Gustavia, the authenticity
Enjoying a panoramic view of Gustavia, Saint-Barthélemy's main town, is a sublime moment. And with good reason: here, there are no buildings to detract from the superb surroundings, just uniform dwellings distinguished by their typical red or green roofs. The only requirement for the city's buildings is that they be sturdy, as cyclones are not uncommon here either. The houses and monuments are also intelligently built: as rain is scarce, systems are put in place to catch every last drop. Houses are built on stone foundations to resist the elements and pests. The walls are thick, made of exposed stone and fitted with glass windows. Only the upper floors were made of wood. The layout of the Swedish-, American- and French-influenced houses respects the town's sloping topography. In fact, the Swedish influence is quickly apparent throughout the town. Aside from the houses, this can be seen in the Maison des Gouverneurs, a building constructed during Swedish colonization as a customs administration during the occupation by the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. Since 1995, it has held the title of historic monument. The architecture of Dinzey House, also known as Le Brigantin, is also worth a visit. At Wall House, the focus is on stone. This building, which now houses the History Museum and Library, is one of the most imposing on the island. All these buildings, associated with the freshness of Northern Europe, blend wonderfully with Gustavia's tropical setting. Fort Gustav and Fort Karl, two other monuments dating back to Swedish times, are also worth a visit. Their walls and cannons bear witness to the island's long history and past determination to protect it.
Luxury and contemporary
In the small fishing village of Corossol, you can still see a few huts - small, colorful, lime-built houses that still feature two spaces: the bedroom and the living room, with another building nearby to serve as a kitchen or cistern. Today, however, the architecture of Saint-Barth has changed. Although still solidly built to withstand hurricanes, sumptuous villas with full amenities have gradually taken over the island's landscape. And even though Saint-Barthélemy's management has imposed restrictions to avoid altering the island's identity, it is not uncommon for wealthy owners to buy a house and demolish it entirely, in order to rebuild a more contemporary and sumptuous dwelling on top. The island is a constant magnet for the wealthy, but their desire to build themselves little corners of paradise is far from environmentally friendly...
