Bienvenue à la bibliothèque de livres de Saint-Barthélemy

Welcome to Saint Barthelemy's book library

Saint Barthélemy — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Saint Barthélemy, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

Capital: GustaviaPopulation: ~10,700 (2023 census)Founded: French overseas collectivity since 2007 (separated from Guadeloupe)Region: AmericasLanguages: frCurrency: Euro (EUR)Quote code: 590Quote_bl

Local time: --:--:-- (UTC-4) · --:-- UTC

🌍 Other Countries

Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid.

“Little by little, the bird builds its nest.”

Patient, steady effort eventually accomplishes great things.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui vole un œuf vole un bœuf.

“He who steals an egg will steal an ox.”

A small dishonesty reveals a character capable of much larger wrongdoing.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

L'habit ne fait pas le moine.

“The habit does not make the monk.”

Outward appearance does not determine a person's true nature.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Chat échaudé craint l'eau froide.

“A scalded cat fears even cold water.”

A painful past experience makes a person overly cautious afterward.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Loin des yeux, loin du cœur.

“Far from the eyes, far from the heart.”

Distance and absence gradually weaken bonds and memory.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui sème le vent récolte la tempête.

“He who sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind.”

Reckless or harmful actions bring consequences far worse than intended.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse.

“A rolling stone gathers no moss.”

Constant change or restlessness prevents a person from building lasting stability.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.

“Do not sell the bear's skin before you have killed it.”

Do not count on the rewards of something before it is actually achieved.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Tout ce qui brille n'est pas or.

“All that glitters is not gold.”

Appearances can be deceiving; something attractive is not always genuinely valuable.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Mieux vaut tard que jamais.

“Better late than never.”

Doing something after a delay is preferable to never doing it at all.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui ne risque rien n'a rien.

“He who risks nothing has nothing.”

Reward requires the courage to take a chance.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il faut battre le fer pendant qu'il est chaud.

“One must strike the iron while it is hot.”

Act on an opportunity while conditions are favorable, before it passes.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Les murs ont des oreilles.

“The walls have ears.”

Be careful what you say, for someone may always be listening.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Après la pluie, le beau temps.

“After the rain comes fair weather.”

Hard times eventually give way to better ones.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui trop embrasse mal étreint.

“He who grasps too much holds nothing well.”

Trying to take on too much at once causes everything to be done poorly.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

On ne fait pas d'omelette sans casser des œufs.

“You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs.”

Achieving a worthwhile result usually requires some sacrifice or disruption.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Chacun voit midi à sa porte.

“Everyone sees noon at their own door.”

People judge situations from their own narrow point of view.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

L'union fait la force.

“Union makes strength.”

People working together accomplish far more than they could alone.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu.

“There is no smoke without fire.”

A persistent rumor usually has some basis in truth.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Rira bien qui rira le dernier.

“He who laughs last laughs best.”

A final, lasting victory matters more than an early, premature one.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Tel père, tel fils.

“Like father, like son.”

Children take after their parents in character and behavior.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Aide-toi, le ciel t'aidera.

“Help yourself, and heaven will help you.”

Take responsibility for your own effort before expecting outside help.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui va à la chasse perd sa place.

“He who goes hunting loses his place.”

Step away from what you hold, and someone else may take it.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il vaut mieux prévenir que guérir.

“It is better to prevent than to cure.”

Taking precautions beforehand is wiser than fixing damage afterward.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Ce qui est fait est fait.

“What is done is done.”

Accept the past and move forward rather than dwelling on it.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Les bons comptes font les bons amis.

“Good accounts make good friends.”

Being clear and honest about money and debts protects a friendship.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

À bon entendeur, salut.

“To a good listener, greetings.”

A wise person needs only a hint to understand a warning fully.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Vouloir, c'est pouvoir.

“To want is to be able.”

Strong determination is often enough to achieve what once seemed impossible.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l'auras.

“One bird in hand is worth more than two you will have.”

