For many years, Grand Case was a sleepy little village, with a road barely wide enough for one car. It really was nothing more than cotton plantations, fishing and salt ponds. Weather-beaten wooden homes straddled the road in Grand Case. As the village became known for its culinary excellence, these homes were gradually transformed into restaurants, many world-class; Although, the atmosphere is always casual and charming - even the best homes, some of which were completely renovated inside, still retain their yesteryear exterior look.

Grand Case is a microcosm of the world's cuisines, with restaurants featuring American, Caribbean, Italian, Oriental, seafood and of course, French. There are even Lolos, which are barbeque shacks where you get grilled lobsters, chicken, spare ribs and all kinds of Caribbean food and local cuisine at a moderate price range.

There is more to Grand Case than just eating though, despite the increase in popularity the village has had because of the gourmet restaurants, it has maintained its village feel and you will find the people warm, friendly and quick to help. If you make the effort to speak with some of the residents don’t be surprised if after a few days, while walking down to dinner, you hear your name called out and you find yourself dragged off for a quick aperitif of a Ti’ Punch or a quick chat to find out how your vacation is going.

In Grand Case you will find a supermarket, a couple of superettes, a pharmacy, bakeries, Bounty - an excellent delicatessen located right next to the pharmacy and several doctors.

As with everywhere on the Island, the residents of Grand Case are a varied bunch, ranging from the true St Martiners, several people from Santa Domingo, Anguillans, people from St. Barths, the French, Americans, Guanyans and even a couple of Australians and British. Just walking the length of the Grand Case strip, you are likely to hear French, English and Spanish spoken as well as the sounds of Reggae, Gospel, Merengue and Zouk. Most people working and living in St.Martin speak English so you should not have any problems communicating with anyone during your stay at our Island.

Children’s Christmas Street Parade

Every year just before Christmas, the children of Grand Case organize a street parade with floats, music and dancing. This event is truly extraordinary for residents and visitors alike. Even though we don’t have snow and all the usual trimmings related to Christmas, Grand Case really knows how to make Christmas special, especially for families.

Harmony Nights Street Festival

From January through to the end of April, Grand Case hosts the famous Harmony Nights every Tuesday, when pedestrians take over the street and a whole host of local arts and crafts stalls and several bands are set up all along it. The highlight is the big brass that walks up and down the road, with their steel drums and even a ‘conch shell’ player. Wear comfortable shoes as you will find yourself dancing in the street.

Schoelcher’s Grand Case Fete

Every 21st of July and a couple of days leading up to and after this date, is the Grand Case festival to commemorate the end of slavery on the French side. Usually there is a church service in the morning followed by breakfast at the community centre and afterwards the road is closed off to traffic for music and children’s activities that go on well into the night.

Grand Case Boat Races

Almost every Sunday afternoon during the summer months, weather and hangovers permitting, there is a local boat race organized on the beach in Grand Case, often with boats sailing over from Anguilla to participate. Visiting this is a wonderful experience, half the fun is watching the ‘shouting competition’, eating ribs in the sand and cheering for your favorite boat, all of which have wonderful names such as ‘Trouble’ and ‘Perfect Timing’. Don’t forget to bring your camera as pictures of the boats sailing, with their large sails and the back drop of the Caribbean Sea, are spectacular.

Live Music

Every Sunday Calmos Café has a live Reggae band playing on the beach. During high season they have a live band usually on Thursdays, playing salsa often ending late. The Blue Martini also has live music most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, depending on the season. La Noche also provides music during the week.