Officially part of the overseas French department of Guadeloupe, St Barthelemy is a tiny French island in the Eastern Caribbean.

Cities

Gustavia

Other destinations

Understand

Oddly enough for a Caribbean island, the population is nearly entirely of European ancestry. The lack of a slave trade due to the lack of agricultural opportunities (it is principally cliffs and hills) meant that the settlers were effectively the first permanent inhabitants of the island. The island has changed hands many times over the centuries, belonging to Sweden from the late 18th to late 19th century, after they swapped it for some warehouses with the French. However, it is very Gallic in flavor now, although most speak English and the island is frequently visited by the wealthier end of the United States' demographic.

Get in

By plane

The airport is truly one of the most wonderful aviation experiences - the first-timer should beware the hair-raising landing. Pilots require a special licence to land here, such is the trickiness of the manoevering required.

The transfer through Sint Maarten airport can be somewhat chaotic, and luggage can frequently spend the night there.*Premium IV St Barts provide a very useful transfer service. Call 011 590 590 290 008 or Email: [1].

Access to the island is via Guadeloupe or St Maarten from the air, or from St Maarten by boat, but beware - it's a pretty rocky crossing!

By boat

Get around

Talk

French is the official language of St. Barthelemy. Many residents, especially those involved in the tourism industry also speak English, but expect to encounter some people are not fluent in English.

Buy

The Euro is the official currency, although US Dollars are widely accepted.

Costs

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• Country Village Rentals Search for and view St. Barth's rental homes online. Call toll free (800)320-8777 or e-mail [2].

Learn

Work

Stay safe

Stay healthy

Respect

Contact