The Gustavia area is the island’s administrative capital. (Note that the whole of Saint Barthelemy is considered one community and each hamlet counts as a distinct area).
Arriving to Saint Barthelemy by air or by sea is by no means the same adventure. As the boat approaches Gustavia, the beauty of it all hits you at once: the island’s Swedish heritage reveals itself in the multitude of small red-roofed houses lining the port, standing their ground despite the numerous human and[...]
Roseau has two markets: visit the very lively New Market. While wandering in the streets, you can also admire a few old churches. Their foundations of large stones go back up to three hundred years. Roseau also has a museum covering the history of the island. To the north of the town, at the foot of the Morne Bruce Mountain, you can visit Dominica's botanical gardens. They were set up here in 1890 in a field of sugarcane and they take full advantage of the ideal climate for tropical plants (sunshine,[...]
What to see in Saint-Kitts
BASSETERRE.
Capital city of the Federation of Saint
Christophe and Nieves. Pierre Belain d’Esnambuc arrived to the bay of
Basseterre in 1624, stumbling upon a French colony, which had originally
planned to reach Guyana but had decided to remain in this small harbour of
peace. The island is a mere 168 km2, its capital more of a village than a
town, yet undeniably charming with is colourful and well-kept streets.
Creole, French and English influence intertwine in the architecture of the[...]
Font St Denis THE OBSERVATORY. Accessible from the road to Saint Pierre, take a left turn about two kilometres after leaving the village (signposted as “Le Cocotier”). The slope is a rather steep one, so leave your bike at home, and the road suddenly tends to transform into a path, difficult to determine whether it had ever seen cement, though we can presume that it had been progressively recovered by earth and mud. The 360° view from the observatory is simply astounding, one of the most memorable ones on the entire island. On continuing on the same[...]
French Saint Martin : From Marigot to Oyster Pond
Marigot, the capital
Capital of French Saint Martin, and base of its
vice-prefectorial offices, Marigot is by far the most popular spot in terms
of shopping and everyday activities. Its elegant bars and stylish shops
attract a great number of visitors, local and foreign alike. The city’s name
originates from the marshes and swamps (referred to as “marigots”) once
surrounding it. It became the island’s capital during the era of sugar
production, and its fort Saint Louis was constructed[...]
SAINT MARY’S CATHEDRAL
Dating from 1823, built in a multitude of different
styles.
FORT CHARLOTTE
An astounding view from its 196m of altitude.
THE BOTANIC GARDEN
Marvel at rare species of trees such as the
Cannon Ball and the Sealing Wax Palm.
HARMONY HALL SUGAR MILL.
A sugar mill dating from the 19th century, located near to
Calliagua.
FORT DUVERNETTE [...]
Windmills Windmills are a unique sight on Marie Galante, as the island’s flat nature permits the optimal exploitation of sea winds. The first mill was erected in 1738 and the last one in 1843, and the buildings played an essential role in the island’s economy way into the 19th century. The arrival of the Industrial Revolution installed higher-performance factories on the whole island, which eventually replaced the old technology, though windmills continued to be in use until 1946 which is when the last one (Grand Pierre in Saint Louis) finally closed its[...]
FORT JOSEPHINE DE L’ILET A CABRIS
once the “key to the Saints”, heavily armed in historic times..
BATTERIE DE LA TETE ROUGE
Completed in 1870, currently a protection for telephone and radio
installations of the island.
PENITENCIER DE L’ILET A CABRIS
Built in 1851 as a prison and later served as a centre for leprosy.
TOUR MODELE DU CHAMEAU
A fortified watchtower of 309m, dominating the landscape of the archipelago
and ensuring its protection against the English from Dominica. Prepare to
walk[...]
