Saint-Martin is a French collectivity in the Caribbean Sea. This French overseas territory represents half of the overall area of the greater island Saint Martin, the other half, called Sint Maarten is governed by the Dutch. Saint-Martin is a popular touristic destination for European travelers and not only. The beautiful sights and crystal clear waters are the main reasons for visiting this area.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Arawak indigenes, an Indian tribe who sailed here from South America. Another indigenous population was The Kalinago. Saint-Martin was discovered by the famous navigator Christopher Columbus in 1493. In the 7th century, the first Dutch colonists began to occupy the territory followed by the French, several decades later.The fascinating cultural mix between the Europeans and the local Caribbean population is part of the unique charm that characterizes Saint-Martin. The local customs and the architecture reflect very well these different cultural tendencies.
The most prominent city on the island is Marigot, the capital city of the collectivity. This is a beautiful touristic destination with a rich historical patrimony and a wide range of facilities like accommodation, bars, restaurants, and berth booking services. In Marigot there are a lot of shops and boutiques where tourists can get unique crafted souvenirs; the best place for shopping is the West Indies Mall.
Fort Louis situated in Marigot is an important historical site; it was built on a high hill to serve as an observation point for the French colonists. It dates back to the year 1970. Nowadays the fascinating ruins and the incredible panoramic view gather hundreds of visitors to this place.
One of the best hiking destinations on the island is called Pic Paradis and offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
Saint-Martin has beautiful trails hikers can enjoy. Some of the most popular are Lottery Ravine, Northeast Ridges, Eden Well, Central Ridges. These trails allow tourist to admire the astonishing diversity of the ecosystem.
There are plenty beaches in Saint-Martin that seem untouched by modern civilization. One of the most famous beaches on the island is Friar’s Bay Beach situated in the Norther part of Marigot. People can relax here, grab a refreshing cocktail from one of the two existing restaurants or spend a lovely evening at one of the bars near the beach. Grandes Cayes and Petites Cayes are two quiet destinations surrounded by lush vegetation and coral reefs. Petite Baie is a predilect destination for those who perform surf and other water sports. Baie Rouge Beach is another must see; many tourists come here to take a photo in front of the unique rock arch. Visitors have the opportunity to book a berth through MarinaReservation.com and moor in the cozy marinas located in this area.
Many restaurants in Saint-Martin are specialized in French dishes, but there are also affordable diners that serve local fish specialties. The accommodation options also range from luxury to budget variants. All in all, Saint-Martin is a great location for a memorable holiday that will cast away all the daily worries.
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