The island of Saint Barthélemy is an overseas possession of France in the Caribbean. The total area of the island is only 25 sq. km, about 9 thousand people live here. Saint Barthélemy lies near the island of Saint Martin and 200 kilometers from Guadeloupe. The capital, the city of Gustavia, was founded by immigrants from Sweden in the 18th century. Most of the population is made up of Europeans, besides them there are mestizos, blacks and mulattos.
Saint Barthélemy on world map
This small island is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by small reefs and small islands. The shores of the island are rocky, but there are areas with nice beaches... There is no water on the island, there are no rivers and streams.
Saint Barthélemy lies in a tropical climate zone with hot and sunny weather almost all year round. The climate is arid, most of the island's territory is desert, overgrown with cactus lands. The island became famous only for its wonderful beaches.
The island is completely focused on tourism; oligarchs and celebrities from all over the world come here. All conditions for recreation and sports of the highest class have been created here. This is a very expensive resort.
The main advantage of the island is its white beaches, picturesque bays and excellent conditions for diving, golf, fishing and yachting. A wonderful beach holiday can be combined with horseback riding around the island and a comfortable stay in luxury hotels and villas.
Map of Saint Barthélemy in Russian
There are about 30 hotels on the island with excellent restaurants offering expensive gourmet Italian, French and Asian cuisine for every taste. A favorite vacation spot for millionaires and Hollywood stars, entertainment and cultural life on the island continues all year round.
From twenty-two beautiful beaches, you can choose any to your liking, in the coastal waters all conditions for diving, surfing, snorkeling and active sea recreation... Helicopter tours are available. You can visit the picturesque village of Colombier, visit the grotto of Montbar, where, according to legend, pirate treasures are hidden.
The Ingenu-Magras Museum houses a unique collection of shells, the Art Gallery will delight you with its exhibits. Many people visit the old estate of La Manor and climb the picturesque Morne-Vitier mountain. Bright and colorful events, carnivals and festivals, fireworks shows and concerts with famous singers and musicians are held here all year round.
General
Saint Barthélemy, or simply Saint Barth the island in The Caribbean, belongs to the Overseas Territories of France. The island of millionaires, even billionaires, held personalities. The low percentage of indigenous people to the new settlers, as well as a high standard of living, make living on this island comfortable. But on one condition - if you are willing to pay fabulous money to maintain your possessions, yachts and sometimes even personal aircraft.
How to get there.
First you need to fly to the island of Saint Martin. They fly there from Paris, Amtsterdam and from a bunch of American cities.
Make sure you have a French Overseas Territories Visa.
There are two popular modes of transport for ordinary mortals from Saint Martin to Saint Barth by sea and air travel.
Fast and cheap on the water on the Voyager 3 Dreamliner catamaran: http: //www.voy12.com/en/bateaux.php
Departures from Marigot on the Isle of Saint Martin at 09.15, arrives in the port of Guadeloupe (Saint Bart) at 10.30 This pleasure costs 72 Euros in both directions. Departures back at 17.45, arrival in 45 minutes. You can buy tickets online or simply book by phone and pay in two directions upon arrival at the port.
Photos from their website
By air, on WinAir DHC-6 Twin otter aircraft, it costs $ 215 in both directions.
Takeoff from St. Gustav Airport
Departure from Princess Julianne Airport (Saint Martin), arrival at Saint Gustav Airport. I don’t know the schedule, you can look at the website.
Arrival
From a distance, the island is just a mountain, though surrounded by beautiful palm trees, white sand, turquoise water and covered with red roofs of elite households.
Upon arrival on the island, it is necessary to book a car in advance. Otherwise, the rental office near the seaport may not have cars.
We got into such a story: right in front of the tourists took the last car. 
Embankment view
We caught a taxi, and having previously found out where another car rental office is located, we moved towards the local airport of St. Gustav.
Across the street from the terminal is Hertz, the choice is not great, but we found a BMW 1 Series for 90 euros with insurance. 
