Morne Valois, Hill summit in Saint-Martin, France
Morne Valois is a hill in Saint-Martin that rises prominently above the surrounding landscape. From the summit, you can see across the Caribbean Sea and view both sides of the island on clear days.
During colonial times, the hill served as a strategic lookout where settlers and local inhabitants could monitor maritime activity below. This important role shaped how people viewed and used the landscape for centuries.
The name Morne comes from French and refers to elevated land in Caribbean terminology. As you hike up, you notice how locals use this term naturally when talking about the landscape.
The hike follows marked trails and takes about two hours to reach the top. Starting early in the morning gives you better conditions and keeps you ahead of crowds.
On clear days, you can see the border between the French and Dutch sides of the island from the summit, as if an invisible line divides the two territories. This distinctive feature gives you a rare perspective on how the island is split between two nations.
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