It was known as Sandy Beach until 1907, when a Russian vessel called the SS Orient ran aground on the shore. The beach is extremely safe and provides excellent waves for surfing. The Orient pier provides the perfect spot for evening strolls and clearing the mind.

Orient Beach (Plage de la Baie Orientale) on the French side of St. Martin takes its name from the "L'Orient," a famous 18th-century French sailing vessel. Historical records suggest the ship was active in the region during the era of merchant trade and colonial expansion. However, a more "local" legend suggests the name refers to the beach's geographic orientation; as it faces the eastern Atlantic, it is the first place on the island to see the "Orient" (the rising sun). In 2026, the beach is world-famous as the "Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean," known for its vibrant beach clubs, water sports, and its status as a "clothing-optional" destination at its southern end. The name has become a high-value brand in 2026, representing a blend of European chic and Caribbean natural beauty. Interestingly, the bay's reefs provide a natural barrier that keeps the water relatively calm despite the eastern exposure, a geographical quirk that made it an ideal "orientated" anchorage for the very ships it was likely named after centuries ago.