Our convertible
Spotting
The first step was to find the end of the airport and began to take pictures of the planes taking off. From the far end of the airport, overlooking the sea, there is a beautiful view of the airport. Attention: the territory of the airport is not fenced off and there is not even a zone beyond which you can enter. The only sign stating that planes take off here and everything is at your own peril and risk. 
Takeoff and landing of planes directly overhead, this is not Saint-Martin, but there is a thrill: 
Beach
The beaches on Saint Bart are very beautiful and clean. Take photos directly to your desktop: 
Dinner
Googling before the Departure about the Eden's Rock restaurant we went to it. The restaurant is gorgeous, I think the prices for the island are adequate, and the taste is just as they say "awesome". 
At the end, with a full summer party, a waiter with an elder approaches the people and asks if they liked everything.
The waiters are well-trained, tidy. Lunch for 4 for 200 Euro is justified!
Onward ride, a little spotting
The view from the top of the hill is magnificent
Cost of living
Luckily we didn't have to spend the night there, as the prices for accommodation are probably among the highest in the world.
For example, I will give prices from another site:
http://forbes.kz/travels/sen-bartelmi
Return trip
They returned back in the same way, by catamaran.
The pharmacy preliminarily bought pills for sea rolling.
I have never seen such a sunset in my life! 
Misha, you have not yet been to St. Barth, how is it, we go there twice every year, said my girlfriend from the States. There are incredibly delicious lobsters in garlic sauce, and night discos, well, exactly the best in the world.
But is it really an argument that we don't have crayfish in Saratov or something, but you can jump up to swotting with hoes in Khimki. Another thing has a weighty force, in 2007 Saint-Barthes left the French Guadeloupe and became an independent territory, which means that it is necessary to visit.
Today, we will walk through St. Barth, the richest Caribbean island.
In modern consumer society, posting a photo with a glass of champagne and celebrating the place of "Saint Barth" is cool. People come here on expensive yachts to buy pants from Louis Vieton and eat cookies and ate ducks. But the harbor of the capital is small, and there are many dudes with yachts, who want to save money park right in the sea, and then to the shore already on tender boats or zodiacs.
Tourist yellow submarine.
But this yacht is parked right in the port in the very center. The owner, or the tenant, is having a full rest, for all 100)
Saint Barth is small and mountainous, the paths are narrow, so it is very convenient to ride scooters or quadrics here.)
And walk barefoot.
Saint Barth, or Saint Barts, which is also acceptable, is actually called Saint Barthélemy. Columbus discovered this island and named it after his brother. After the island went to the French, who in turn sold it to the Swedes, though later acquired again through the British. But since Swedish times, in honor of the king, the capital has been called Gustavia.
But Saint Barthélemy sounds sluggish and dull, which means it is not used. Remember why, but because everything is cool on Saint Barth!
There is a very unusual airport here. Small planes take off from behind the mountain and immediately descend. Airplane selfie is Saint Barts' signature card.
A meter to the ground, and still fly before takeoff. The landing is dangerous for experienced pilots.
But the pilot coped the plane sat down and you can take a selfie with the flag
And so selfies were taken before, in the "pre-iPhone" era. After this photo, model Lisa Glaviana stated: "I took a photo on the island for Vogue magazine in 1974. It was a big mistake because everyone saw it and started taking pictures of themselves in the same place."
The airport runway ends right at Saint Jean beach. You can lie on the beach and spot. But on Mach, the mustache is equally steeper).
Get your free magazine at all Saint Bart's shops and restaurants. They explain that since you are here, then you are a VIP, and not a cent less, and therefore we will offer you 100 places where you can spend all your money with pleasure.
In Russia, Saint Barth is known for the fact that the ex-governor of Chukotka bought a villa here. Here is his estate on the Governor's Beach.
Give me a car rally from Anadyr to Saint Barth!
