Marigot Bay, St. Martin

Marigot Bay, St. Martin (June 21-25, 2013)

In Marigot Bay, we first noticed Fort Louis stoically perched on a hill high above.  It's strong presence and being a great day to hike our way up the hill, we decided it was a must see.

Marigot was a fishing village that, during the reign of King Louis XVI, became the capital of the French side of the island.  Being practically surrounded by forested mountains, it provides great shelter during tropical storms and hurricanes.

Fort Louis in the background

Arriving at the top of the hill, we were greeted by a large cross, holding it's own powerful presence in the midst of the grand fort.

Cross at Fort Louis

After a quick read, we are off to explore

Overlooking Baie Nettlé and Simpson Bay Lagoon

The city with it's open-air markets and street side shops and bistros
Overlooking Blvd. de France (left) and Rue de la Liberté (right)

Dulcinea at anchor (the third sailboat back on the far left)

It was possible to forbid access to the Fort by firing muskets through the loopholes while remaining sheltered from enemy gunfire.

View from the backside of the fort

Union Road heading toward Grand Case
(Baie de la Potence Powerstation is on the left)

Port de Glaisbay Commercial Dock

Some of the many cannons at the fort
No firing of the cannons, Jim!

Overlooking more of the anchorage with Sandy Ground to the right

Petite Baie and Pointe du Bluff

French flag above Fort Louis

Just a little breezy

A long way down

Another sinking ship

"One,..."

The Bread Oven "Four a Pain" was built of stone and whitewash and was covered by a wooden frame and shingle roof, allowing the bakers to work in the shade.  It was used to supply both the garrison and the Governor's mansion.

Bread Oven

Agave Karatto a/k/a Century Plant, Dagger, or Maypole

Bananaquits and Hummingbirds can be seen all over the island.  Interestingly, the Banaquit can be found on most Hummingbird feeders; however, the Banaquit cannot hover and must perch in order to feed.

Bananaquit

A not so well known legend of St. Martin is Father Gerard Kemps, who was appointed as priest for the Catholic Church of French St. Martin in 1954.  Father Kemps composed "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land," a song that would become the island's national song.  On the Queen's birthday in 1984, Father Kemps was knighted "Ridder in de Order van Oranje van Nassau".

Lyrics to "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land:"

Where over the world, say where,
You find an island there,
So lovely small with nations free
With people French and Dutch
Though talking English much,
As thee Saint Martin in the sea ?
Chorus :
O sweet Saint Martin's Land
So bright by beach and strand
With sailors on the sea and harbors free
Where the chains of mountains green
Variously in sunlight sheen
Oh I love thy Paradise,
Nature beauty fairly nice (twice)''
How pretty between all green
Flamboyants beaming gleam
Of flowers red by sunlight set
Thy cows and sheep and goats
In meadows or on the roads
Thy donkeys keen I can't forget
Thy useful birds in white
Their morn and evening flight
Like aircrafts-wings in unity
Their coming down for food
Then turning back to roost
Bring home to me their harmony
Saint Martin I like thy name
In which Columbus fame
And memories of old are closed
For me a great delight
Thy Southern Cross the night
May God the Lord protect thy coast!

Z'

On the public restroom building in the marketplace in Marigot, St. Martin is the Waterfront Marketplace mural, depicting every day life on the island.  The mural is signed by the artist, Chance Damien, dated May 27, 2006.

Waterfront Marketplace mural

Dedicated to the St. Martin Market Women
Designed by Martin Lynn
Sponsored by Janet & Gerald Carrus
Reproduced by Teo Bonev


The Market
Many souls, thousands tens thousands have trodden
Through my open-air gallery.
Fish, fowl and beast are my treats.
Selling, purchasing, the exchange of coins is like music to my ears.
I am the Market in splendid beauty, color and sound.
I reign.
I am the Market...

Ruby Bute
26-10-01

Beautiful home straight ahead when coming through the French drawbridge

Heading to St. Kitts...au revoir!