Mont Jean, 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 Mont Jean, St. Barts?

  • Mont Jean is the highest point on St. Barts, reaching an elevation of 454 meters.
  • Historically, the island of St. Barts was owned by the Swedish until 1878 when they sold it to France.
  • The view from Mont Jean offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, the neighboring islands of Anguilla and St. Martin, and the nearby town of Gustavia.
  • The peak of Mont Jean is accessible to hikers via a well-marked trail that begins in the capital of Gustavia.
  • Mont Jean is home to an array of wildlife, including wild goats, iguanas, and a variety of birds.

Mont Jean, 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 Mont Jean, St. Barts

Getting to Mont Jean, 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...® - Mont Jean, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Mont Jean, 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 Mont Jean, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: 1 wordThere is no specific place or city called
Population: 2019Unknown
Size: 1980Unknown
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-04-17 01:01:54
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language spoken in Mont Jean is French, as it is a French territory. However, due to its location in the Caribbean, the secondary language spoken is also Creole, a mixture of French and African languages. This is commonly used in informal set
Currency: Mont Jean is a small, picturesque town located in the Caribbean island of St. Barts. As a popular tourist destination, it offers a variety of currency and payment options to cater to the needs of its visitors. The local currency in Mont Jean is the Euro, which is widely accepted in most establishments. However, US dollars are also accepted in some places, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Mont Jean. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, but some places may also accept American Express and Discover. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your credit card in Mont Jean. ATMs can be found in the town center and in some hotels, but it is recommended to withdraw cash before arriving in Mont Jean as the fees can be high. Some shops and restaurants may accept debit cards, but it is always best to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases. Travel
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Mont Jean are an important aspect of the local culture and economy. In this Caribbean island, tipping is not mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated by service workers. Generally, a 10-15% tip is customary for services like restaurants, taxis, and hotel staff. However, some establishments may already include a service charge in the bill, so it is always best to check before adding an additional tip. When it comes to taxes, Mont Jean follows a value-added tax (VAT) system. This means that a 10% tax is added to most goods and services, including accommodations, meals, and activities. This tax is usually included in the listed prices, so there is no need to calculate it separately. However, some high-end restaurants and hotels may also add a service charge on top of the VAT. It is important to note that some goods, such as groceries and medicines, are exempt from VAT. Additionally, tourists can apply for a VAT refund for purchases made at participating stores.
Dress Code: The dress code in Mont Jean is most likely formal or business casual attire.
Topography: Mont Jean has a varied topography with steep cliffs and rugged terrain, as well as rolling hills and valleys, providing a diverse landscape for exploration.
Telephone: Country code: +590 Area code: 590

Mont Jean, 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.