"Saint Martin" Top 5 Page for this destination Saint Martin by bsfreeloader

St. Martin makes up two-thirds of the two-nation island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten. At a mere 37 square kilometers, the island is the smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations. And while the boundary separating the two countries may be imperceptible, the differences between them are readily apparent. The French side oozes a sophistication and elegance completely lacking on the Dutch side. It is very French, with numerous bakeries selling ridiculously cheap baguettes and pastries and an equal number of gourmet restaurants serving foie gras and other typical French “delicacies.” While English is widely spoken, French is the primary language. And, while there are plenty of American tourists, the bulk of the tourists are French. Compared to the Dutch side of the island, the food is better, the beaches are better, and the atmosphere is less chaotic. If nothing else, it reminded me that when a French girl says, “au revoir,” there is no sadder goodbye.