Although the entire coastal area is private and owned by Abramovich, the beach is public. It is impossible to fence the coastal territory here, the law is the law. We seem to have such a law too, but the "good guys" are made an exception to the rule.)
So everyone can walk in the neighborhood with one of the richest people in Russia. You can wear bathing suits
but it is possible without, as it is more convenient to whom, in France there are free morals)
This is what a person looks like who takes pictures of people in swimsuits on the beach)
The roads on Saint-Barth are winding, uphill, then downhill. At first we stopped at each hill to take pictures of the beauty, and then somehow we got tired of it (
There is also a small national park on the island, and in it is the Colombier beach. The beach is like a beach, but it is interesting because you cannot get there by car. You need to go on foot, stepping over the lizards.
The road is picturesque,
a beach is ordinary. On Saint Barth, topless women can easily approach a man and ask, for example, the weather on the Anjou Islands. And no problem.
There are not so many elite islands on the planet, and one of them is Saint Barthélemy. The mighty of this world have chosen a paradise for overseas residences, an exotic pastime, a luxurious vacation. Why? Elementary: the divine Caribbean island is truly the embodiment of Eden on Earth.
Saint Barthélemy on the map
The island of Saint Barthélemy on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-).
Often the name Saint Barthélemy is shortened to Saint Barth or Saint Barts. An extraordinary curl of the West Indies is located in the northern region of the Windward Islands, belongs to France. Guadeloupe is located 200 km to the south, less than 20 km to another Caribbean neighbor.
A rocky coastline with stripes of beaches washed by the Caribbean Sea. The maximum level above the water surface is 286 meters, the territory of the privileged section of the Caribbean is only 21 km², the administrative center is the settlement of Gustavia.
Speaking of any type of vacation on St. Barts, you can safely add the super prefix, since vacationers here are special. However, some celebrities cannot be called guests - they are the owners of private property. For a simple tourist, the path to Saint Barthélemy is a thorny one. First of all, because of the crazy prices for everything and everyone. Plus, it is not so easy to decide on accommodation, since the booking process is complicated, costly both in terms of money (well, there are no budget hotels, no), and in terms of time. So the "unfortunate" moneybags have to acquire overseas square meters of exotic things, so that at the first "I want" to materialize on the coveted island.
How do the chosen ones rest? It only depends on their desires. In theory, the whole mix is a la Caribbean: golf, horseback riding on thoroughbred trotters, weekends on multi-meter beautiful yachts, underwater fishing or diving with equipment that costs more than the price of a car, topless sunbathing, bliss in gentle waves. Of course, the service is top-class: if restaurants, then exquisite, if boutiques, then branded, if service, then well-trained.
Modern millionaires know a lot about rest, and therefore strive for virgin nature. In an ecologically clean region there are no industrial plants, the Caribbean Sea is the cleanest, the vegetation is rich, there are a lot of untouched corners.
No one on their own initiative has the right to build up, the potential owner receives permission only after long, sometimes dragging on for years, negotiations. But the result is worth it: the unique ecosystem is safe and sound. And the appearance of Saint-Barthélemy only benefits from prudent exactingness - the beaches are not fenced, even if they approach the very gates of the residences, none of the luxurious mansions rise above the palm trees, the island is literally buried in bright greenery.
Although there are no fresh water bodies, the vegetation is diverse, from original cacti and flowering shrubs to spreading giant palms, fruit groves, lush forests.
A voyage to Saint Barth is not to listen to an opera tenor or go to a museum - this land is just for relaxation. Therefore, there are no special sights on it, unless, of course, the owners of the mansions themselves and their guests are considered as such. Here are just a few:
- Rockefeller... A sort of pioneer who has rebuilt a mini-kingdom in the northwestern part of the coast. Actually, in honor of him, since then, the town has been called Rockefeller.
- Rothschild... He designed the residence somewhat later than his predecessor, and on the opposite coast.
- Fords... Yes, yes, the same ones. Of the billionaires.
