The capital city of Marigot is perhaps the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. Colonial houses stand beside smart cafés and bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques.

In many ways it looks just like any of the French market towns you might expect to find on the Continent. A shopping center at the southern end of town down by the harbor, called Marina Port la Royale, has some elegant stores with the latest in European designer fashions and fine jewelry, all free of tax.

Marigot Market

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, an open-air market is set up at the base of Fort St.Louis and along the wharves below, offering a colorful array of homegrown produce, tropical fruits and spices, and freshly caught fish. It is a perfect opportunity for mingling, people watching, and just sampling the food.