Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, St Martin island is a true gem of the Antilles. Combining a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery and unrivalled hospitality, this island paradise is a destination well worth visiting. In this guide, we invite you to explore Saint-Martin and discover all it has to offer.
Located some 300 km east of Puerto Rico, St Martin is one of a kind. It is the world’s smallest landmass, shared peacefully between two nations: France and the Netherlands. This 87 km² island offers a diversity of landscapes, a rich culture and a warm welcome, whether you’re on the French or Dutch side.
The French part, St Martin, is renowned for its beaches, shopping and gourmet cuisine. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, is famous for its festive activities, lively casinos and duty-free shopping. Both sides of the island, however, share a common history and a particular energy.
A little history…
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, St Martin has a long and fascinating history. Its name derives from the day Columbus discovered the island, Saint Martin’s Day. For centuries, the island was a point of conflict between colonial powers, before finally being divided between France and the Netherlands in 1648.
The island’s multicultural past is reflected in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. Whether you stroll the streets of Marigot, the French capital, or Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, you can feel the unique fusion of European and Caribbean cultures.