- Rudolf Nureyev... The first defector from the USSR, who settled on the fabulous shore. At home, he was enrolled in the shameful "defectors", but this, as they say, is a different story. By the way, the great dancer is no longer alive, and the estate has changed owners, but it is still proudly called "La maison de Noureev".
- Sylvester Stalonne... Cool Rambo owns several plots of land.
- Roman Abramovich... That's right, why bother with the reservation every time, since you can have your own "scrap", which cost 90 million American rubles, where there was a place for swimming pools, tennis courts, dining and dancing areas. And the guests at the hospitable Roman were noticed eminent: Milner, Pozner, Yumashev with Dyachenko, Shvidler, etc.
Cape Eden Rock Show business stars, politicians, actors-actresses, titled athletes, bankers, businessmen, offspring of royalty ... And yet there are a few classic attractions: churches, a dilapidated fort, the village of Corossol, Cape Eden Rock, shell beach Shell beach, airport with a mega short runway.
When is the best time to go to Saint Barthélemy
The temperature fluctuates little throughout the year, averaging around 26˚. The sea is tenderly warm both in summer and in the Caribbean in winter. The most visited period is from December to April.
All the most, the most, the most - nature, service, rest, entertainment. Dream? Perhaps, however, for some it has already become a West Indian reality called Saint Barthélemy. Even with a grain of snobbery ...
- Tours for the New Year around the world
- Last Minute Tours around the world
From St. Petersburg to Saint Barthélemy, it is also cheaper and the fastest to fly with Vinair and Air France: a trip through the French capital lasts from 16 hours and costs from 1000 EUR one way.
Find Flights to Saint Barthélemy
Transport Saint Barthélemy
There is no public transport on Saint Barthélemy. You can only get around the island by taxi. Parking lots are located at Gustav III Airport and in Gustavia, you can call a car by phone. A trip from the airport to the capital costs 25 EUR, to Grand Cu de Sac - 40 EUR, at nights and on weekends the fares are increased by 50%. For lack of an alternative, tourists often ask taxi drivers to act as guides: the cost of a sightseeing trip around the surroundings with the driver's comments is 45 EUR for 45 minutes, 60 EUR for 90 minutes. If there are more than 4 passengers in the group, you will have to pay an additional 8 EUR for each.
With land transport on Saint-Barth it is tough, but with water, things are a little better. Speedboats leave for the neighboring island of Saint-Martin several times a day (transfer - from 64 EUR, schedule and tickets - on the official website of one of the carriers (in English)). If you wish, you can rent a yacht: the cost is from 1300 EUR per week, the pleasure of contemplating the picturesque landscapes from the deck of your own snow-white beauty is priceless, ask any of the local millionaires.
Rent a Car
Renting a car in Saint Barthélemy is not an optional luxury, but a vital necessity: endless taxi rides will ruin even the wealthiest tourist, and you can't go around the whole island on foot. Distributors' offices are concentrated at the airport, and you can book a car at the hotel as well: it will be brought right to the entrance without any problems. Both local (Maurice, Gumbs) and international (Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar) offices operate in Saint-Bart. The rental price depends on the season: in summer a compact car will cost 23-35 EUR, a convertible - from 60, an SUV - 35-65 EUR per day, in winter prices can almost double. There are only two gas stations on the island: near the airport and in the area of Lorian beach, both are closed on Sundays.
An alternative to a car is a scooter: the rental price is from 30 EUR per day, depending on the season.
Driving on Saint Barth is an interesting experience: the roads are narrow, winding, with sudden sharp turns. The maximum permissible speed is 50 km / h. Traffic in the vicinity of the airport and Gustavia can be heavy, but it doesn't get into serious traffic jams. Parking is free everywhere, you can leave your car in almost any convenient place, with the exception of the central capital harbor: it is allowed to stand there for no more than 2 hours in a row.
