Marigot: Coast, Market and Coffee Culture

The town of Marigot lies about 30 kilometres from Jacmel and stretches along the Caribbean Sea. Marigot is home to a farmers’ market. The character of the community ranges from coastal landscapes to higher elevations and rural areas. If you are planning a stay, you can therefore explore not only the coastal town but also the community’s nature, coffee and cultural traditions.

Coast and Highlands of the Community

The beaches in the Marigot community are not heavily developed and attract travellers seeking peace and a natural setting. Morne Jet d’Eau lies in the community’s highlands. In the communal section of Séguin lies La Visite National Park in the Massif de la Selle. A 2012 report described the park as one of the Caribbean’s most biodiverse areas. Part of the community also lies within the buffer zone of the La Selle Biosphere Reserve.

These landscapes complement the town’s coastal character with highland scenery and protected nature. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Marigot, you can use your interests as a guide: would you like to focus on the town’s coast, or also explore the community’s natural and mountain landscapes?

Coffee in Fonds Jean-Noël

The Fonds Jean-Noël Coffee Route runs through the rural community of Fonds Jean-Noël in the Marigot community. A 2015 report described the Coffee Route as a themed trail from Cayes-Jacmel to Fonds Jean-Noël; the concept was still in development at the time. During a visit described on 26 May 2017, a local guide explained the steps in coffee production, from growing the seedlings to ground coffee. A coffee experience in Fonds Jean-Noël, also described on that date, included roasting and grinding the beans, brewing the coffee using a traditional filter and tasting it.

The story of coffee thus offers a distinct perspective on the rural community, from the plant and its processing to the finished drink. This is a different way to explore the area than its coast and mountain landscapes, and it may help shape your plans.

Culture and Cuisine

The local culture of the Marigot community includes folk festivals, religious ceremonies and artistic expression. This includes drumming, singing and traditional dances, as well as handicrafts made from straw and carved wood. These forms bring together community traditions, music, movement and craftsmanship.

The community’s cuisine is also varied, including grilled fish, Riz collé, garden vegetables, fried plantains and local spices. Together with music, dance and handicrafts, it offers a cultural picture that goes beyond individual attractions.

Getting There and Choosing Your Stay

The roads to Marigot can be difficult to drive on; along the way, you can enjoy coastal landscapes featuring cliffs, plantations and sea views. When choosing a holiday rental, you could therefore consider whether you want to focus mainly on the seaside town or also on the community’s nature and culture. The coast, coffee and mountain landscapes offer different perspectives on Marigot, without requiring you to focus on just one theme.

For an overview of the wider trip: Haiti.