Introduction

St Barts is a tiny Island with an uneven relief and beautiful small beaches. The island has only 9 km in its largest width. St Barts is East of St Martin, and only at 10 minutes flying time.

History

The first European settlers came from Normandy and Brittany. However in 1784, the Island was leased by France to Sweden in exchange for trading access to the Baltic. St Barts was a prosperous Swedish colony and Sweden’s only Caribbean possession for a century, until the islanders voted by 351 votes to one for the restoration of French rule. The Swedes left their mark in the place names – the capital is Gustavia – but the ambience and culture, from the baguettes to the bars, the language and the law, are French through and through. The island remains an overseas territory of France.

Culture

Descendants of sailors from Normandy and Brittany with clear skin and blue eyes, St Barts kept until today its French tradition and its free port (duty free) that makes her well know name throughout the world. It attracts millionaires on luxury yachts, movie stars and French expatriates fleeing the European winter as well as jet set from New York, Miami and the rest of the world.

Map

To See

St Barts in English (St Barth in French) has wonderful isolated beaches, nice littles villages with a splendid view of the Caribbean Sea. In St Barts, you can practice many water sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving, or snorkelling, sailing or fishing. Boats or horses are the perfect means to discover its coasts or the inside territory. At sunset, French restaurants, and breweries facing the ocean are the best places for a relax evening.

Usefull Information

Airports: St Barts Airport, however the landing runway is short, only allowing small planes to land.

Area: 25 km2.

Business: Banks are open from Monday to Friday 8am to noon and 2pm to 330pm. They are closed on Saturday.

Capital: The county town of St Barts is Gustavia.

Climate: Tropical with 2 seasons, mild from November to April and hot from May to October. However all year has a beautiful climate and little rain.

Clothing: Relaxed clothes in cotton or other light material is perfect for the day; swimsuits are worn on the beach, pool, or boat, not in the city.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Customs: Saint Barthelemy being a department of France, duty free exemption is the same as France.

Economy: The Island lives from sugar cane and bananas plantations, fishing and tourism.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50/60 cycles.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the St Barts and Guadeloupe tourist offices websites (link below) or ask us.

Health: Gustavia has a hospital and some about 10 doctors living on the island, dentists and some specialists.

Holidays: News Year’s day (01 JAN), Good Friday, and Easter Monday (MAR-APR),  Labour day (MAY), Commemoration of the armistice of the Second World War (MAY), Ascension (MAY) Whit Monday (MAY-JUN), National Day (JUL), All Saints’ Day (NOV), Commemoration of the armistice of the First World War (NOV), Christmas (25DEC).

Language: French is the official language, but English is also spoken.

Political status: St-Barthélémy depends of the Guadeloupe departement and the district of St Martin.

Population: About 6'852 inhabitants.

Religion: Catholic.

Security: These islands are stable and friendly but like anywhere else please exercise normal precautions; for instance, don't leave valuables unattended in rental cars or on the beach. Shopping: St Barts is a free port. Shoppers will be delightful with all the choices from small boutiques of local produces to the elegant stores.

Taxes & Service charges: Taxes and services charges (10%) are included in hotels’ bills. It is common lo leave about 10% tips in the restaurants.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code is 590, followed by 6 digits.

Time: Time Zone: GMT – 4 hrs. St Barts Island Time does not operate Daylight-Saving.

Transportation: Rental car is almost essential in St Barts. The road network has about 40 km de narrow, sloping and winding and walking is not recommended.

MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.saintbarth-tourisme.com