You just have to go to Marigot market if you want to soak up the local atmosphere and all those spicy aromas. On the seafront, not far from Fort Louis, Creole huts open onto the street and set the scene for this colorful market. Stalls covered in locally grown fruits and vegetables, spices, and arrays of fish invite you to discover the best of the island’s produce.
What to See and Do at Marigot Market
In this temple of local produce and traditional specialties, you’ll find all the ingredients that have built the island’s culinary reputation. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, fish, lobster, shrimp, river shrimp, and conch snails from the day’s catch can be found on the market stalls.
On Saint Martin, all the fresh local produce is here at Marigot market. Traditional dishes cooked on the spot are available to go at lunchtime. You’ll also find fruit and vegetables such as cassava, scallions, chayotes, passion fruits, guavas, papayas, cashew nuts, Malay apples, Spanish limes, guavaberries, mangoes, plantains, and coconuts. You’ll also find spices galore, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, curry, allspice, nutmeg, Cayenne pepper, and vanilla. These are sold loose, in sachets. You can purchase just the amount you want. You’ll then be able to try the best recipes from Saint Martin at home.
You’ll also find souvenirs, t-shirts, bags, dresses, and shirts of every color, as well as baseball caps and sunglasses stamped with emblems of the island and the Caribbean. These all make good gifts for you to take home or treat yourself to.
Next to the market, opposite the traditional “lolo” restaurants of Saint Martin, stands a magnificent stone statue. It pays tribute to women, including those who run the market stalls. This work of art was donated to the municipality and erected by Martin Lynn, an American.
Honoring Local Craftsmanship
Marigot market attracts many craftspeople from the local area and across the world. They can be found in a small arena next to the Creole huts. This is where artists and creators exhibit their works and propose great souvenirs at modest prices. You can also chat with them and try to haggle a bit. This is common practice here and will not offend anybody. This colorful market is in perpetual movement, bringing Marigot to life every day of the week, except Sunday.
This is also the place for visitors to discover a wide variety of infused rums. These flavored rums are subtle blends made with fruit and spices. Near the lolos, after a morning at the market, you can enjoy coconut water straight from a freshly cut coconut served with a straw. Unless you prefer a sugarcane juice, freshly squeezed before your eyes. Delicious!
FAQ
What’s available at Marigot market?
Marigot market proposes fruit and vegetables, fish straight from the catch, local arts and crafts, souvenirs of the island, bags, clothing and baseball caps, as well as a wide variety of spices and infused rums.
Where is Marigot market?
Marigot market is on Boulevard de France, on the seafront. It’s a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal. You can see Fort Louis from the market.
When is market day?
Marigot market is held every day except Sunday, from 8am to 1pm. Don’t miss the fish auction on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The best fish and crustaceans sold on the market stalls disappear very quickly. Arrive early if you intend to buy some.
