St. Martin History & Cheese Tour: Forts, Wine, Small Group

Summary

Explore St. Martin’s Forts with Cheese and Wine Tastings

If you want to see both sides of St. Martin without rushing or crowds—and actually taste what makes each unique—this tour’s for you. You’ll walk historic forts with local guides who know every shortcut and secret spot for photos, sample real Dutch and French cheeses (plus homemade treats), and soak up views most folks miss.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the sandy path up to Fort Amsterdam was the salty breeze—just enough to keep you cool as you climb. Our guide, Josiane, pointed out the old stone walls where lizards darted in and out of cracks. From the top, Philipsburg spread out below us—colorful roofs, cruise ships in the bay, and that steady hum of island life you only get here. We lingered a bit longer than planned; it’s easy to lose track of time with that view.

Afterwards, we gathered under a shady tree for our first cheese tasting. The Dutch gouda had this nutty bite I didn’t expect, especially paired with a chilled glass of white wine. Someone passed around homemade banana bread—still warm—and I swear you could smell the cinnamon before it even reached your hands.

A short drive later, we found ourselves at Fort St. Louis on the French side. The concrete stairs are a bit steep but manageable if you take it slow (I stopped halfway just to catch my breath and snap a photo). Up top, Marigot looked almost painted against the sea. Here, French cheeses took center stage—creamy brie and something tangy I’d never tried before—with another round of wine and some iced lemongrass tea that tasted like summer in a cup.

Josiane shared stories about old battles between the Dutch and French—nothing too heavy, just enough to make those crumbling cannons feel real. By the end, we were swapping photos and tips for where to find the best pastries in town. It felt more like hanging out with friends than being on a tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Forts and Cheese Tasting

• Visit Fort Amsterdam with Philipsburg view
• Dutch Cheese & Wine Tasting
• Visit Fort St. Louis with Marigot view
• French Cheese & Wine Tasting

Top questions

How much walking is involved? Are the forts hard to reach?

There’s some uphill walking—Fort Amsterdam has a sandy path (not too steep), while Fort St. Louis has concrete stairs. Most people manage fine if they take their time.

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

Yes! The pace is relaxed and there are breaks for snacks and drinks. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

I have dietary restrictions—can I still join?

Please let us know your needs when booking; we’ll do our best to accommodate allergies or preferences during tastings.

What’s included

Your spot includes guided visits to both historical forts (Dutch & French sides), Dutch and French cheese tastings with wine, homemade banana bread, iced lemongrass tea, water cooler access, plus friendly local stories along the way.