St. Martin - The beginning of our love affair with the French Caribbean

Wine, cheese, croissants, baguettes, white sand beaches, and crystal clear water... Did we die and go to heaven?!

St. Martin is situated at the top of the Leeward Islands, 80 miles south of the British Virgin Islands. France controls several terretories in the Caribbean, including St. Martin (an island also shared with the Dutch), Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, among others. These islands are a totally unique beautiful mix of European, meets Caribbean, where French is spoken, the wine is excellent (not to mention, import tax free), and traditional French cuisine escargot is served at beachside cafes.

For me and Ben, it was love at first bite as we ate and drank our way through St. Martin, our first taste of the French Caribbean.

^ HAPPY SAILOR :) ^

^ Bakeries Galore! ^

After stuffing our faces with croissants, pastries and delicious cafe at the life-changing bakeries in town, Ben and I made our way to the jaw-dropping beaches for a swim.

Gorgeous and calm anchorages dot the coast of St. Martin, but our absolute favorite was the slow, sleepy town of Grand Case, where beach bars dotted the shoreline and young, French hipster musicians jammed in the bars late into the night.

After our first experience in the French West Indies, we were hooked! European meets Caribbean was just up our alley, and we couldn't wait to experience more down island! Next, we packed up and headed next door, to the yacht haven of St. Barts!

Thanks for reading,

Ben, Quinn and Ruca

#StMartin