We had everthing we needed for our stay. A lovely little kitchen let us stay in and cook after grocery shopping nearby, but also many nearby restaurants available. I was quite entertained by the antics of the little Bananaquits that came to feed, and the Antillian Hummingbirds were a special treat. The pool is clean and lovely for a swim and there are nice loungers to sit in the sun. A 2 minute walk to the community dock and we tandom kayaked across the bay to Pinel Island and had drinks there. Just a 15 minute walk to Orient beach and a 10 minute drive to Anse Marcel beach, which is lovely for swimming. I do recommend having a car for your stay and there is reserved parking. The owner is lovely and very helpful and accommodating.

Just as good as the photographs if not better. Compact yet spacious and well equipped. Françoise was a charming and generous hostess close at hand and helpful whilst allowing her guests their privacy. We did not have a car as it was a short stay and swimming, walking and kayaking to the island kept us entertained. Thoroughly recommend this rental.

This is a great find for visitors that want to explore various beaches and other parts of the island. The studio is well equiped and very clean. The pool and kayak are an added bonus. François and Yves are very welcoming and great hosts. We left the island with new friends and can't wait to get back!

What a beautiful place with wonderful hosts, Françoise and Yves. The day with them on the katamaran was the highlight of our trip. There is an outdoor kitchen where we had coffee every morning and cooked a few dinners. Their pool is inviting and we used it most afternoons after spending the day at the beach. There is a grocery store and a little town (Grand Case) close by with many restaurants and shops and a beautiful beach only 5 minutes away, Anse Marcel. You can even kayak across to Pinel Island, which we did twice. Our stay was magical, relaxed and memorable.

This was our second visit with Francoise and her family in their studio rental and we enjoyed our stay just as much this time as we did 8 months ago. We had flight issues from the US and ended up not arriving until 2 days later than initially planned but Francoise was kind enough to extend our stay two days on the back end allowing us to fully enjoy the 10 days on the island that we had originally planned for. The property is as lovely as it looks in the photos - the inside is spotless, well-appointed, and a wonderful relaxing spot to come back to after a day on the beach. The location is perfect for us - we spend most of our time on the French side of the island and the studio is less than 10 minutes from Orient and Grand Case, and maybe two minutes from the Pinel Island ferry parking lot. Amenities are plenty - grocery store, wine/cheese shops, clothing, etc. all within 5-10 minutes. Marigot is perhaps 15-20 minutes, depending on the time of day but it's an easy drive to get there. Francoise and her family are excellent hosts - available but in no way intrusive. They are warm and welcoming, and we were also happy to see Jazz (the dog) again as well. If you're looking for a quiet relaxing spot to spend downtime while you're on the island, this property fits the bill all the way around!

We had a wonderful time at Françoise's place. Her studio was very nice and had everything we needed. The kayak is a wonderful addition! If we ever come back to St Martin, we will definitely stay there again.

This was our first trip to the island and we weren't disappointed. Great host, beautiful views and just a short walk to the water. The kayak was a plus and definitely worth using. Just a short drive, or paddle to the most beautiful beaches.

Nous avons passé un séjour des plus agréables au studio. Tout était parfait! L’accueil fut très chaleureux et si nous retournons à Saint-Martin, c’est assurément ici que nous reviendrons. Françoise et Yves, nous vous disons, une fois de plus, un immense merci pour tout!

Bel appartement

Considering this was our first venture in the VRBO world, we hit the jackpot! Francoise was wonderful from the very start of our reservation process. Excellent communication, prompt, friendly. We had a flight change and ended up having to add an additional night onto our stay and she did not hesitate to confirm and take care of the details for us. A couple of weeks prior to our arrival, Francoise notified us that she and her husband would be in France but her daughter/family would be staying in the house while we were in the studio and Fanny would be the one to get us settled in. We exchanged cell numbers/emails, and I texted Fanny the day before our arrival. She answered back immediately, and sent a picture of how sunny and pleasant the day was on the island. When our flight landed, I gave her an ETA of when we'd likely arrive at the studio and she was right there waiting for us. She showed us around the place - and in case anyone is wondering, the photos on the listing portray exactly what is in the studio. It's literally as beautiful and welcoming as it appears in the listing. We met Fanny's husband and little boy, as well as their lovable furball Jazz. (We're dog people so having Jazz there was an added plus for us!) We received an unexpected call from home and had to shorten our trip by two days to return home for a family medical emergency. Fanny was right there with us, supporting us and ensuring we were okay. She and her husband even brought us ti punches to help settle our nerves so we could sleep. Thankfully the medical emergency was mostly resolved shortly after we returned home. I texted Fanny of our arrival back in the states and gave her an update of what was going on. She has continued to be engaged and friendly and so supportive. We have told her that we have never felt so welcomed and comfortable in any place we've ever stayed before. In fact, we just booked our May trip to the island back with Francoise, Fanny, and the studio. Cannot wait to see them all again! Thank you!

