Getting around — Marigot Grand-Case

The French side can be crossed by car in 20-30 minutes east to west (Marigot to Cul-de-Sac). Car hire is essential — public transport is virtually non-existent, and distances + slopes make walking impractical between sites.

The rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Jumbo Car, Speedy Rentals) are at SXM airport (Dutch side) — count €40-65/day for a compact, book 2-3 months ahead in high season. On arrival at SXM, free crossing to the French side by the main road (15-30 min depending on destination). Roads to French standards (right side). Some roundabouts in urban areas, otherwise a simple network to understand.

Travel times from SXM: Baie Nettlé 20 min, Marigot 25 min, Grand-Case 30 min, Friar's Bay 30 min, Baie Rouge 25 min, Happy Bay 30 min (+ 15 min walking), Pic Paradis 35 min, Orient Bay 30 min, Anse Marcel 40 min. Between sites on the French side: Marigot-Grand-Case 15 min, Grand-Case-Friar's Bay 15 min, Grand-Case-Anse Marcel 20 min.

Marigot traffic is dense in the morning (market, administrations) and late afternoon (office exits). Parking difficult on the waterfront — prefer free car parks behind Marina Royale or at the western entrance to the city. In Grand-Case, parking along the main street (free but saturated in the evening — arrive early for restaurants, or drop passengers and find parking 200-300 m away).

The taxis are available in Marigot (Place de la République, in front of restaurants) and Grand-Case (on request at restaurants). Count €20-30 for a local trip, €40-60 from/to SXM. The local company Saint-Martin Taxi is reachable at +590 590 87 56 54.