RSSFort St. Louis, the largest historical monument in St.Martin, overlooks the Marigot Bay on the leeward side of the island. The imposing structure, originally built in 1767, has been named for the famous crusading king of France.
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The construction was based on plans sent over directly from Versailles at the order of the French king, Louis XVI to protect the settlement at Marigot from foreign invaders. |
During the late 18th Century, the fort was temporarily occupied by the Dutch to prevent the further spread of revolutionary democracy that had reached the island from Guadeloupe.
A steep climb to the summit proves to be quite rewarding as it provides a panoramic view of the island and the sea surrounding it.
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.
