Saint Barthélemy lies at the crossroads ofmaritime routes (17°54'N - 62°50'W), and is a sailor'sparadise with its protected environment and renow-ned underwater world.
Geologically, it is the oldest ofthe Antilles islands. Its landscape of hills and valleys issurrounded by magnificent little islands such asFourchue, Frégate, or Pain de Sucre, where themajestic Pelican (mascot of the island) suspends itsflight, while iguana parade elegantly under theshade of a gaïac tree or latanier palm.
The tradewinds whisper regularly, and the waves are generallynot too aggressive.
On the Quai de General Gaullein Gustavia, generations of sailors gather and sharetheir tall tales at Le Select. In the evening, sailboats ofall sizes rock gently on their moorings in Colombier ornear Corossol, while their crews savor a traditional “tipunch” before dining on local lobster or red snapper.
“Les Voiles de Saint Barth”wants to conti-nue this nautical tradition, interweaving the traditio-nal and the contemporary, a regatta with a friendlyget-together.
The island's hotels will charm you, fromsimple cottages to four-star luxury. Its restaurants willspoil you with their wonderful, locally inspired cuisine.
The beauty of its beaches, where nature remains uns-poiled, reinforces your notion of paradise.
Safety isone of the major advantages of Saint Barthélemy,where you can walk as safely through the streets of Gustavia as you can in Lorient or Grand Fond.
Thediversity of its stores with their high fashion productsmakes the island a shopper's paradise as well.
|
