- The French overseas collectivity on the northern part of the island shared with Sint Maarten
- Grand Case is the island's dining capital, from beach lolos to fine French restaurants
- Orient Bay and Pinel Island are the classic beach days
- Fly via Paris, Amsterdam or Antigua; there is no border control between the two sides
- Airports
- Princess Juliana International (SXM) on the Dutch side, around 20-40 minutes to most French-side areas; Grand Case L'Espérance (SFG) for regional flights
- Flight time
- about 9-11h from London with one connection
- Best time to go
- December-April for dry, sunny weather; May-June for lower prices
- Currency
- Euro (€); US dollars widely accepted
Saint-Martin is the French side of a small island it shares with Dutch Sint Maarten, one of the smallest land masses in the world divided between two countries. The northern French part is greener and calmer than its busy Dutch neighbour, with long bays, hillside villas, a market town capital at Marigot and a reputation as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. You can cross between the two sides freely, with nothing more than a welcome sign at the border.
Saint-Martin is an overseas collectivity of France, so the language is French, the currency is the euro and baguettes and pain au chocolat come with your morning coffee. The island was badly hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017 but has largely rebuilt, with refreshed hotels and restaurants. It makes a good base for day trips to Anguilla and Saint-Barthélemy, and for the wider French Caribbean see our guides to Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Things to do
- Orient Bay – the island's best-known beach, a long curve of pale sand with beach clubs, watersports and calm swimming behind the reef. The southern end has a long-established naturist section.
- Pinel Island – a five-minute boat ride from Cul-de-Sac, this tiny nature reserve has shallow, clear water for snorkelling and simple beach restaurants.
- Eat in Grand Case – the main street is lined with French, Creole and international restaurants, while the "lolos" (open-air barbecue shacks) serve ribs, grilled fish and johnny cakes. Tuesday-evening street parties run in the high season.
- Marigot – browse the waterfront market for spices and crafts, climb to Fort Louis for views over the bay and Anguilla, and stop for lunch at the marina.
- Pic Paradis and Loterie Farm – hike to the island's highest point, around 424 metres, or try the zip lines and tree-top pool at Loterie Farm on its slopes.
- Quieter beaches – Friar's Bay, Happy Bay and Baie Rouge are smaller, less developed and lovely for a lazy afternoon.
- Island hopping – ferries run from Marigot to Anguilla in about 25 minutes, and boats and short flights reach St Barths.
Where to stay
- Grand Case – the obvious choice for food lovers, with small hotels and apartments steps from the restaurants and a calm bay.
- Orient Bay – beach hotels, villas and apartments for a sociable, watersports-focused stay.
- Anse Marcel and Cul-de-Sac – secluded resort hotels and a sheltered bay in the north-east, with easy access to Pinel Island.
- Terres Basses – exclusive villas near Baie Rouge and Baie Longue on the western peninsula.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Most people fly to Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side: Air France flies from Paris Charles de Gaulle, KLM from Amsterdam, and there are good connections via the US. Another option is a British Airways or Virgin Atlantic flight to Antigua, then a short regional flight. Allow around 9 to 11 hours of travel plus connection time. The famous approach over Maho Beach is on the Dutch side, about 20 to 40 minutes' drive from most French-side areas.
British passport holders can usually visit for short stays without a visa, but French overseas collectivities have their own rules, so check GOV.UK FCDO advice before booking. A hire car is the easiest way to get around; traffic around Marigot and Simpson Bay can be heavy at peak times.
Best time to visit
December to April is dry, sunny and around 27 to 30 °C, with the highest prices. May and June are still pleasant and cheaper. The hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October, and some restaurants and hotels close for a few weeks in September and October.
Many Grand Case restaurants and beach bars quote prices in both euros and dollars, and some offer a one-to-one exchange for cash dollars, which can be a good deal; card payments are charged in euros.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten?
They are two halves of the same island. Saint-Martin, in the north, is French and uses the euro; Sint Maarten, in the south, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and uses the Caribbean guilder, though US dollars dominate. The French side is generally quieter and better known for food, the Dutch side for nightlife, casinos and duty-free shopping.
Do I need my passport to cross between the two sides?
No. There are no border checks between the French and Dutch sides, though you will need your passport for flights and ferries to other islands.
Which beach is best on the French side?
Orient Bay for facilities and atmosphere, Pinel Island for snorkelling and calm water, and Baie Rouge or Happy Bay for something quieter.
Is Saint-Martin good for families?
Yes. Calm bays such as Grand Case, Cul-de-Sac and Friar's Bay suit children, and Loterie Farm and boat trips add variety.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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