Marigot (St Martin Island, France)

Marigot is a port town and the capital of Saint Martin Island. The port is located on the island's western coast. It extends from the coast to the west, along Marigot Bay and the hills of the interior to the east. On the southwest, it's bounded by Simpson Bay. Port Marigot has locode GPMSB.

Saint-Martin Island is approx 300 km (190 mi) east of Puerto Rico (USA). Since 1648, the island is divided 60 / 40 between France (northern part, 53 km2 / 20 mi2) and Holland/Netherlands (southern part, 34 km2 / 13 mi2). On the Dutch part (Sint Maarten) is Philipsburg.

Marigot City (population around 5,700) is served by Princess Juliana International Airport and L'Esperance Airport. There's a ferry to Blowing Point (Anguilla). Initially a fishing village, Marigot City was made capital during the reign of King Louis XVI of France (1754-1793), who built Fort Saint Louis on a hill close to Marigot Bay.

This is a typical Caribbean town, with sidewalk bistros and gingerbread houses. Market days are every Saturday and Wednesday morning. Across the street from Anquilla ferry terminal passengers will find a new building - Le West Indies Shopping Mall, housing 22 designer stores, beauty salon, spa and restaurant. A few blocks away is the contemporary Port La Royale Marina with its fashion boutiques and restaurants around Marina Port Royal.

An interesting fact is that the crew of the 1988-made movie "Speed 2" shot the finale scene in Marigot, where Seabourn Legend hits the island.

Marigot cruise terminal