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