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The Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy (French: Saint-Barthélemy; French pronunciation: [sɛ̃barteləˈmi], Swedish: Sankt Barthelemy), officially the Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy (French: Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy), is an overseas collectivity of France. To the northwest lies St. Martin, to the southwest Saba, to the south St. Eustatius and St. Kitts, and ultimately to the southeast Barbuda. It has an area of 21 km² and a population of 8,398 (census 2006). Its capital is Gustavia, which is also its main harbor. Also known as Saint Barth in French, or St. Barts in English, the collectivity is one of the four territories among the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean that comprise the French West Indies, along with Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Martin. It is the only one to have historically been a Swedish colony. The Swedish influence can still be found in architecture and street names. The language, cuisine and culture are distinctly French. History
Saint Barthélemy was first claimed by France, in 1648. It was sold to Sweden in 1784, which sold it back to France in 1878. Slavery was practiced in Saint-Barthélemy under the "Ordinance concerning the Police of Slaves and free Colored People"[4] of 1787. The last legally owned slaves in the Swedish colony of Saint-Barthélemy were bought free by the state on 9 October 1847.[5] The Swedish period left its mark in the names of many of the streets and the town (in honor of King Gustav III), and the presence of Sweden's national arms, the Three Crowns in the island's coat of arms, along with the Maltese cross, the Fleur-de-lis, the mural crown, two pelicans, and the island's supposed Amerindian name "OUANALAO". Transportation
Saint Barth has a small airport known as Gustaf III Airport (IATA: SBH, ICAO: TFFJ) that is served by small regional commercial aircraft and charters. Most visiting aircraft carry fewer than twenty passengers, such as the Twin Otter, a common sight around Saint Barth and throughout the northern West Indies. The short airstrip is at the base of a gentle slope ending directly on the beach at St Jean. The arrival descent is over the hilltop traffic circle and departing planes fly right over the heads of sunbathers on St. Jean Beach (although small signs advise sunbathers not to lie directly at the end of the runway). Due to the close proximity of arriving and departing planes, either location is ideal for viewing by aircraft enthusiasts. The nearest commercial jet airport is on the neighboring island of Sint Maarten: Princess Juliana International Airport (IATA: SXM, ICAO: TNCM). Ferries to and from Saint Maarten are the only other real option (although the passage from St. Martin to St. Barth is often rough), unless one is arriving by private charter boats/yachts. Climate St. Barts Flag
DESCRIPTION {credit} http://en.wikipedia.org Things To Do In St. Barts
When in St. Barths, kicking back on the idyllic plages (beaches). Nonetheless, a number of activities - from the museums and historical forts of Gustavia, water and land sports Explore the harbor Tiptoe gracefully around Gustavia’s perfect harbor for views of the water and the fishing dinghies that bob like toy boats alongside leviathan yachts. The waterfront decks of the dozens of restaurants here offer wonderful vantage points for people- and yacht-watching. Gustavia Musée Municipal and Musée de St. Barthélemy On the far “La Pointe” side of the Gustavia harbor, a beautifully restored Swedish stone building houses these two museums. The various displays range from photos to costumes to artifacts, all of which depict island history from the indigenous Arawak indians through to the colonial tugs-of-war between the Swedes and the French. Fort Gustave While some original fortification artifacts remain at this 17th-century fort, easily recognizable by the red-and-white lighthouse added in 1961, most people come for the stellar harbor views. An orientation table identifies the highlights of Gustavia and the neighboring islands. Gustavia Snorkeling There’s fine snorkeling west of the Eden Rock promontory on Baie de St-Jean - strap on some goggles and a mouthpiece and head out to see Elkhorn coral, barrel sponges, sea fans, angelfish, and yes, lobster. Marine Service, Quai du Yacht Club Windsurfing Grand Cul de Sac, with its shallow, calm waters and plentiful water-sports concessions is one of the best places on the island for windsurfing. Windwave Power, Inter-Oceans Museum Ingenú Magras, the president of the acclaimed French organization, the National Society for Rescue at Sea, has his hobby-obsession on display here. An incredible collection of more than 9,000 seashells (1,600 species from the Caribbean basin), as well as sand samples from around the globe, have been painstakingly amassed. Getting Married in St. Barts
St. Barts Legal requirements for getting married St. Barts is one of the perfect place to get Married, if you dont mind the long waiting period, there are many magical places on the island. Gustavia is a charming town and of course there are many villas to chose from to hold your reception, as well as a number of charming hotels and villas where you can spend your honeymoon. There are lots of lovely locations for a wedding and reception overlooking the startlingly blue waters of the Caribbean. Friendly hotel staffs will provide all the necessary assistance, which will brings the final decision down to size, budget and your personal preferences. requirements : St. Barts, like other members of the French West Indies, is perfect for your i do's, however the waiting period is a little lengthy. Requirements: Original
birth certificate or copy with raised seal; certificate of good
conduct; certificate of single
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