Lorient, St. Barts Guide

Know Before You Go...®

St. Barths is the epitome of Caribbean luxury, known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and sophisticated charm. Located in the French West Indies, this exclusive island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From the serene sands of Gouverneur Beach to the vibrant scene at St. Jean, St. Barths caters to every traveler. Luxury villas provide privacy and elegance, often featuring breathtaking ocean views, infinity pools, and world-class amenities. With its gourmet dining, high-end shopping, and vibrant culture, St. Barths promises an unforgettable escape where natural beauty meets refined indulgence.

Why Lorient, St. Barts?

  • Lorient is the only town on St. Barts.
  • It is home to the oldest cemetery in St. Barts, the Cemetery of Lorient.
  • The nearby beach, Anse du Lorient, is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.
  • The town is home to the popular open-air market, Marché de Lorient, which sells locally-made souvenirs and crafts.
  • The town is home to the ruins of the old Fort de Lorient, which was originally built in the 18th century.

Lorient, St. Barts Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82.9° F
° F
February
72.8° F
° F
March
83.2° F
° F
April
84.3° F
° F
May
85.4° F
° F
June
86.4° F
° F
July
86.6° F
° F
August
87.1° F
° F
September
87.6° F
° F
October
87.2° F
° F
November
85.8° F
° F
December
83.7° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.28 inches
February
1.83 inches
March
1.99 inches
April
2.29 inches
May
3.60 inches
June
2.15 inches
July
3.13 inches
August
4.00 inches
September
4.38 inches
October
4.95 inches
November
4.26 inches
December
3.87 inches

History

Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barts, a small island in the Caribbean, has a fascinating history shaped by European colonization and its strategic location in the West Indies. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawaks and later the Caribs before being discovered by Europeans in the 15th century. In 1493, Christopher Columbus gave the island its name in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. Initially, St. Barts was uncolonized, with the French eventually settling it in the 17th century. The French established it as a profitable trading post, and the island became part of the French Caribbean possessions.

In the 18th century, St. Barts changed hands between the French and the Swedish. The Swedes controlled the island from 1784 to 1878, during which time they developed the port of Gustavia, the island’s capital, into a thriving trading hub. This period of Swedish rule left a lasting impact on the island, especially in terms of architecture, with many of the buildings in Gustavia still reflecting Swedish colonial style. After the Swedish period, St. Barts returned to French control, and it has remained part of France ever since.

Today, St. Barts is known for its exclusivity, attracting travelers and celebrities from around the world. Its picturesque beaches, luxury yachts, and sophisticated ambiance have made it a sought-after destination. Despite its modern appeal, the island maintains its French Caribbean charm, with colorful colonial buildings, fine dining, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Transportation on Lorient, St. Barts

Getting to Lorient, St. Barts and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Barts is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-arrival authorization is required for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form, depending on the current regulations.

Airlines Flying Here

  • St. Barts airport can only accommodate smaller planes, with flights connecting from St. Maarten, San Juan or St. Thomas.
  • Commercial jets require a longer runway and cannot land on St. Barts.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. Barts.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with well-maintained roads, though some areas may be narrow and winding.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and higher on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and other road users. Always exercise caution when driving on narrow, hilly roads, especially in more remote areas.

Local Transportation

St. Barts offers a range of transport options to explore its stunning beaches, luxury shops, and charming villages. With its small size, the island is perfect for getting around by rental car or scooter, which allows you to easily navigate the narrow, winding roads at your own pace. Taxis are also available, though they are often best booked in advance, as they can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons. For a unique experience, you can also explore the island by boat, with water taxis offering a scenic way to reach various beaches and nearby islands.

Know Before You Go...® - Lorient, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Lorient, St. Barts , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Lorient, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: 1
Population: 2021Approximately 61,000 (source: worldpopulationreview.com)
Size: 2019Unknown
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-04-30 05:07:33
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language of Lorient is French, as it is located in the Brittany region of France. However, Breton, a Celtic language, is also spoken by a minority of the population. French is the primary language for business and government, while Breton is
Currency: Lorient is a port city located in the Brittany region of France. As a popular tourist destination, it offers a variety of currency and payment options for visitors. The official currency in Lorient is the Euro (€), which is widely accepted throughout the city. Visitors can easily exchange their currency at banks, post offices, and exchange offices, which are located in various parts of the city. ATMs are also readily available, making it convenient for travelers to withdraw Euros using their debit or credit cards. Major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted in Lorient. They can be used in most restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash as smaller establishments may only accept cash payments. In addition to credit cards, many businesses in Lorient also accept contactless payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This makes it easy for visitors to make purchases without having to carry cash or
Tipping and Taxes: In Lorient, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. The standard tip is around 10% of the total bill, but it is ultimately up to the customer's discretion. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, in which case additional tipping is not necessary. Tipping is also common in bars, with a small amount left on the counter or rounding up the bill being acceptable. Taxi drivers usually do not expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is a common practice. Taxes in Lorient are included in the price of goods and services. The standard value-added tax (VAT) is 20%, which is included in the displayed prices. This tax applies to most goods and services, with some exceptions such as food and books, which have a reduced VAT rate of 5.5%. Visitors to Lorient may be eligible for a VAT refund on goods purchased in France, but this requires filling out a form and meeting certain criteria. In addition to VAT, there is also a tourist tax in Lorient, which is usu
Dress Code: The dress code in Lorient is typically casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfort and practicality.
Topography: Lorient is a coastal city in France with a flat topography, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with several rivers and canals running through it.
Telephone: Country code: +33 Area code: 2

Lorient, St. Barts Weddings and Honeymoons

In St. Barts, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local town hall (Mairie de Gustavia). Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. Barts (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately €100. For weddings outside of the registry office, additional fees for the officiant apply, ranging from €200 to €500 depending on the ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 3 business days before the intended wedding date.