Things to see and do Saint Barthélemy

This is one of the most beautiful creeks in St. Barths. At the western tip of the island, there is a protected beach because it is difficult to access: a short half-hour walk on a footpath in Petite Anse or Colombier or by boat as for most of its lovers. Its turquoise and limpid waters are ideal for snorkeling. The quietness of the place favours a total letting go. Swimming in Colombier is living a unique moment in an immaculate beauty. The nature is very well preserved and you will undoubtedly meet "English head cactus".

A mine of resources, like a mirror on the past that shows the attachment of men to their traditions. It relates the life of the occupants in their environment since the 17th century. The Domaine Félicité is two centuries of history that can be discovered during a visit that combines a visit to the traditional huts and a walk in a magnificent botanical garden. A titanic task that this passionate brother and sister, Alain and Arlette Magras, have taken to heart with the sole aim of sharing and preserving the memory of Saint Barth. Over 4,000^{square meters}, the walk will be full of family anecdotes. An emotional sequence full of confidences and nostalgic moments awaits you. The initiators' stories are precise and vibrant with memories. Family heirlooms, reference objects, photos, urban plans, paintings, which have given rise to years of research and genealogical and botanical expertise.

The history of the Domaine :

Arlette and Alain's grandfather, Joseph Alexis Magras, acquired the large 28 ha estate in 1918. These arid and rocky lands were devoted to cultivation (corn, fruit trees) and to breeding (more than 100 goats that the grandfather knew all!). At that time, life was hard and education was severe. The day was punctuated with tasks that the seven children of Joseph and his wife Anastasie did without reluctance! Here, "the screen was nature", television did not exist and the playground was the outdoors. No doubt this influenced Alain for the garden part. Going back in time, we learn that the first house on the estate was built by Mr. Johan Norderling (Swedish governor) in 1820. The name of the property would come from this time. The foundations dating back two centuries are still visible! The Domaine de Félicité will have seen four Swedish governors, two mayors and a family of merchants pass through.

The garden:

"The end of the world and the bottom of the garden contain the same amount of wonders" said the writer Christian Bobin. The visit is meant to be inspiring and relaxing. An unsuspected bucolic escape between the intersection of Corossol and La Tourmente. The charm is there from the first steps on the small path that winds among the 300 species of plants, shrubs, trees and flowers. The most popular are the pink pear tree, the quenettier, the gum tree, the bougainvillea and the papaya. The most spectacular, and one that inspires respect, is undoubtedly the cordia, red mapou, planted 200 years ago by Governor Johan Norderling. The smells penetrate us, the touch of the leaves reveals their texture and the ballet of the butterflies on the country orchids exalts us. With a natural gesture, Arlette and Alain remove the weeds and show us their affection for the moments of play in the huts between the rocks. From these same rocks cascades of water connect all the elements of nature.

The visit of the huts:

We go from hut to hut after having crisscrossed the garden. In addition to the interest of the construction of these traditional houses (one of which was moved and reassembled on the spot), the thematic rooms address all the subjects related to the past of the island and the family. A soul emerges from each space! The visit begins with the reception area and the "Boutique Bazar vide poche" named after the first store opened on the island by the great-grandmother, then the Case de Bas with the Norderling Room recounting the Swedish period from 1784 to 1878, the Deveau Room with the origins and genealogies of the families of the island, the House of^Miss Henriette with all the memories related to the school and the teacher, great-aunt of the family. The Mary's Kitchen plunges us into a period kitchen with the main element: the fireplace for cooking with coal. The Room is linked to the navy and allows us to discover the making of a dugout canoe or the first "Strada" canoe of the family, the history of sailors and schooners. The Crafts Room features a fine collection of old tools such as the plane used to make wooden gutters. The Zulma Room (the father's ancestor) is devoted to the period from 1860 to 1944 with a retrospective of trade in Saint-Barth. Finally, the Family Room presents the intimacy and life of the family: children's cradle, games, sewing and crochet work, library, daily objects.

Traditions to discover :

Straw braiding is a tradition that continues to be very modest on the island (a few women still practice on the side of Corossol). However, this know-how made the fame of the island and gave work to women during the last century. In the Hall of Crafts, you will discover the ten types of braiding (braid with holes, braid with buttons, braid with mesh, braid with teeth...). It is a very meticulous technique, because it is necessary to open the leaves of latanier, to make them dry in the sun in a homogeneous way to avoid the spots, and to dissociate the leaves for the braiding. The craft was different depending on whether one was on the leeward or windward side of the island.

