This French-Caribbean port town has a waterfront market, colonial fortifications, and a yacht-filled marina. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood near the palm-lined bay.
Marigot, the capital of French Saint Martin, sits along Marigot Bay where you'll find Fort Louis overlooking the harbor, an open-air market selling fresh produce, and Marina Port La Royale with its waterfront restaurants and shops.
Location in Saint Martin
Marigot lies in the western part of French Saint Martin, stretching along the Caribbean coast. As the administrative center of the French territory, you'll find the main government buildings, post office, and courthouse in the town center. The town spans about 2 kilometers from end to end, with most shops and services concentrated along Rue de la RĂ©publique.
The Bay of Marigot
Marigot Bay extends for 800 meters, with a beach of light brown sand and calm waters reaching depths of 2 meters about 30 meters from shore. Local fishermen dock their boats at the pier between 6 AM and 8 AM, selling fresh catch directly to residents. The beach has several clusters of coconut palms, particularly dense near the northern end. You'll find changing rooms and two water fountains near the central beach entrance. The water temperature stays around 26°C (79°F) year-round.
Town Development
The town grew from a former salt production site in the 1700s to today's coastal community. Modern Marigot has expanded around key facilities including the Stade Thelbert Carti stadium, which hosts local football matches and athletics events. The Collège Mont des Accords serves 600 students from the surrounding neighborhoods. The Gendarmerie station on Rue de la République maintains security in the area. These institutions, together with apartment buildings and single-family homes, form neighborhoods connected by walking paths to the waterfront.
