St Jean Beach

St Jean Beach, on the north coast of Saint Barthélemy, is the island's most famous and liveliest stretch of sand, a gorgeous curve of soft white beach and calm, clear turquoise water divided in the middle by the rocky promontory of Eden Rock. Sheltered by a reef, its gentle shallows are perfect for swimming and paddling, while its shore is lined with chic beach clubs, boutiques and restaurants that capture the island's stylish spirit. A particular thrill is watching the small planes swoop dramatically low over the beach as they approach the island's tiny airstrip just behind. Beautiful, sociable and glamorous, St Jean is the perfect place to soak up the sun and the chic, relaxed atmosphere of St Barths.

What you actually see

• The turquoise bay - the calm, clear reef-sheltered water.
• Eden Rock - the rocky promontory dividing the beach.
• The beach clubs - the chic restaurants and boutiques.
• The low-flying planes - the thrilling planes skimming overhead.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, brings the sunniest, calmest weather and the island's high season, ideal for the beach though busiest; the tropical climate is warm and inviting year-round, with quieter, cheaper shoulder months. Calm days are best for swimming in the sheltered bay.

Honest expectations

St Jean is a chic, lively beach lined with upscale clubs and restaurants, so it is stylish and sociable rather than secluded, reflecting St Barths' exclusive character and prices. As a gorgeous curve of white sand and calm turquoise water with a glamorous atmosphere and the thrill of low-flying planes, though, St Jean Beach is a genuinely beautiful and enjoyable spot.

Nearby

Gustavia and the beaches of Gouverneur and Saline lie nearby.