Déjà les photos du site faisaient envie,mais en vrai c’est encore mieux! Accueil parfait Attentions multiples Studio refait à neuf Vue sublime sur la mer et bruit de fond très sympa Bref on va quitté nos hôtes et ce lieu à Grand regret D’autant plus qu’il va falloir subir une période bine difficile au retour en France (sacré covid !!) Un grand merci à Francoise et Yves 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

Francoise provided just what was needed for our short vacation. The studio was the perfect place to center our time on the island. Inside was comfortable and provided all the amenities needed. The outdoor kitchen was perfect for morning coffee and evening cocktails. The use of the pool was an added benefit. We rented a car and loved being able to explore all the nooks and crannies the island had to offer. Highly recommend a stay here and a visit to this beautiful island.

Everything from booking to check in/out was a breeze and Francoise was very accommodating and welcoming. Our flight was also 3 hours late getting in and her directions were spot on to get there at night for first timers on the island. The studio is perfect and so comfortable, we did not have such good weather but that did not stop us from relaxing and enjoying the place. Francoise and Yves are great hosts, we would definitely come back!!

We enjoyed Françoise’s studio very much! The outdoor kitchen is great to work in and indoor space was very comfortable. AC works great and the water filtration system was appreciated. Jazz the dog was super sweet and quiet, a great addition to the property! My husband and I felt very welcome and we would definitely stay here again.

A great self contained studio apartment in the north of the island. It has all the amenities you'd expect, and well located in the northern part of the island... perfect for exploring Grand Case, Friars Bay, and of course the Île Pinel. Françoise is an amazing host, already read to help. With use of the private pool, and shops and supermarkets just 5 minutes away, it's an ideally basecamp for exploring St Martin.

L'appartement a très bien respecté nos attentes et les photos sont tout à fait conforme à la réalité. Accueil très sympathique et très agréable.

We really enjoyed our stay here! The studio is super nice, with everything you need, for an enjoyable stay! The studio was sparkling clean, upon our arrival, and very smartly decorated, with a minimalist decor. The bed was very comfortable, and the air conditioning was adequate and kept the room pleasant. The outdoor kitchen is perfect, and though we did not prepare any meals, per say, due to our stay length, it would be pleasant to do so. We took the kayak, to Pinel Island, and really enjoyed it! What a nice added bonus! The location is excellent, and a short drive from many beaches, and a few nice grocery stores close. You will definitely need a car, if staying at this location, but we enjoyed having the freedom to enjoy the whole island. The hosts were very hospitable, without invading our privacy. We are already planning our return trip to St. Martin, and will definitely try to stay here again!

We spent a wonderful week in Françoise and Yves’ studio apartment. It was exactly as described and somehow roomier than we had expected. The outdoor kitchen was great for preparing our coffee and croissants, and from the patio we enjoyed a gorgeous view of water, beaches, and islands. We also swam several times in the pool, which was just around the corner from the studio and in front of the main part of the house. The inside of the studio was very comfortable and well appointed. The bathroom was especially nice! Internet was reliable and fast enough for streaming video. The ceiling fan and the breeze from outdoors kept us cool at night, so we never even used the air conditioning unit. On previous visits to the island we stayed in Grand Case and didn’t really need a car. Here you will definitely want a car! However, it’s not hard to hike over to Orient Bay, so you don’t have to drive everywhere. We also enjoyed paddling the kayak to Pinel Island, and highly recommend that you arrange to do the same! The studio and house have been completely fixed up since Irma and the restoration is fabulous. Completing recovery in the neighborhood and across the island will take much more time. We welcomed the many signs of repair work being done, but some structures may never get rebuilt. Nevertheless, this should not keep you from visiting and having a magical, relaxing vacation.The beaches are lovely, the restaurants are amazing, and every day we were glad to be there. Françoise and Yves were excellent hosts in every way, and we can’t wait to go back!

