Approximately 8 miles wide, St. Martin (Sint Maarten) is almost equally divided between French and Dutch administrations. Each has its own “capital” city, Marigot and Philipsburg, respectively. The international airport is located close to the border on the Dutch side of the island. Overall, St. Martin is an attractive, hilly place, rising to the 3,090-foot summit of Pic Paradis. And despite the rugged topography, it is ringed by bays of dazzling white sand. The French half of the island is more gracious, Dutch Sint Maarten having numerous casinos and a large cruise ship terminal. In contrast, French Marigot offers charming bistros and colorful boutiques and is similar to a small yachting port on the Riviera.

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