Connectivity and Wi-Fi
The quality of mobile communications on Saint Barthelemy is excellent, but the providers' services are quite expensive and the connection takes time. The largest operators are Orange, Dauphine Telecom and Digicel. The first step is to install a special chip with a local number, which will be available within 24 hours: the France Telecom office in Saint-Jean or cell phone shops at a gas station near the airport and in Gustavia will help you to understand the intricacies.
For international calls, you need a SIM card from one of the operators. For example, Dauphin Telecom has tariffs that can be connected without a contract: the cost is 25.90 EUR, calls within the overseas communities of France - 0.30 EUR per minute, to other countries - from 0.70 EUR.
There are coin and card payphones on Saint Barth. It is more convenient to call abroad from the second: cards of various denominations are sold in post offices, tobacco and newsstands, and at gas stations. Free Wi-Fi is available only in hotels and some restaurants in Saint-Jean and Gustavia. The operator Dauphine Telecom offers internet cards with prepaid traffic (200-4000 MB) at a cost of 5 EUR.
Saint Barthélemy Accommodation
Hotels on Saint Barthe are more than comfortable, with impeccable service and a wide range of additional services. Accommodation for the most discerning taste can be found in Gustavia and in all other parts of the island. Most of the hotels (there are about 30 of them here) are small and cozy, aimed at wealthy tourists. Villas and bungalows with private gardens and pools, set at the foot of picturesque hills or right on the beaches, are very popular. Almost all of them are rented for at least a week (in high season - for two).
Mains voltage - 220 V, sockets - French (type E), not requiring an adapter.
Rest on the luxurious Saint-Barthes requires serious investments: they have never heard of hostels and campgrounds here. The cheapest accommodation is offered by hotels without "stars" in Gustavia: from 310 EUR per day for a double room with a sea view. Rates in luxury "five" 360-650 EUR per night (breakfast included). An alternative to hotels is apartments (from 480 EUR per day) or private villas (from 610 EUR per day). In the high season, housing becomes more expensive (although, it would seem, how much too much): rooms in "starless" hotels - from 350 EUR, in 5 * - from 650 EUR per day.
Money
The country's monetary unit is Euro (EUR), in 1 euro 100 euro cents. Current rate: 1 EUR = 69.88 RUB.
Since 2002, the official currency of Saint Barthélemy has been the euro, but US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere. Banks are open from 8:30 to 15: 00-16: 00 from Monday to Friday, Saturday - until noon, Sunday - closed. Currency exchange offices are open all week from 9:00 to 18:00, some exchangers near banks are open around the clock. The least favorable rate is offered by hotels, so it is better to look for a bank branch nearby.
Credit cards Visa, Cirrus and MasterCard are in use almost everywhere, but there are still establishments where you can pay only in cash. There are many ATMs on the island, cash is issued only in euros. It is beneficial to use traveller's checks in dollars and euros on Saint-Barth: in some stores their owners are given a 20% discount. Tipping (10%) in most restaurants is included in the bill automatically, in other cases the staff relies on the generosity of the customers. In a taxi, you can take change without a twinge of conscience: the prices are such that there is enough for tea.
How to avoid problems
Saint Barthélemy is the safest place in the Caribbean with a consistently low crime rate. Of course, there are always those who are not averse to profiting from wealthy tourists: pickpockets from time to time hunt at the airport, at the Gustavia pier and nearby attractions, so it is worth staying vigilant and keeping your wallet, documents and valuables under supervision. Moreover, safes are not equipped in all hotels: you have to rely only on yourself. But almost no one locks the cars here: it is almost impossible to steal them from the island.
Poisonous Mancinella trees grow at the resort: touching their leaves or fruits, you can get a serious burn. For the peace of mind of tourists, locals mark them with red paint.
You do not need to be vaccinated before traveling to Saint Barth. Some health risks are posed by centipedes and mosquitoes that carry dengue fever. Most villas and hotels use the services of specialized companies that treat the area from insects, but it is better to play it safe and take repellents with you. You can't do without a protective cream at all: jokes are bad with the scorching tropical sun. Caution will not hurt in the water: at the depths there are fire corals of yellow-red color, leaving severe burns in contact with the skin. Jellyfish are rare guests off the coast of Saint-Barth, but if an unpleasant meeting does happen, it is enough to rub the affected area with fine sand.