A smaller certain gain is worth more than a larger uncertain one.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il ne faut jamais dire jamais.

“One must never say never.”

Circumstances can always change, so avoid absolute claims about the future.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

La nuit porte conseil.

“The night brings counsel.”

Sleeping on a difficult decision often brings clarity by morning.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Les grands esprits se rencontrent.

“Great minds meet.”

People of real insight often arrive independently at the same idea.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui court deux lièvres à la fois n'en attrape aucun.

“He who chases two hares at once catches neither.”

Dividing your effort between two goals usually means failing at both.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il faut tourner sa langue sept fois dans sa bouche avant de parler.

“One must turn one's tongue seven times in one's mouth before speaking.”

Think carefully before you speak, so as not to say something regrettable.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre.

“Everything comes in time to those who know how to wait.”

Patience is eventually rewarded, even when results are slow to arrive.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

L'argent ne fait pas le bonheur.

“Money does not make happiness.”

Wealth alone cannot guarantee a genuinely happy life.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui ne dit mot consent.

“Who says nothing consents.”

Failing to object to something is often taken as agreement with it.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Nécessité fait loi.

“Necessity makes law.”

In dire circumstances, ordinary rules give way to what must be done to survive.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Chacun pour soi, Dieu pour tous.

“Every man for himself, God for all.”

In hard times each person must look after their own survival first.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui aime bien châtie bien.

“He who loves well disciplines well.”

True care sometimes requires firmness rather than indulgence.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il n'est pire eau que l'eau qui dort.

“There is no worse water than water that sleeps.”

The calmest, quietest people or things can hide the deepest currents or intentions.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

L'appétit vient en mangeant.

“Appetite comes with eating.”

Desire or enthusiasm for something often grows once you begin doing it.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Qui se ressemble s'assemble.

“Those who resemble each other come together.”

People with similar characters or interests naturally seek each other out.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Paris ne s'est pas fait en un jour.

“Paris was not built in a day.”

Great achievements take time and cannot be rushed.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Tel est pris qui croyait prendre.

“He who thought to catch is caught himself.”

A trap set for someone else can end up ensnaring its own creator.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Un malheur ne vient jamais seul.

“Misfortune never comes alone.”

Hardships tend to arrive in clusters rather than one at a time.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Il ne faut pas mettre la charrue avant les bœufs.

“One must not put the plow before the oxen.”

Do not do things in the wrong order or rush ahead of necessary preparation.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Les cordonniers sont les plus mal chaussés.

“Shoemakers are the worst shod.”

People often neglect applying their own skills or advice to their own lives.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

Tout est bien qui finit bien.

“All is well that ends well.”

A difficult process is judged worthwhile if the final outcome turns out well.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

À chaque jour suffit sa peine.

“To each day is sufficient its own trouble.”

Do not burden yourself today with worries that belong to tomorrow.

Traditional Saint Barthélemy Wisdom

Source: Traditional French proverb, ancestral heritage of the Norman, Breton and Poitevin settlers of Saint Barthélemy, public-domain oral tradition

The story of Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barthélemy is a tiny volcanic island in the northeast Caribbean, likely visited but not permanently settled by Taíno and Arawak peoples, who knew it as Ouanalao, since it lacked reliable fresh water. Christopher Columbus sighted and named it in 1493 in honour of his brother Bartholomew. French colonists, mostly from Normandy and Brittany, settled the island from 1648, and for about fourteen years in the mid-1600s it was held by the Knights of Malta. In 1784, King Louis XVI ceded the island to Sweden in exchange for trading rights in Gothenburg, making it the only Caribbean island ever to be a Swedish colony. The Swedes renamed the harbour town Gustavia after King Gustav III and made it a bustling tax-free port. Sweden sold the island back to France in 1878 after a local referendum. It remained a quiet backwater, part of Guadeloupe, until aviator Rémy de Haenen landed the first plane there in 1946 and later built the Eden Rock hotel, opening the island to tourism and, eventually, to the international jet set. In 2007, Saint Barthélemy split from Guadeloupe to become its own French overseas collectivity, a status it still holds today as one of the Caribbean's most exclusive destinations.

