Marigot: market, Fort Louis and French cafés
The capital of the French side wraps around Marigot Bay: a waterfront market, a marina lined with restaurants, bakeries that smell like Paris and an old fort with the best view in town. Here is how to spend a morning there.
Marigot at a glance
The French side's capital
- Where
- West coast of the French side, on Marigot Bay
- Market
- Waterfront market; the big days are Wednesday and Saturday mornings
- Fort Louis
- Built in 1789; about a 15-minute climb from the waterfront
- Money
- Prices in euros; many shops take US dollars and cards
- Ferry
- Boats to Anguilla from the terminal at the east end of town, about 25 minutes
- Getting there
- No passport check: drive straight across from the Dutch side
- On a Sunita tour
- Marigot is a stop on Two Islands Twice the Fun, and Marigot & Fort Louis is on the sample route of the Best of St. Martin private tour.
Things to do
Six things we tell guests to do in Marigot
Breakfast at a French bakery
Croissants, pain au chocolat and a proper café au lait. Marigot's bakeries are the reason many of our guests ask to start their day on the French side.
The waterfront market
Stalls by the bay sell spices, infused rums, crafts, clothing and fresh produce. Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the big days, with fresh fish and the most vendors; Saturday is the fullest.
Climb to Fort Louis
The French built Fort Louis in 1789 to protect the harbor. Its walls and cannons still stand, and the 15-minute climb from the waterfront ends with views over Marigot Bay, Simpson Bay Lagoon and, on a clear day, Anguilla.
Marina Royale
Restaurants and cafés line the marina in the middle of town, with yachts and charter boats moored below the terraces. It is the social heart of Marigot and an easy place for a long French lunch.
Boutiques and the mall
Marigot's boutiques carry European fashion and goods you won't find on the Dutch side, with prices in euros. The West Indies Mall at the east end of town has air-conditioned shops.
The ferry to Anguilla
Boats leave from the terminal next to the West Indies Mall, and the crossing takes about 25 minutes. Anguilla is a separate country, so bring your passport.
A morning in Marigot
Our three-hour Marigot plan
Shops and offices quiet down at lunchtime, so the morning is Marigot's best time.
- Bakery breakfast. Pastries and coffee in town while it is still cool.
- Fort Louis. Climb up for the view over the bay before the midday sun. Wear proper shoes and bring water.
- The market. Browse spices, rums and crafts by the water, best on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lunch at the marina. Settle in at Marina Royale, then head on to Grand Case or Orient Bay.
Paying in Marigot: prices are in euros. US dollars and cards are widely accepted, but the rate a shop uses can make dollars more expensive, so ask before you pay.
Getting there
How to get to Marigot
There is no border control between the Dutch and French sides, so getting to Marigot is just a scenic drive. Choose how much time you want there.
Shared island tour
Two Islands Twice the Fun stops in Marigot for a stroll through the market, waterfront and cafés, as part of a full 360° loop of the island.
See the shared tourPrivate tour
Take your time: climb Fort Louis, shop the boutiques and lunch at the marina, then carry on to Grand Case. Your driver-guide plans the day around you.
See the private tourTaxi to Marigot
We quote your fare up front, drop you in town and pick you up when you are ready, from the cruise port, your hotel or your villa.
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Marigot questions
Quick answers before you go
What days is the Marigot market open?
The waterfront market in Marigot is busiest on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, when the most vendors set up and fresh fish is sold; Saturday is the fullest day. Go in the morning, before the heat.
How long is the walk up to Fort Louis?
About 15 minutes uphill from the Marigot waterfront. Wear proper shoes, bring water and go in the morning. The fort was built in 1789 and has views over Marigot Bay, Simpson Bay Lagoon and Anguilla.
Do they take US dollars in Marigot?
Many shops and restaurants accept US dollars and cards, but prices on the French side are in euros, so ask which exchange rate is used before you pay.
Can you take a ferry from Marigot to Anguilla?
Yes. Ferries to Anguilla leave from the terminal at the east end of Marigot, next to the West Indies Mall. The crossing takes about 25 minutes.
Do I need a passport to visit Marigot from the Dutch side?
No. There is no border control between Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin, so you simply drive across. Cruise guests should still carry their ship card and photo ID to get back on board.
Is Marigot on the Sunita island tour?
Yes. Marigot is one of the eight stops on the $50 Two Islands Twice the Fun shared tour, and Marigot and Fort Louis are on the sample route of the Best of St. Martin private tour.
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