St. Barts, or Saint Barthelemy, is known for being one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, and with good reason! The island has historic links to France and you can even use leftover money from Europe when you visit. But, how much do you know about this Earthly paradise? Here are some fun facts about St. Barts.
1. It is located in the French West Indies.
St. Barts is a relatively small island found in the Caribbean, part of the French West Indies. It is situated southeast of St. Martin and north of St. Kitts and Nevis. It’s relatively small, with a population of less than 9,000.
2. It is technically part of France.
St. Barts is technically an overseas collectivity of France. This means that it is an integral part of the French Republic. However, the island has a high degree of administrative autonomy.
3. Gustavia is the capital city.
Gustavia is the capital and largest town of St. Barts. It is a beautiful harbor town known for its red-roofed buildings and luxury shops.
4. French is its official language.
The official language of St. Barts is French. However, English is widely spoken across the territory, especially in tourist areas. It really can’t hurt for you to learn some French phrases before visiting, however!
5. You can spend Euros in Saint Barthelemy.
The official currency here is the Euro, as St. Barts is a French territory. However, U.S. dollars are also commonly accepted.
6. It was the home of the Arawak people.
Originally, St. Barts was inhabited by the Arawak people. However, St. Barts was first discovered by Christopher Columbus representing colonizers in 1493, and was later settled by the French in 1648.
7. It’s got Swedish roots, too!
St. Barts was also a Swedish colony from 1784 to 1878. This was before it returned to French rule. It’s been passed around a little!
8. It has diverse landscapes.
Despite the island being relatively small, St. Barts is known for its diverse landscapes. These include beautiful beaches, rocky terrain, and lush hillsides.
9. It has multiple famous beaches, too.
St. Barts is famous for its pristine beaches. These include St. Jean Beach, Shell Beach, and Gouverneur Beach, which offer clear turquoise waters and white sands.
10. It is a popular holiday destination for celebrities!
St. Barts is an extremely popular destination for the rich and famous. The island attracts celebrities, high-profile individuals, and luxury travellers. This is largely due to its upscale resorts, villas, and high-end shopping. It’s thought the likes of Lily Allen and Naomi Watts vacation here.
11. It hosts multiple festivals every year.
St. Barts famously hosts various events throughout the year. These include the St. Barts Music Festival, the St. Barts Film Festival, and the Bucket Regatta, a prestigious sailing event.
12. The cuisine here really puts the island on the map.
St. Barts also boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a focus on French and Creole cuisine. Visitors here can dig into a variety of beef and shrimp based dishes, though the noodle salads come highly recommended, too!
13. It has multiple nature reserves.
St. Barts has many protected areas and nature reserves. For example, the Marine Park, among many others, aims to preserve the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
14. It has suffered from multiple hurricanes
Sadly, St. Barts has suffered multiple hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma in 2017. However, the island has shown resilience and has undergone significant recovery and rebuilding efforts.
FAQs about St. Barts
What is so special about St. Barts?
St. Barts is primarily celebrated for its stunning beaches and diverse landscapes. There is so much to explore, experience, and enjoy in the area – especially if you’re a fan of seafood.
Is St. Barts owned by France?
St. Barts does belong to France. However, as mentioned above, the island has an important degree of autonomy, and, as such, has a part of independence. You can spend French currency – the Euro – on the island.
Why is St. Barts so expensive?
St. Barts is so expensive largely due to its high-paying visitors. As mentioned above, these include celebrities, and other high-profile individuals known for visiting the island.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Caribbean
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g147338-St_Barthelemy-Vacations.html
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/st-barthelemy
Do you know any interesting facts about St. Barts? Share them in the comments below!