Super U Howell Center — French Supermarket Experience in Marigot
Where French quality meets Caribbean convenience.
Why Go
Cross to the French side and the shopping experience changes completely. Super U at Howell Center in Galisbay near Marigot brings the full French supermarket format to St. Martin — proper boulangerie bread, a cheese counter worth lingering at, an extensive wine selection, and the kind of product quality that French retail is known for.
The Experience
Super U is a large French supermarket chain, and this Howell Center location delivers the complete experience. Fresh boulangerie items baked on premises, an impressive cheese section with genuine French varieties, a wine and spirits aisle that reads like a tour of French vineyards, and quality fresh produce define the shopping experience. The store also carries household products, personal care items, and everyday essentials, but the food sections are where it shines compared to Dutch-side alternatives. Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM (Sunday until 12:45 PM), it keeps useful hours. The Galisbay location near Marigot makes it accessible for a dedicated French-side grocery run. Many Dutch-side residents make the drive specifically for the cheese, wine, and baked goods that are harder to find on the other side of the island.
What to Try
The cheese counter is the star — ask for recommendations on local favorites and French classics. The wine section offers French, Italian, and Caribbean options at prices that beat restaurant markups significantly. Fresh baguettes and croissants from the boulangerie are worth an early-morning visit.
Insider Tip
Many experienced island visitors do a split grocery strategy: staples from Carrefour or Cost.U.Less on the Dutch side, and cheese, wine, bread, and specialty items from Super U on the French side. The drive from Simpson Bay takes about 20 minutes. Sunday hours end at 12:45 PM.
The Practical Stuff
Located at Howell Center, Galisbay, near Marigot (French side). Open Mon-Sat 8 AM-8 PM, Sun 8 AM-12:45 PM. Large French supermarket. Excellent wine and cheese selection. Parking available.
Pair It With
- Le Parc Pirate SXM — Kids' activity nearby for families combining shopping and fun
- Le wax bar — Beauty services in the same commercial area