The beaches of Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy is ideal for beach holiday: the waters of the Caribbean Sea delight with cleanliness, landscapes - with photogenicity, and the coast - with well-groomed. The shores are predominantly rocky, surrounded by small islets and coral reefs, but there are also sandy areas, to varying degrees, occupied by spoiled holidaymakers. All recreation areas are municipal, free, but the entertainment infrastructure is far from being established everywhere.
The most beautiful beach in the south is Salin with white sand and turquoise sea. The way here is already a pleasure: you have to get there along a picturesque path winding among the rocks. There are practically no amenities, umbrellas and sun loungers - too: nothing interferes with the unity with the magnificent nature. After soaking up the sun, you can “catch” a wave (they are sometimes quite impressive here) or dine in one of the nearby restaurants.
The coast of Shell Beach is covered not with sand, but with small seashells.
The most popular beaches are concentrated in Gustavia and Saint-Jean, with hotels, restaurants, facilities and sports equipment rentals. For families with kids, the capital's Shell Beach is good with a gentle, which means absolutely safe entry into the water. During the day you can hide from the burning sun under a canopy or palm tree, in the evening you can admire the incredible sunset. By the way, Shell Beach is the most democratic and chaste beach on the island: nudists who feel at home on St. Barth are the least likely to come here.
Swimming is prohibited in the Gran Fond Bay: underwater boulders and corals can seriously injure. Novice windsurfers flock to the Grand Cue de Sac: it's easy to learn to stand on a board in a coral-sheltered bay. It is better for professionals to go to Flaman: local waves are conquered only by masters. For lovers of solitude, we recommend Gouverner Beach: here you can not only sunbathe in silence, but also look for legendary pirate treasures.
Diving
The main entertainment on Saint Barthélemy is associated with the sea: diving in the Caribbean waters (as well as fishing, catching a wave, cutting on catamarans, and just swimming) is a sheer pleasure. The beach of Marigot is perfect for diving - a cozy bay with amazingly beautiful underwater landscapes. Novice divers prefer the Grand Cu de Sac: it is shallow, there are almost no waves, but there is also a minus - the water is not as clear as in other parts of the island. Flocks of tropical fish are found near Gouverneur beach, turtles, rays and moonfish can be found on Petit-Cu-de-Sac, and even crawfish and sharks at night. Pelicans have also chosen this quiet lagoon: they fish, teach their little ones to fly and are not in the least afraid of curious tourists.
There are several diving clubs in the capital and on the Grand Cue de Sac, offering diving with an instructor for 70-80 EUR.
The main audience for Colombier Beach is scuba divers scaring stingrays and sea turtles. And the most breathtaking views open up in the waters of the marine reserve, marked with white buoys: exotic fish, reef sharks, lobsters and other inhabitants put on a whole show surrounded by colorful corals.
Shopping
The guests of Saint Barth are experienced shopaholics: the sellers know this and create all the conditions for a comfortable throwing of money. In Gustavia and Saint-Jean, there are luxury boutiques of famous designers: it is quite possible to dress up for dinner in a luxury restaurant. The center of universal attraction is the capital's embankment of the Republic with jewelry stores and fashionable salons of the level of Louis Vuitton and Cartier. The creations of Chanel, Hermes, Gucci and Prada are best bought in the multi-brand Laurent Effel, which is in no way inferior to the Milan and Parisian stores. There are also duty-free points on Saint Barthélemy with a decent assortment of cigars, perfumes, clothes and elite alcohol. By the way, about alcohol: it's better to taste and buy it in Absolutely Wine, opened by a famous sommelier.
Prices in Saint-Jean are slightly lower than in Gustavia.
