Flamands Beach

Anse des Flamands on the northwest coast is one of the longer beaches on Saint Barthelemy, a wide open curve of pale sand with latanier palms along the back of it and hotels set behind. It faces north and takes swell directly, which makes the water livelier than the sheltered bays on the other side. A track at the western end leads over the headland toward Colombier.

The landscape

• The long curve - one of the widest beaches on the island.
• The latanier palms - the endemic palms along the back of the sand.
• The open swell - water livelier than the sheltered southern bays.
• The Colombier track - the path over the headland at the western end.

When to go

December to April is the dry high season. Northerly swell in winter brings surf. June to November is the hurricane season.

What to expect

The surf can be strong and there is no lifeguard. Shade on the sand is limited. Public parking is tight and the hotels take much of the frontage.

Nearby

Colombier Beach is west, and Anse des Cayes is east.