Added: 07/09/2005 |
Touch Some France Caribbean on St. BartsIt wouldn't be too hard to confuse St. Barts island with the south of France: the people of St. Barts island are chic yet friendly, the scenery is divine, and St. Barts island restaurants rival the top-notch cuisine of just about anywhere in the world. Yet something sets St. Barts island apart from France itself, besides geography. It's that subtle essence of the Caribbean, a certain je ne sais quoi pervading all aspects of life here.
The St. Barts of today remains in many ways how it would have looked centuries ago. Most of its few thousand current residents are descendent from the original Norman and Breton settlers who came to St. Barts in the 1600s.
There are nearly twenty plages - St. Barts beaches - dotting the island's coasts, and all are open to the public. The best thing about St. Barts beaches is that each has its own character. Most visitors get a little taste of several St. Barts beaches on one trip, finding one or two that suit their style and sunbathing personality.
For a party atmosphere, St. Barts beaches don't get livelier than Baie de St. Jean, a hip strip of sand in the style of the French Riviera. Beachside snacking, snorkeling, and people-watching are all great here. Anse a Colombier and Marigot are St. Barts beaches for those who prefer a little more peace and quiet. Many visitors say that the sand on St. Barts beaches is the best at Flamands, while steady waves at Lorient make it tops with surfers and families. Going topless at St. Barts beaches is allowed and don't be surprised to see many people taking advantage of this liberal attitude at most all of St. Barts beaches.
Though St. Barts is known more for its cuisine than outdoor activities, a wide array of St. Barts rentals will tempt any gourmet away from the restaurants for a fast-paced day in the sun. St. Barts rentals available include boat charters, watersports equipment, and rentals of the wheeled variety, all of which provide the opportunity to explore what natural wonders St. Barts has to offer.
One of the most popular St. Barts rentals around is the windsurfing board, a sport that has caught on and grown in St. Barts in recent years. St. Barts rentals of this water-bound nature also include jet skis and waverunners. Scuba diving is another exciting activity bound to keep people busy on St. Barts. For a trip on the water minus the wet suit, St. Barts rentals of small yachts or cruisers can be planned for a day through sailing centers. Fishing and trips to neighboring island are other favorite itineraries. Scooters and mountain bikes are ideal for those looking to set their own pace for a tour St. Barts.
Whether you sightsee the island on your own or organize a guided tour, there are several fun spots worthy visiting. Gustavia is in a fairly central location on the island, making it a relatively easy trip from most locations in St. Barth. For a taste of authentic provincial France, visit the tiny fishing village of Corossol, where you'll find a charming museum devoted to shells and sand, and women hand-weaving straw into hats, bags, and baskets.
Buoyed by a more sophisticated clientele, boutiques in St. Barts sell just about everything the discriminating visitor might want. Though it is less developed than other Caribbean islands, St. Barts is still a duty-free port, so expect to find good deals on typical luxury goods like jewelry, liquor, and designer clothes. St. Barts' best shopping is in Gustavia, but St. Jean is also known for having a good selection of shops.
St. Barts is very much an unspoiled paradise; come and see that it is true!
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