We spent a wonderful week in Françoise and Yves’ studio apartment. It was exactly as described and somehow roomier than we had expected. The outdoor kitchen was great for preparing our coffee and croissants, and from the patio we enjoyed a gorgeous view of water, beaches, and islands. We also swam several times in the pool, which was just around the corner from the studio and in front of the main part of the house. The inside of the studio was very comfortable and well appointed. The bathroom was especially nice! Internet was reliable and fast enough for streaming video. The ceiling fan and the breeze from outdoors kept us cool at night, so we never even used the air conditioning unit. On previous visits to the island we stayed in Grand Case and didn’t really need a car. Here you will definitely want a car! However, it’s not hard to hike over to Orient Bay, so you don’t have to drive everywhere. We also enjoyed paddling the kayak to Pinel Island, and highly recommend that you arrange to do the same! The studio and house have been completely fixed up since Irma and the restoration is fabulous. Completing recovery in the neighborhood and across the island will take much more time. We welcomed the many signs of repair work being done, but some structures may never get rebuilt. Nevertheless, this should not keep you from visiting and having a magical, relaxing vacation. The beaches are lovely, the restaurants are amazing, and every day we were glad to be there. Françoise and Yves were excellent hosts in every way, and we can’t wait to go back!

Les proprios ont très bien rénovés la maison suite au passage de l'ouragan de 2017. L'ile Pinel située tout près de la résidence est une option de plage très intéressant et accessible en kayak. Malheureusement il reste beaucoup de travail à faire sur le reste de l'ile.

Séjour extraordinaire, l' appartement est idéal et reflète complètement la présentation sur le site, rien ne manque ! l' accueil est formidable, Françoise et Yves sont des personnes charmantes et l'on se sent bien dans ce lieux idyllique. La plage est à coté, nous sommes proches de tout, vraiment de très belle vacances.. Dès que nous reviendrons sur St Martin c'est là que nous reviendrons, MERCI à vous deux, très cordialement Gilles et Sandra.

We were dreaming of a Caribbean experience to get away from old man winter. That's when we discovered this property in Cul-De-Sac side. We were blown away with the guest house that Francoise made available. It was very modern, clean, close to many restaurants. Store was near by. She also setup your own parking space. Theres an outside kitchen with the view of the ocean. There's also a pool that you will have access to. Wifi was great and she also provided us with a kayak to use to get to Pinel island. I highly recommend this property if you want to impress someone. Thanks again Francoise and family. You were an excellent host.

Nous avons passer deux semaines de rêve dans ce studio situé dans la magnifique baie de cul de sac. Quel plaisir de prendre le petit déjeuner au calme sur la terrasse du studio avec une superbe vue. Grâce au kayak nous avons pu visiter et profiter des iles aux alentours de la baie. Encore merci à Françoise et Yves pour leur accueil et leurs précieux conseils.

Nous revenons d’une semaine dans le studio de Françoise et Yves et nous avons adoré! Le studio est parfaitement fidèle à sa description et à ses photos. Il est localisé au calme et bénéficie d’un emplacement idéal entre les magnifiques plages d’Orient bay et de l’Anse Marcel. L’appartement est ultra propre et ses équipements sont très qualitatifs : super literie, grande salle de bain, cuisine extérieure aménagée, terrasse avec barbecue à gaz etc. Le must restant le Kayak mis à disposition pour aller jusqu’à l’Ilet Pinel, véritable petit paradis ! Bref, si vous êtes un couple et que vous cherchez un endroit calme, de qualité, bien situé et avec des hôtes aux petits soins tout en étant très discrets, foncez ! Le seul point négatif (parce qu’il en faut bien un) est l’absence de stylo dans le logement afin de laisser un petit mot de remerciement personnalisé à Françoise et Yves pour leur chaleureux accueil et leurs précieux conseils pour la découverte de cette magnifique île :-) Nous y reviendrons c’est certain !

Nous revenons pour la 2éme fois (avis 30/09/2012) et le lieu est toujours aussi enchanteur. Le studio est vraiment parfait. Prendre le "p'tit déj" sur la terrasse au son des oiseaux, entourés de fleurs et avec vue sur mer est un vrai bonheur. A noter que l'acceuil des propriétaires, Françoise et Yves, donne un grand plus au séjour. Toujours disponibles pour les conseils et les bonnes adresses, ils vous font profiter de la piscine et de leur kayak. Une escapade à l'Ilet Pinel (qu'on aperçoit sur une photo) à environ 1/2 heure de pagaie est incontournable. Un endroit magique à recommander, voir, revoir et consommer sans modération ! Dominique et Jean

Le studio totalement conforme à la description est vaste et aussi confortable qu'accueillant. A l'arrière de la maison et près de la piscine, il bénéficie d'une réelle indépendance et de l'intimité d'un beau jardin fleuri. A deux pas de la mer, notre moyen de locomotion préféré a été le kayak pour rejoindre l'îlet Pinel et les plages alentours. Françoise et Yves, nos hôtes, nous ont offert un accueil chaleureux, empreint de gentillesse et de discrétion, contribuant ainsi à la réussite de notre séjour. Une adresse à recommander sans aucune hésitation!

