders of King Louis XVI, the fort protected the harbor warehouses from pirates and from the English based on Anguilla. Its ramparts and cannons still stand above the town.
After 91 steps comes the reward: Marigot Bay, the marina, Sandy Ground and Anguilla on the horizon. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the heat bearable.
Free · 91 steps · Little shade
Lined with restaurants and fashion and jewelry shops, Marina Royale is the heart of Marigot’s café life. By day, have a coffee facing the boats; it is also where the jet ski rides of Jet Paradise start.
After dark, the town lights up around the harbor. To make a night of it on the French side, The Jazz Spot has live music in a speakeasy setting.
Just outside Marigot, a long strip of land runs toward Terres Basses, between the Caribbean Sea and Simpson Bay Lagoon. It has hotels, restaurants right on the sand and lovely sunsets.
To get there, you cross the Sandy Ground drawbridge. It opens at set times to let boats through, and the road is closed for a few minutes: check the bridge schedules.
Our picks in and around Marigot, each with a full page on the site. Tap a number to see it on the map.
Sandy stretches on the sea side and lovely sunsets. Check the shoreline before you get in the water.
The town beach near the port: better for a stroll and photos of the bay than for a full beach day.
A small, quiet cove near La Belle Créole, with no facilities, for the view and the calm.
The closest real swimming beach: a sheltered cove north of Marigot, with its beach bar.
The waterfront lunch spot near Marina Fort Louis: catch of the day, French and Creole food.
Seasonal brunch and lunch on Rue Léopold Hyman, by St. Martin-born chef Shane Huggins.
Homemade pasta on a terrace right on the sand, at the Nettle Bay Beach Club.
Greek and Mediterranean food on the beach, loungers by day and a lounge vibe at night.
In the countryside of Rambaud, a few minutes away: refined Creole cuisine and brunch by the pool.
A speakeasy at Marina Royale: live music, wine, cocktails and sharing boards.
In Nettle Bay, facing the lagoon: a handy base for Marigot, Terres Basses and the airport.
Jet skis from Marina Royale: a lagoon tour, or a run to Maho to watch the planes land.
The right rhythm: town in the morning, beach in the afternoon, sunset at Nettle Bay.
8 am
Coffee on a terrace, then a stroll through the stalls while it is still cool. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, come early for the fish.
10 am
Climb the 91 steps for the view over the bay. Walk back down through the small streets to Marina Royale.
12:30 pm
Catch of the day at Le Grand St Martin or brunch at Baratié.
5 pm
A swim at Friar’s Bay, or a drink on the sand at Nettle Bay at Kalos.
Upcoming events listed on our site.
23 Oct.
from 23 to 25 Oct. | 08:00 · Saint Martin
24 Oct.
Sat. 24 Oct. | 09:00 · Halle des sports Jean-Louis Vanterpool
11 Nov.
Saint-Martin Culinary Festival 2026
from 11 to 22 Nov. | 10:00 · Saint-Martin (plusieurs sites)
Yes, for half a day: the market, Fort Louis and the view over the bay, lunch by the harbor. It is not a beach town: pair your visit with a west-side beach such as Friar’s Bay or Baie Rouge.
Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the big market days with fresh fish. The market is open almost every day but closed on Sundays.
91 stone steps. It is free, but there is little shade: go early in the morning or late in the day.
Yes, everywhere. Prices are shown in euros and each business sets its own rate for dollars: ask before you pay. By card, you are charged in euros at the rate of your bank.
Friar’s Bay, a sheltered cove north of town, is the nicest for swimming. Nettle Bay is handy for sunset, and Galisbay is mostly a town beach.
Public ferries leave from the Marigot ferry terminal and the crossing takes about 20 to 25 minutes. A passport is required. Details in our ferry guide.
