The French side is very different to the Dutch side of the island - there is no gambling and Marigot with its attractive sidewalk cafes and bars and cosmopolitan atmosphere oozes a charm which is very continental. An early evening walk through Marigot with its subtle lighting and ambient music emanating from its restaurants and bars is a truly European experience and provides a perfect setting for a romantic evening. On certain nights, the Marigot port and Marina Royale area feature many local bands and 'avant garde' street entertainers. The Marina area is also a hotspot for several chic nightclubs so a night out in Marigot is a great reason to dress to impress! Traditionally, the French culture enjoys a long and leisurely evening meal, which means that many of the livelier bars and nightspots get going later in the evening. When they do, you can immerse yourself in a choice of sultry Latino music, rhythmic Reggae or the latest in European dance and Techno. There are many popular clubs scattered around the town, often hidden down little side streets.  

St. Maarten/St. Martin has thirty-seven beaches on its thirty-seven square miles! Whatever your lifestyle or vacation style, there will certainly be a beach suited to the ambience you desire. For the action seeker, many beaches offer water sports of every description.

Hydrofoils and ferries provide a frequent service to the neighbouring island of Anguilla.