Studio confortable et propre, grande chambre, grande salle de bain, cuisinette extérieure sur la terrasse. Très calme et à deux pas de l'eau. Nous avons adoré l'endroit. Les proprios, Françoise et Yves, sont super accueillants et sympas. Nous recommandons chaudement! Absolument !

Je garde un excellent souvenir de mon séjour chez Françoise et Yves. Leur gentillesse, générosité, serviabilité et discrétion m'ont beaucoup touchée. Françoise, au grand coeur, fut très attentionnée au bien être de ma santé. Sans compter la qualité de la location : spacieuse, très agréable avec sa terrasse, confort, calme et très propre. C'est une excellente adresse que je vous recommande sans hésitation. Merci encore !!!

Joli studio bien équipé avec une kitchenette extérieure fort agréable.. Nous avons été très bien accueillis. Le premier petit déjeuner nous a été offert ce qui a été appréciable. Nous avons pu également profité du kayak neuf pour se balader jusqu'à l'îlet Pinel ainsi que de la piscine. Nous remercions les propriétaires et nous recommandons chaudement ce petit coin de paradis!

As I sit in my office waiting for our first major snow storm of the season, I find myself daydreaming about our return visit last month to French Cul De Sac in St. Martin. Once again, Francoise and Yves were perfect hosts and again we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful quiet of their studio apartment. Just the chirping of the sugarbirds and perhaps the mewing of Moise the cat to disturb the melodic pounding of the surf below. Try going cold turkey on the Internet and email as I did. You'll be amazed how quickly you settle into the rhythm of island life! We of course swam and strolled at Orient Beach daily, taking in the many sights. We also took advantage of our host's kayak which we took to Pinel Island on two occassions. The far side of the island has a beautiful beach with great snorkeling but beware of the current there that can quickly take you if you get too caught up in the beauty below the waves. On another day we drove to the end of Rue de Grande Caye (where we parked our car) and hiked up and around the end of St. Martin, enjoying magnificent ocean views and Anguilla in the distance. We walked to the very isolated Petite Caye where we frolicked in some huge waves before hiking on up the hill to Anse Marcel, site of the Radisson resort and marina. There, a nice Candadian couple allowed us to share their cab so that we could get back to our parked car. A beautiful and enjoyable day as were all of them. You will need a car if you stay here. I highly recommend Automax. We've used them twice and both times have been completely hassle free. Louis and his assistant Sebastion meet you at the airport where they will give you your car and send you on your way. They meet you on your return, you hand them the keys, and that's it. At least that's how it's been for us. So, enjoy your stay with Francoise and Yves in Cul De Sac but there is a downside: at the end of your stay you have to leave - and then you're left to daydream about your Carribean vacation as the cold wind blows and the snow falls outside your window. Bon voyage!!

We stayed for a week at this studio and enjoyed a wonderful tropical respite. Our vacation in St. Martin was the perfect way to start the new year and recharge after the holidays. Getting away from Minnesota in January made us appreciate all the more being surrounded by warm sunshine, birds, the sound of crashing waves, and flowering shrubs...all just outside our door! This unit is very private, very quiet, very clean, and very comfortable. It is not connected to any resort and is most suited to those who wish to get around the island and try the various beaches and villages on St. Martin. A rental car is a must if you really want to explore. That being said, our fondest memories were of staying "close to home" at French Cul de Sac. A nearby restaurant, Villa Pizza, was casual, delicious, and they offered much more than pizza. My favorite dish was the Chicken Curry, and we went there 3 times. It is within walking distance if you don't mind hills and bring a flashlight, as streetlights are not prevelant. Nearby Pinel Island had the best beach that we encountered. We went one particularly windy day via ferry (which was $7 per person and very easy to catch); but really enjoyed using Franciose and Yves' kayak to get to Pinel another day. It was a simple and beautiful trip, we pulled the kayak up on the beach and spent the day in the sun being waited on by staff from one of the two beach restaurant/bars. Heaven! The best part of our stay was our ability to enjoy the outdoors on our private patio. Coffee outside in the morning was the best I've ever had. Just reading a book in the sun and enjoying the privacy and the quiet was such a treat. We appreciated Francoise's attention to detail and our comfort. She and Yves were available and helpful, and respected our privacy at the same time. They are great hosts. We will be back for certain. Advisory: Be familiar with the Manchineel Tree. It is a toxic plant that is common around beach areas and can cause skin burns and rashes...or worse. We came into contact with this menace somewhere along the way. It didn't ruin the trip, but next time I will avoid it like the plague. Worse than poison ivy! Getting there: if you aren't familiar with St. Martin pay close attention to Francoise's directions on how to get to the studio. Street signs aren't as visible and you must pay attention to landmarks to find your way the first time.