The most popular souvenirs from Saint Barth are wickerwork (especially straw hats, beach bags and fans), paintings of idyllic landscapes and jewelry made from seashells. They are sold in colorful shops scattered throughout the island, as well as in the market in Gustavia. The shops are open on weekdays - 9: 00-18: 00 (from 12:00 to 14: 00-15: 00 everything is closed for lunch), on Saturdays - 9: 00-13: 00, Sunday is a day off. Duty-free points are open longer: until 19: 00-20: 00.
Cuisine and restaurants of Saint Barthélemy
The cuisine of Saint Barthélemy resembles French, only with Creole and African notes and island flavor. Fish and seafood are actively used here, but meat is not forgotten either. The main delicacies from it are the wild goat "gut-colombo" fried in hot spices, ragout from the rabbit with vegetables, and for the most daring - the blood sausage "boudin". Poultry is also held in high esteem: tender turkey or chicken with rice and exotic roast pigeons are a must.
Seafood is a different story: they are cooked at the resort just amazingly. Gourmets should pamper themselves with stuffed otarne crab, boiled shatru octopus, crab meat in matutu de coabes white wine, Creole fish stew, lobster brioches and spicy clam broth. The most outlandish treats - sea urchins, red snapper and turtle soup. The best tropical dessert is, of course, fruits: salads and fresh papaya, guava, passionfruit, pineapple and tangerine.
Alcohol is not produced on Saint-Barth, but this is more than compensated for by a variety of elite wines from around the world.
The choice of fashionable restaurants is huge, with talented chefs working tirelessly to serve local, French, Mexican, Indian and Chinese cuisines. The most popular establishments are concentrated on the seaside, but delicious food can be found in any part of the island. A light breakfast costs from 10 EUR, lunch - from 20 EUR, dinner with alcohol - from 50 EUR per person. In some eateries - for example, on the capital's Shell Beach - the average bill reaches 200 EUR for two. Most restaurants are open until 22: 00-23: 00, then the respectable audience moves to trendy nightclubs.
Entertainment and attractions
The main historical sights of Saint Barthélemy are located in Gustavia. The most impressive are the Swedish defensive complexes: guardhouses, ammunition depots and other structures have been preserved in the ancient forts of Gustav and Karl. Architecturally of interest are the Governor's House and the presbytery dating back to the 18-19th centuries. The center of local religious life is the Anglican Episcopal Church: a neat structure with a wooden bell tower surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
A walk to the snow-white lighthouse with a red top that looks like a life buoy will be a special pleasure.
There are also museums on Saint Barthélemy: in the capital - Municipal with an original collection of paintings and historical documents and "Eden" with works of contemporary artists. In the village of Corossol, the Ingénu-Magras gallery has been opened with shells, corals, stars and other exhibits raised from the depths of the sea. Outside Gustavia, the village of Lorian is worth visiting, where French settlers first settled: the neat streets and the old Catholic church seem to return to the distant past. Authentic settlements have been partially preserved in Corossola. And on the Morne du Vite mountain is equipped observation deck with the most impressive panorama on the island.
Holidays and events of Saint Barthélemy
The atmosphere of a holiday reigns in Saint-Barth all year round, but, of course, there are also events celebrated on a special scale. First on their list is Catholic Christmas and New Year: wealthy people from all over the world come to Caribbean Saint-Tropez to go out in grand style. May 27 celebrate the Day of the abolition of slavery, July 14 - Bastille Day.
But the most sophisticated public occupies Saint Barthélemy during the festivals for which the island is famous. The main musical event is the January jazz and classical music festival lasting two weeks. World-class stars do not perform in concert halls that are sore, and not even in open areas: the ancient churches of Gustavia and Lorian become the stage for them.
In August, a three-day celebration of Caribbean music is held: famous and emerging performers from Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique and other parts of the region fill the air of Saint Barth with the sounds of reggae, salsa and folk Creole motives. And April is marked by cinema: the most famous directors show their films and give master classes as part of the 1996 Caribbean Film Festival.
