French St. Martin/Dutch St. Maarten Vacations
An Overview of This Top Caribbean Vacation Destination
Jan 28, 2009
The vibrant island of St. Martin/St. Maarten offers much to visitors due to its split personality of French and Dutch culture.
History
According to St. Martin legend, Christopher Columbus anchored at the island on November 11, 1493, the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. In honor of the Saint, Columbus named the island San Martin, claiming it for Spain. (Today, the island is known as Sint Maarten to the Dutch and Saint Martin to the French.)
The Spanish never settled the island, and in 1631, the Dutch and French occupied the island, hoping to exploit its salt deposits for trade. After several skirmishes with the Spanish, who tried to retain control, the Spanish relinquished the island to the Dutch and French. These two countries amicably divided the island in 1648 in accord with the Treaty of Concordia.
Local lore explains that the borders between the countries were set when, instead of dueling, a Frenchman and a Dutchman agreed to walk in opposite directions along the coast until they met each other again to delineate the boundaries. Before they left, the Frenchman allegedly gave the Dutchman a bottle of "water" that, in reality, was gin. Thus, the French ended up with 21 of the 37 square miles of the island.
Since that time, the two countries have peaceably shared this island with an invisible border separating the two distinct cultures. Unless you notice the sign welcoming you to the French side of the island, you’d never know you were crossing an international border.
Dutch Side
The Dutch side occupies the southern half of the island, and it is significantly more developed than its French counterpart. Known for its festive nightlife, this half of the island is filled with sprawling resorts, lively open-air restaurants and bars, and twelve casinos.
Its capital, Philipsburg, is the number one port for Caribbean cruise ships, and its main street, Front Street, offers some of the best shopping in the region. Be sure to check out the jewelry shops and the Guavaberry Emporium, which sells the island’s famous liqueur made from local berries, rum, and sugar.
French Side
To the north, quieter French St. Martin caters to a somewhat more sedate vacationer. This half of the island is well-known for its French-influenced cuisine, with most of the more notable restaurants concentrated in its capital, Marigot, and in Grand Case. The French side also boasts clothing boutiques, including Chanel and Lacoste, and private beaches.
When to Go to St. Martin
Vacationers seeking a warm Caribbean vacation to escape blustery northern winter weather often flock to the island beginning in December, which is the start of the high tourist season that runs through mid-April.
For travel deals, consider visiting the island during the off-season, when hotel rooms are about half of the high-season rates. Some resorts close in September and October to avoid the peak hurricane season.
For more information, check out this article suggesting things to do while visiting St. Martin.
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