SAINT BARTH, "L'ART D'ÊTRE UNE ÎLE"

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WELCOME TO ST BARTHS

Peacefully inhabited by the Arawak Indians followed by the cannibalistic and warring Cara�bes, the Island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named in honor of his brother " Bartholomeo ". St. Barthelemy (St. Barths) became a French Colony in the 17th century but French attempts at colonization were made so difficult that in 1785 Louis XVI traded the Island to the King of Sweden in exchange for warehouses in Gothenburg.

At first, the economy flourished (St. Barths became a duty free port), but it was soon followed by a serious decline and the Swedes gave the Island back to the French in 1877. It became part of the Department of Guadeloupe in 1946.

The majority of the population of St. Barths trace their roots to the first French settlers.

This tiny island covers 10 sq miles and enjoys a superb yet dry climate.
Although lack of rain limits the luxuriance of floral vegetation the island still remains a feast for the eyes with tropical birds and a breathtaking underwater world of flora and fauna (turtles, dolphins, whales�).

The ambiance of the island is very natural and pure despite being a Jet set destination.

TO SEE DURING THE TRIP

Leaving from Marigot to St Barths, you have a bonus tour around St. Martin (depends of weather)!

You will pass the beaches of the Low Lands (Baie Rouge, Plum Bay, Long Bay) and then continue along the southern coast of the Island, passing Cupecoy, Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, and Great Bay (Philipsburg). From St. Barths (always more comfortable) you will see St. Martin�s northern coast, Orient Bay, the Island of Tintamarre, Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Friar's Bay and Marigot !

Leaving from Oyster Pond to St Barths, you will pass Ile Fourche and the Groupers before arriving in the picturesque harbor of Gustavia, capital of St Barths.

Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see whales and flying fish during the trip !

IN ST BARTHS

Formalities : We suggest that you have your identity documents ready for inspection by the Immigration Officials upon arrival to speed up disembarkation.

If you have rented a car or purchased the tour and lunch package, please refer to the paragraphs below.

Useful Information: The tourist office is located on the dock and taxis are close by.

TO SEE & DO

Gustavia
The Wall House, built during the Swedish period and recently restored, houses the Municipal Museum. Stop in to learn about the Franco-Swedish history of St Barths . Also worth seeing in Gustavia is the Old Swedish Bell Tower and the Anglican and Catholic Churches. History lovers will enjoy Fort Gustave and the orientation table pointing out the neighboring islands.

Shopping
St Barths is a must for designer fashions, unique paintings and art objects. The most elegant shops are mingled in the center of Gustavia and in St Jean.

"jet set"
From the time the Rockefellers built a home here, St Barths has attracted the biggest international stars and millionaires. You might come across one at The Select , a famous bar in Gustavia.

Peut-�tre aurez-vous la chance de croiser l�un d�eux dans les rues de Gustavia !

Beaches

St. Barths has 22 beaches, each more beautiful than the next.

Shell Beach has the advantage of being just behind Gustavia (10 min walking).
St Jean, is a long white sand beach close to the tiny airport, shops and restaurants
Baie des flamands, is shaded by a grove of Latanier Palms used for weaving
Gouverneur, a superb beach with turquoise water is near Lurin.
Saline, a long wild beach with fine sand is a popular spot for naturists.
Corossol, Authentic village, known for its hand woven palm frond crafts and its extensive shell museum.

Restaurants

St Barths is considered as one of the most gastronomic destinations in the Antilles, gourmets and gourmands will find a large choice of restaurant to satisfy their palette.

Voyager Recommends : Go to � Ti Zouk K�F� � restaurant located in Gustavia. You will be impressed by the nice place and the tasty meals...

ISLAND TOUR DESCRIPTION

1. La Tourmente : A bird�s eye view of the tiny airport which occupies one of the few flat areas of the island. The planes skim the hill to touch down on a runway that measures only 2100 ft. and ends at the water�s edge.
Overlook St Jean�s Beach where a battery of cannons once provided protection from pirate ships. In its place is the beautiful Eden Rock Hotel, the island's oldest.

2. Panorama sur les Salines, once part of an active salt producing industry on St Barths. The old salt marshes are home to rare species of birds that delight the patient bird watcher.

3. La vall�e de Grand Fond. Small village of 200 inhabitants facing the Atlantic Ocean and the prevailing trade winds. On the left is the Island's highest summit, the Morne Vittet (940 ft).

4. Stop near �Noureyev�s House� : Observe the low stone walls which served to divide the properties on the windwardside.

5. Photo stop near the house of �Pompi� View of Turtle Island, Petit and Grand Cul de Sac and their lagoons.

6. View of the Antlatic Ocean, an exposed coral reef and a peaceful lagoon.

7. Marigot Bay, where the currents of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.

8. Panoramic view from the cliffs of Pointe Milou to those of Pointe Monjean.

9. Lorient : a small town built on a long and beautiful white sand beach. Just outside of town is the Catholic Church and school.

10. St Jean, Enjoy the view of St Jean's Beach

11. You will return in Gustavia and stop in front of your restaurant � Ti Zouk K�F� � for lunch, with time enough for swimming at Shell beach (ask at the restaurant where the beach is located) or for last shopping in very nice duty-free boutiques... .