Marigot
The French-side capital: market mornings, harbor cafes, and the ferry to Anguilla
Marigot is the capital of French Saint-Martin and the island's most European corner. A harbor town of cafes and patisseries, a waterfront market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the ruins of Fort Louis on the hill above, and the marina at Marina Royale. It's a place to wander, eat well, and catch the ferry to Anguilla, more than a beach base. Parts of it still carry visible scars from Hurricane Irma, which is worth knowing before you picture a polished seafront.
Known for
- The waterfront market on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- French cafes and patisseries
- Fort Louis overlooking the harbor
- The ferry to Anguilla
Should you stay here?
Best for
- French cafe and market mornings
- Harbor and marina dining
- Day trips by ferry to Anguilla
Know before you book
- Parts of the waterfront still show empty, storm-damaged buildings years after Irma
- It's a town, not a beach base, so you'll drive to the good beaches
- It gets quiet after dark, and some streets feel deserted at night
Getting there
About 20 minutes by car from Princess Juliana Airport on the French side's west coast. The ferry to Anguilla leaves from the Marigot waterfront. A rental car is simplest, and there's paid parking near the market and marina.
More of Marigot
Common questions
Is Marigot worth visiting in St. Martin?
Yes, for its French character: a waterfront market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, cafes and patisseries, Fort Louis above the harbor, and the Anguilla ferry. It's better for a wander and a meal than as a beach base, and some of the seafront still shows Irma damage.