Gustavia, St Barts' red-roofed capital, is a small harbor town lined with chic boutiques, duty free shops, gourmet restaurants, and galleries. Itis the main town of the island of Saint Barthélemy (also known as St. Barts). It was named after King Gustav III of Sweden.St. Barts was a French possession originally, and the area was called Carenage after the shelter it provided to damaged ships. Gustavia was founded after Sweden bought the island from France in 1785. The island was sold back to France in 1878.
For beautiful sightseeing views, visitFort Gustav(the most important fort during the Swedish period), or head to the top of the 29 m hill for vistas ofShell Beachamid the few remaining stonewalls ofFort Karl!