Saint-Barthélemy sounds like a magical word that opens the doors to a paradisiacal place between the sun and turquoise waters… A year and a half after the devastating Hurricane Irma, the island has regained its old splendour. Nature has miraculously healed its wounds, hotels and shops have been rebuilt. Saint-Barthélemy is once again embracing its role as a little jewel of the Antilles.
With an area of 21 km2 (24 km2 including the nearby islands), the island of Saint-Barthélemy is part of the Lesser Antilles. Since 2007, the municipality of Saint-Barthélemy has been its own French overseas territory with few natural resources. Only recently has the expanded tourist offer allowed the island’s main activity to further develop. French is the official language, but despite the island’s small size, there are various dialects spoken. The grave of Johnny Hallyday, a must-see for all fans of the French singer, is just one of the attractions of Saint-Barthélemy with its enchanting places and white sandy beaches.
Relaxing on the Beach
Saint-Barthélemy symbolises the simple and uncomplicated life in the Antilles. Every moment of the day is an invitation to relax and discover the typical local art of living that has shaped the island’s identity. The island boasts fifteen beaches, each enchanting with its unique charm. These beaches are a must-see:
Anse des Cayes. This untouched beach, popular among surfers, features rugged rocks with bizarre shapes extending into the sea where perfect waves break.
Colombier. This beach must be earned! If you choose not to take a boat there, you must tackle a twenty-minute walk to enjoy the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before you upon arrival at the beach. The entire northeast coast of the island lies at your feet.
Saline. Salt used to be mined here. At the end of the road, a parking lot has been created from where you can walk to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Saint-Jean. The tourist hub of Saint-Barthélemy offers two beautiful beaches, shops, and restaurants.
Marigot. The beach surrounded by coconut palms is a nature reserve. The crystal-clear water and underwater fauna invite you to snorkel.
Discovering the Island and Its Dynamics
The capital Gustavia, a charming small town with wooden houses with red-painted roofs clinging to the hills, has developed around its port and offers a lovely array of luxury boutiques. Hurricane Irma couldn’t shake the enthusiasm of the islanders for the many events and festivals organised on the island. In summer, one celebration follows another. Music festival in June, National Day on July 14, North District Festival on July 27 and 28, Wind District Festival in early August, Gustavia Festival on August 13, Saint Barthélemy Festival on August 24, and Saint Louis Festival on August 25 at the authentic Corossol Beach. Entertainment is abundant. Saint-Barthélemy also offers a variety of sports. Diving, surfing, snorkelling are available, and sailing enthusiasts can admire beautiful sailboats at the sailing regattas in December, March, and April.
Food lovers are not left out either. The island hosts its own gastronomy festival at the beginning of November, the “Saint Barth Gourmet Festival,” where renowned figures from the upscale French gastronomy participate. The island also hosts the Caribbean Film Festival, a tennis tournament, and a classical music festival, to name just a few examples from the packed events calendar. For more information about this diverse island, visit the website.
