Gustavia. This picturesque capital city, founded by Swedish explorers in 1784, features an unassuming charm not usually found in the French Caribbean, a difference attributable perhaps to its Scandinavian background.
ACCESS TO BEACH:
The beach is accessible only from the top of nearby Colombier Hill. And even then it is a slow descent (about 15 minutes) down an uneven and rocky footpath. There is a small parking area ( just past the cut-off for Anse des Flamands) high on the hilltop. Sailors will find an excellent anchorage waiting for them as they sail into the bay. There is a stairway leading down to the sand near the rocky east end of the beach.
QUALITY OF BEACH:
Magnificent white sand beach, well worth the short hike. A few palm trees at one end provide some daytime shade.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
You can let it all go here, or for that matter, take it all off. St. Barts, like all French Caribbean beaches, are topless; this one is so remote that nude sunbathing is also common. In this case, definitely bring sunscreen ! The novice nudist should also keep in mind that certain parts of the anatomy rarely see sunshine and are spectacularly susceptible to sunburn. There is good snorkeling off the beach near the stairway.