Another tradition was for the ladies to wear the traditional headdress, the calèche. Also called quichenotte, it is a large white headdress. Two types are on display: the platinum caleche, made of braids sewn together, and the stick caleche made of thin wooden sticks inserted into the fabric.

Just 5 minutes from the heart of Gustavia, Shell Beach will pleasantly surprise you. There's no white sand here, but thousands of shell fragments - hence the name - that give the beach its pinkish hue. The beach offers a unique panorama of the neighboring islands of Saint-Eustache and Saba. It is well protected from the wind. On site, you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. The atmosphere is both chic and relaxed. Children often come here after school for a swim. A beautiful spot for sunsets.

One of the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean! Both a marina and a commercial port. Until a few decades ago, Gustavia was just a small village in the middle of nowhere. The island's rapid rise to prominence as a tourist destination in the early 1980s led to the rapid development of its infrastructure. Today, it's a pleasure to stroll along the quays and fantasize about the boats that occupy the harbor during the season. At Christmas time, the quays are transformed into traditional festivities, with the magnificent yachts as a backdrop.

Behind Gustavia's red-and-white lighthouse, built in 1961, stood Fort Gustav. All that remains are a few stones of the enclosure, the cisterns, the powder magazine and the bakery. Several cannons and cannonballs found on the island date from this period. Built by the first settlers, it was used extensively during the Swedish period. It lost its importance when the island was handed back to France in 1878. It's a perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the sunset.

After a few steps, you reach the site of the former fortifications. Unfortunately, nothing remains of this former fort, named "Karl" after Duke Karl, the brother of King Gustaf III. Only a few stones, the remains of a former powder magazine, and some paved areas have survived. According to archaeologists, this was never a site of impressive weaponry... But the view is well worth the detour! A beautiful panorama of Shell Beach and the neighbouring islands (Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis) awaits you.

Hélène Bernier is passionate about her work. She loves to convey the beauty of her island, as well as its fragility. A native of the island and current vice-president of the COM, she knows all the facets of Saint-Barth better than anyone. She preserves nature, protects culture and shares her knowledge with us during her guided tours and hikes. The tour + meal packages are ideal and can be adapted to suit your needs. For a bit of exercise, opt for guided hikes to Colombier, or to the natural pools.

A superb beach of fine white sand. It's also the largest on the island, and a favorite for its sometimes choppy waters, which make for a more sporty swim. A real natural whirlpool! Many activities take place on the beach at the height of the season, making it a lively and popular spot for hotel guests and locals alike. It's famous for its waves, which attract experienced surfers. Be careful when swimming, however, as the sandy bed slopes down steeply and you soon lose your footing. The waves may surprise you!

Located on the first floor of the Wall House next to the Hôtel de la Collectivité, the museum is dedicated to the island's historic heritage. The building, which dates back to the ^18th century, was entirely restored by Compagnons in 1995. The ruins of a bread oven can be seen outside the building. The museum brings to life the great hours that presided over the island's development, through documents and photographs, and an exhibition of period objects and costumes. Temporary exhibitions are held on a regular basis.

From Gustavia, head towards Gouverneur. A small parking lot provides easy access to the cove. A breathtaking setting and without doubt one of the most beautiful beaches on Saint-Barth. Between the white sand and turquoise waters, it seems like a foretaste of paradise. One of the few beaches where you're sheltered from the wind. It retains all its authenticity: no restaurants or deckchairs for hire, just nature to our delight. Legend has it that the pirate Monbars hid a treasure here!

