Tucked away in the shadow of St. Thomas world class resorts and legendary shopping areas, tourists will find the quaint Old World enclave known as Frenchtown. For over a century, St. Thomas Frenchtown has been home close knit community of French fisherman. While the area has remained true to its roots, Frenchtown is now also known as a popular dining and sightseeing destination thanks to a wealth of well preserved colonial architecture and number of exciting new restaurants. Located just a short walk from some of Charlotte Amalie s most popular destinations, Frenchtown offers a convenient way to explore some of St. Thomas unique history and diverse culture.
Frenchtown was established in the 19th century by French Caribbean immigrants from the island of St. Barthélemy, known more commonly as St. Barths. As many of the first residents were fishermen by trade, Frenchtown took on the form of a fishing village with waterfront homes and businesses, as well as numerous docks for small fishing vessels. After the fishing industry was established in Frenchtown, St. Barths residents continued to flock to the new community on the shores of St. Thomas until the mid 20th century. Though Frenchtown now boasts a number of popular restaurants and tourist attractions, little has changed for the community s long term residents. Most of the older residents in Frenchtown still speak the French dialect of Creole, while the bustling docks and fish market remain the focal points of the area.
Throughout the year, Frenchtown s unique fishing culture is on display during the early morning hours. Tourists that visit the community before sunrise will be able to witness local fisherman heading out to sea in their small, colorful boats. Later in the morning, the fishermen can be seen preparing their catches for market along the waterfront. The bustling Quetel Fish Market then remains open into the afternoon to allow local families and restaurants a chance to purchase the best seafood available on the island. Always open to the public, the Quetel Fish Market is also a popular tourist destination, as visitors are granted a rare opportunity to experience one of the Caribbean s most fascinating traditional marketplaces.
Tourists hoping to learn more about the history of Frenchtown and its people will find an eclectic variety of artifacts and educational displays at the French Heritage Museum. In addition to numerous photographs documenting the development and culture of Frenchtown from the 1800s to the present, visitors will find everything from locally crafted furniture and pottery to fishing tools and musical instruments. The French Heritage Museum is located next to Joseph Aubain Ballpark at the corner of Rue de St. Anne and Rue de St. Barthélemy. The museum offers free admission to all guests and remains open throughout the year, Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Frenchtown is also home to a number of narrow, winding streets filled with colonial homes and businesses. Most of the homes in Frenchtown feature colorful facades, while the restaurants, bars and shops are known for their Old World interiors and vibrant Caribbean embellishments. Walking west from the waterfront area, tourists will find peaceful neighborhoods filled with vibrantly painted wooden houses, quirky shops and cozy cafes frequented by locals. Resting atop a small hill in the middle of Frenchtown s residential area, the historic St. Ann s Catholic Church serves as the area s cultural centerpiece. While the church itself stands as one of the most impressive religious and architectural destinations in St. Thomas, the grounds provide one of the best views of Frenchtown and the surrounding harbor.
Though Frenchtown feels like a world away from the luxury resorts and upscale shops of Charlotte Amalie, tourists don t need to travel far to experience one of St. Thomas most charming areas. As the area is located only a half mile south of the capital city, it easily be reached on foot from Charlotte Amalie, allowing Frenchtown to serve as one of the island s most exciting and convenient sightseeing destinations.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")