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At 245 km to the north of Guadeloupe, at 40 km near Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy is a small rocky island with
a surface area of 25 k², set in the Carïbbean sea. In the past, it has often been forgoten by the metropolis.

It was discovered by Christopher Columbus durind his second expedition in 1493. This small island that the
Caribbeans had named OUANALAO was renamed BARTOLOMEO by Columbus, after his brother.

It was only in the early 17th century, with the creation of the American Island Compagny by Richelieu and Louis
XIII that French colonisation was begin in the West Indies, starting with Saint Christopher island (St Kitts). Under
the direction of De Poincy, a French colony was up on Saint Barthelemy and part of Saint Martin in 1648. This
was short lived as the entire population was massacred in 1656 during an attack by the Caribbeans.

A few years later, with the return of peace in 1659, De Poincy brought back a handful of settlers from Normandy
and Brittany.

In 1674, St Barthelemy which had been sold to the West Indies Compagny, was annexed by the French crown.

The island became a hideout for pirates and privateers who sailed in the nearby waters.

It was at this time that the port of Carenage developed and was equipped to shelter large ships. However the
English took a dim view of pirate activities on the island and attacked it in 1744 leaving behind them ruines and
desolation.

The Treaty of Versailles which was signed
on the 7th of March 1785 between France
and Sweden confirmed the mother
country's lack of interest in the small
colony of St Barthelemy. Instigated by the
Count of Vergennes, Louis XVI's minister,
the island was given to Sweden in
exchange for trading depots in the large
Scandinavian port of Göteborg.

The new governor of Saint Barthelemy,
Salomon Mauritz von Rayalin renamed the
port of Carenage in Gustavia in honour of
King Gustave III.

In 1877, King Oscar II gave it back to the French after an almost unanimous 351 votes to 1.

Today, the island has kept its statuts fo free port and has developed economically, due to its important tourist
trade.

Traditionaly reserved for millionaires, St Barthelemy features some very beautiful villas which overlook delightful
coves.