Fort Louis 2024 | Marigot
“Located in the heart of Marigot, Fort Saint Louis was built in 1789 by Saint Martin’s and St. Barth’s governor Jeans Sebastien Durat.”
The fort was built for the king of France with the original purpose of this fort to defend against pirates.
Back in the day the port was home to produce like rum, salt, tobacco, coffee, and sugarcane, all things they made locally. They then stored them in warehouses all along the wharf to ship them to other parts of the world later.
So, naturally, these were hot-commodity items that these pirates were more than happy to try and plunder.
There are still some historic markers that explain the historical significance including maps of the bay and the area that needed protection. There are even canons there, but these are merely replicas to allow for the whole experience of what it may have been like when pirates were afoot.
Nowadays, the fort is abandoned but is well maintained for guests to enjoy the fort and a beautiful 360 view from the top. From the top, you can see Marigot, Simpson Bay, Nettle Bay, and on a clear day, Anguilla or even Saba.
How to get to Fort Louis:
The fort is reachable on foot via a colorful staircase up from the bottom parking in front of the Ferry dock, from here it takes approximately 20 min to get up. Or you can park halfway up the hill and take the stairs for the last 10 min up. In total a visit to the fort in which you enjoy the historical sight, soak up the view, and snap some gorgeous vacation shots would take you approx 45 min to 1 hour. Or buy a French croissant or sandwich in Marigot and bring it along for a small picnic up at the fort to enjoy these mesmerizing views a little bit longer.
Note: Please do not vandalize and make sure to leave no mess behind to keep it as much fun and beautiful for all the next visitors.
Enjoy your time at Fort Louis!