Marigot and Grand Case: the beating hearts

Marigot, the capital of the French side, is the place where colonial spirit meets modernity. Strolling through its streets, one can admire the pastel-coloured facades of the 'gingerbread' style houses. Towering above the city is Fort Louis, built in 1789 to defend the port's warehouses: climbing to its summit at sunset is a ritual that affords one of the island's most impressive views. Not far away, the local Marigot market explodes with colours and scents, including spices, fresh fish and the famous guavaberry liqueur. Moving north, one comes to Grand Case, a picturesque fishing village that holds the title of gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Here, the main street is transformed every evening into a stage for the senses, with starred restaurants and the famous Lolos, the traditional open-air kiosks where you can eat the best barbecue on the island (ribs, chicken and lobster) at popular prices, surrounded by an atmosphere of authentic conviviality.