A small, tight-knit, and neat community on the west side of Charlotte Amalie [1] harbor, Frenchtown is the traditional home of some of St. Thomas [2]’s best fishers and artisans. Today it remains a good place to find fresh fish for sale, but most people come here to dine at one of its intimate, classy restaurants.
Frenchtown is named for the French Huguenots who left St. Bartholomew and settled here in the 1870s. “Frenchies,” as they are called today, were fishermen and artisans, especially known for their straw hats.
Located in a handsome yellow-and-stone building next to the Josephe Aubain Ballpark, the French Heritage Museum (Rue de St. Barthelemy, 340/774-2320, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., free) is dedicated to preserving the traditions and history of St. Thomas’s French inhabitants. Here you will see examples of their handiwork, including beautiful straw hats, and photographs of early French settlers.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/st-thomas/sights/charlotte-amalie
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/st-thomas