This bay was once protected from privateers by a battery set up in its center. Since the early 1950s, a hotel - the island's first - has stood here. Built by Rémy De Haenen, a Swede who became mayor from 1962 to 1977, this establishment, frequented by Mr. Rockfeller, undoubtedly played a major role in promoting the island to American customers. Eden Rock divides the beach into two parts. On one side, the airport; on the other, a quiet beach for swimming or snorkeling. It's also one of the most dynamic beaches on the island! You'll find plenty of places to sip a cocktail while enjoying the crystal-clear waters of this fabulous spot. This heavenly beach is transformed into a veritable discotheque, with live concerts organized on a regular basis. Some of the world's biggest turntable personalities have already rocked the white sands. Don't be fooled into thinking that the daytime atmosphere isn't worth the detour! Nikki Beach, an international restaurant, combines lounge music with a dream setting, while Lil'Rock, on the airport side, offers a more Caribbean atmosphere. Saint-Jean beach is the ideal place if you're looking for a festive atmosphere in a heavenly setting. It can also be a place of relaxation and zenitude, with aqua-yoga classes where it's not uncommon to come across a turtle. And for water sports enthusiasts, you'll be tempted by a jet-ski tour or snorkeling.

Part of the beach is quiet and ideal for families with "small pools" as the locals call them, protected by the coral reef. Offshore, its rollers are blessed by surfers. You just have to do a few fathoms to find the fine sand. The beach of Lorient is festive on weekends at the beginning of August: the Fête des quartiers du vent, with music on the beach and local specialities to be tasted. It is also on this beach that fans of Johnny Hallyday gather to pay tribute to him.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, combining white sand and turquoise water against a backdrop of gentle green hills. The island's largest beach after Flamands. Access is by foot only, from a parking lot. La Grande Saline owes its name to the old saltworks exploited by the Saint-Barths. You can also practice naturism on this beach. It's one of the island's largest beaches. It's also ideal for bodyboarders. The waves can be impressive for children, so be careful. Occasional sargassum.

Swimming is not recommended due to the many rocks that outcrop on the surface. It is a beach with character because it is covered with pebbles and its waves are considered dangerous (washing machine style). Prefer a walk along the water on the beach. There are many shells to be found on the beach. It is also by this beach that you can reach the famous natural swimming pools of Grand-Fond, after a twenty-minute walk along the coast between pastures and cliffs. It is advisable to wear good footwear for the walk.

A strong desire to reach new heights? When you are on the island and at sea level, you sometimes want to gain height. We recommend an invigorating hike to be done at least once during your stay: climbing the Morne de Vittet. It invites you to climb to the highest peak of Saint-Barth, at 281 m altitude. A breathtaking view awaits you on the other Morne de Saint-Barth and on the neighbouring islands: Nevis, Saint-Kitts, Saint-Eustache, Saba, Saint-Martin (clockwise).

Ready to tame the waves? It is the second surfing spot after Lorient, for the wise surfers. This beach is the place for thrill-seekers because the dominant currents are strong. Swimming is therefore strongly discouraged. The cove keeps its authentic and wild character, you will not find a shady spot. At the tip of Toiny, in the water, there is an underwater rock officially named "Caye à Florence", in fact it is a rock on which Florence Arthaud, after a stopover in Saint Barth, hit her boat.

Grand-Cul-de-Sac beach is a little wild, with a few seaweeds in the lagoon, making it ideal for water sports. In particular, it's the beach for kitesurfers, as the wind and large space in the lagoon are ideal for this sport. Grand Cul-de-Sac and Petit Cul-de-Sac are classified as marine nature reserves. The turtles are happy to come and meet you, and don't appear to be disturbed by human presence.

Between the Grande Saline and the Gouverneur, a lovely site that is less frequented than its two neighbors, because it is practically only accessible by boat. Indeed, the hike to get there is complex and crosses private lands, so it is not recommended. Only very good swimmers can venture there by swimming from the beach of Saline (starting from the right end, when you are facing the sea), but the currents are particularly strong there, so it is not recommended to try your luck.

This marine cemetery is typical of the island. The small graves, bordered by sand, are all dressed in white and always very colorful with flowers, often artificial. It is a cheerful and radiant place when the sun reflects on the tombstones. Johnny Hallyday rests there since December 11, 2017. Flowers and pebbles engraved with messages from fans line the ground. At night small candles are lit. If you visit the cemetery, it is of course possible, remember that it is a place of recollection and not an attraction.

Inaugurated in 2002, it was formerly the town hall and changed its status when the island became an overseas collectivity under Article 74 of the French Constitution on July 15, 2007. Saint-Barth was then a commune and an arrondissement, dependent on the overseas department of Guadeloupe. The territorial council meets in this building. It has been represented in the Senate by a senator, Micheline Jacques, since 2020. The territorial council is made up of 19 members, with a 7-member executive council and a president (Xavier Lédée).