A PICTURESQUE DRIVE FOR FRENCH PASTRY

For our final port stop we returned to the island of St. Maarten. We visited here on our previous cruise, and we quickly decided it was our favorite Caribbean island. Instead of a planned shore excursion we decided to travel to both sides of the island for the two gastronomic delights we had been craving since we departed the island.

Some of the most beautiful blue water in the Caribbean welcomed us as we sailed into port...

After disembarking the ship we made our way to the water taxis that shuttle visitors from the cruise terminal across the Great Bay to the town of Philipsburg. The cost for an all-day wristband pass is only $7.00!

After arriving in Philipsburg we immediately hired a taxi to take us to the French side of island. We were unsure about spending the $20/one way rate but it soon proved to be worth the expense. The road to the French side travels up hilly parts of the island allowing for spectacular scenic views of the island, from a panoramic view of our Carnival Liberty ship docked in port...

to the Divi Little Bay Resort...

to spectacular views of Simpson Bay Lagoon...

When we arrived in Marigot we browsed among the colorful merchandise of its outdoor market...

but the hot Caribbean sun was beating down on us, so we sought refuge at Sarafina's, the well-known French bakery and patisserie in Marigot.

Sarafina's offers sandwiches on traditional French baguettes and scrumptious, flaky croissants, but we were here for the sweets. But what to choose? Between the pastries, parfaits, berry tarts, macarons and cheesecake, it was nearly impossible to choose. To satisfy my husband's love of cheesecake and my sweet tooth, we chose a slice of French cheesecake and a French parfait topped with juicy strawberries and meringue.

We found comfortable, cushioned seats in the shade and sat down and indulged in the best French confections in the Caribbean.

Sarafina's is located on the waterfront of Marigot just steps away from gorgeous Marigot Bay. Just follow your nose...the decadent aromas will lead you there.

In my next post I'll show you our journey to the best Belgian chocolate in the Caribbean.

Thank you for visiting,

A Great Europe Trip Planner 

All photos were taken by my husband and me during our visit to St. Maarten.