Timeline — key moments

1493
Christopher Columbus sights and names the island after his brother, Bartholomew.
1648
French settlers, mainly from Normandy and Brittany, colonise the island.
circa 1651-1665
The Knights of Malta (Order of Saint John) hold the island for about fourteen years.
1784
Louis XVI cedes Saint Barthélemy to Sweden in exchange for trading rights in Gothenburg.
1785
Swedish governor Salomon von Rajalin establishes Gustavia as a free port.
1878
Sweden sells the island back to France after a local referendum (16 March).
1946
Rémy de Haenen lands the first airplane on the island, opening it to the outside world.
1950
De Haenen opens the Eden Rock hotel, launching the island as a tourist destination.
2007
Saint Barthélemy separates from Guadeloupe to become its own French overseas collectivity.

Top 10 things to know about Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barthélemy is the only Caribbean island that was ever a Swedish colony (1784-1878).
The capital, Gustavia, is named after Sweden's King Gustav III.
Christopher Columbus named the island in 1493 after his brother, Bartholomew.
It became its own French overseas collectivity in 2007, separating from Guadeloupe.
The euro is the currency and French is the official language.
The population is small, around 10,700 people, on an island of about 25 square kilometres.
It is one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the Caribbean, long favoured by celebrities.
Saint-Barthélemy French patois, spoken by a small community, is considered one of the oldest French dialects still spoken in the West Indies.
The island's small airport is famous among aviation enthusiasts for its short runway and steep approach.
Before European contact, the island had no permanent population because of its lack of fresh water.

Famous people from Saint Barthélemy

Christopher Columbus

Explorer

Sighted and named the island in 1493 in honour of his brother, Bartholomew.

Gustav III

King of Sweden

The capital Gustavia was named in his honour after Sweden acquired the island in 1784.

Salomon von Rajalin

Colonial governor

First Swedish governor of the island; established Gustavia as a free port in 1785.

Rémy de Haenen

Aviator, hotelier & mayor

Landed the first plane on the island in 1946, opened the Eden Rock hotel, and served as mayor from 1962-1977; the airport now bears his name.

David CogginsAuthor

Writer

Author of "Blue: A St. Barts Memoir", a chronicle of the island and its people.

Say it in Saint Barthélemy's language

Hello / Good day

Bonjour

bon-zhoor

Thank you

Merci

mair-see

Please

S'il vous plaît

seel-voo-play

Did you know?

★Saint Barthélemy is the only island in the Caribbean that was ever a Swedish colony.
★Its small airport is known for one of the shortest and most dramatic runway approaches in commercial aviation.
★A local patois spoken by a few hundred residents is regarded as one of the oldest surviving French dialects in the West Indies.

Saint Barthélemy culture

Carnival brings colourful parades, costumes, and Creole rhythms to the island each year.
Cuisine blends French technique with Caribbean and Creole flavours , dishes like chicken colombo, cod fritters, and stuffed crab are local favourites.
Older women in some communities still wear a traditional starched white bonnet called a kichnotte.
Craft traditions such as weaving and wicker basket making carry Amerindian and African influences.

Why read Saint Barthélemy's books

Saint Barthélemy has no large publishing tradition of its own, but its striking history , Swedish colony, French free port, celebrity hideaway , has drawn outside writers to tell its story. Its books shelf reflects that outsider's-eye view of a very small, very storied island.

Continue exploring

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Explore quotes →

Spotted an error about Saint Barthélemy? Report a correction — we fix fast. Every fact here is checked, but if we got something wrong, tell us.

← Back to Quote · Everything about Saint Barthélemy →

🏠 ZakGT Home

Quick Links

Support Center

Help & contact options

Dashboard

Manage your account

4848 Shops

Browse fish, pajama & rabbit shops

System Status

Check service health

Download App

Get the Host App

💬 Telegram: @ZakGT_Support