"Sint Marteen - the Happy Island! " a Sint Maarten Travel Page by michelle_x11

I discovered Sint Maarten or Saint Martin, a very interesting island during a cruise when i was 15 and i always remembered this beautiful place i had visited during that day: Pinel Island ( a small nature reserve island close to St Martin's coast) and i had to go back there one day!!! This is a contrastful island as it is such a small territory shared by two nations - France and Netherlands.

The french side still reminds you of France (it is a french overseas department), whit its very pretty capital Marigot. You will see typically french bistrots, tabac/presse, bakeries and of course french cuisine. There is simply a laid-back atmosphere and you can enjoy your days away from home in the calm.

On the other hand, Philippsburg, the dutch capital doesn't really have anything to do with the Netherlands, except for some stereotypical souvenirs. It is fully in the hand of Americans or Cruiseship passengers who come to shop for the day.

For the rest, the island has got 32 beaches, all different but amazing and you will surely have a wonderful time on the happy island (as says the stamp that you will be given into your passport). :)