Social Profile
Food & Drink: Predominantly seafood, cooked in French, Creole, African or South-East Asian styles. Dishes include lobster, turtle, red snapper, conch and sea urchin. Island specialities include stuffed crab, stewed conch, roast wild goat, jugged rabbit and broiled dove. The spicy flavour of Creole cuisine is unique. The more formal restaurants will require appropriate dress.
Drinks include a great supply of French wines, champagnes, liqueurs and local rum. A local speciality, Rum Punch (a brew of rum, lime, bitter and syrup), is a must. There are no licensing restrictions.
Nightlife: There are plenty of restaurants, bars and discotheques, with displays of local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the Biguine, where colourful and ornate Creole costumes are still worn.
Shopping: Worthwhile purchases are French imports, including perfume, wine, liqueurs and Lalique crystal. Local items include fine-flavoured rum, straw goods, bamboo hats, voodoo dolls, and objects of aromatic Vetevier root. Travellers cheques give a 20 per cent discount in some shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat 0830-1300.
Special Events: There are many local festivals and special events, both Roman Catholic and Creole. For details, contact the Office du Tourisme (see Contact Addresses section).
Social Conventions: The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Casual dress is accepted everywhere, but formal dress is needed for dining out and in nightclubs. Tipping: Ten per cent is normal.
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