Saint Barthélémy or more commonly known as St. Barts... its name is anchored in our memories and imagination as THE dream and luxury destination of the Caribbean. But St. Barts has not always been the island where the most beautiful yachts come to moor in the Bay of Gustavia. When Christopher Columbus discovered it in 1493 and named it after his brother's first name, it was only a small piece of land of 25km2, located 200 km northwest of Guadeloupe, rather rocky where sugar cane could not be cultivated. Returned to France in 1878 after having been for a century a Swede, it was Rockefeller who, thanks to his stays, put St. Barts under the spotlights as the new pied-à-terre for wealthy North American families who came looking for a bit of exoticism and elegance of French-style vacations. Today, autonomous since 2007, Saint Barth is combined with the luxury boutiques of Gustavia, its dozen small villages and its magnificent white sand beaches all around the island.
Gustavia
Gustavia is the pretty capital of the island. Built around its port and its magnificent bay, it is definitely the anchorage of St. Barts. You will be conquered by this city which has kept its small houses in colored wood and red roofs and the best way to discover it is to walk through the small streets. And you will have many attractions to visit. Just to visit the museum of Gustavia which retraces the past of the island with its many objects and traditional costumes is a must. Also visit the Dinzey house which escaped the flames in 1852 and which remains one of the best-preserved buildings. Your visit will most certainly continue to one of the most beautiful squares of Gustavia, the place of the retrocession, with its 10-ton English anchor found between St. Barts and St. Thomas in 1981. You will most probably end your visit by wanting to take a little height, who better than Fort Karl to fill your eyes? Indeed, it dominates the city on the heights and overlooks the famous Shell Beach and you can admire not far from there the Gustavia lighthouse which dominates the roadstead.
Tour of the beaches
St. Barts is certainly a small island; it is not stingy for all that and will offer you several superb beaches that you will have to discover. Starting with the cove of Grand Cul-de-Sac. For lovers of the sea and its biodiversity, it is an ideal spot for snorkeling or kayaking and discover this beautiful lagoon. The Colombier beach in the North-West of the island is also the place to meet sea turtles. Another sensation but this time by the air, where you can experience on the beach of Saint-Jean the incredible arrival of small tourist planes on the small 640 meters runway facing the sea, a real attraction because it is considered one of the most dangerous runways in the world. On the South side, considered as the prettiest beach of the island, the Governor's beach will delight those who prefer relaxing family moments, this beach being ideal for its calm waters. White sand and turquoise water will welcome young and old. For the sportier among you wanting to have some thrills, privilege the beach of Lorient in the North-East of St. Barts, this beach is very well known for its surfing competitions. Finally, in a more authentic spirit, Corrosol, its small fisherman's port and its sandy beach will allow you to stroll and feel the true spirit of St Barth.
Our must-haves :
- The city and the bay of Gustavia - The village of Corossol - Jazz Festival in January - Caribbean Film Festival in April - Carnival in February
