Frenchman's Pass

{{Infobox landform

| name = Frenchman's Pass

| type = Pass

| photo = Frenchmans Pass, Aruba 1.jpg

| photo_caption = Frenchman's Pass

| elevation =

| elevation_ref =

| map = Aruba

| map_relief = 1

| map_caption = Location in Aruba

| label_position = none

| location = Spanish Lagoon, Aruba

| coordinates = {{coord|12|29|9|N|69|58|20|W|display=inline, title}}

|official_name={{lang|nl|Franse Pas|italic=yes}}|native_name={{native name|pap|Rooi Frances|italic=yes|parensize=90%}}}}

{{lang|nl|Franse Pas|italic=yes}} (in Dutch) or {{Lang|pap|Rooi Frances|italic=yes}} (in Papiamento) (literally: Frenchman's Pass) is a narrow passage on the island of Aruba, nestled between coral cliffs in Balashi. Frenchman's pass is located north of the area known as Spanish Lagoon and near the remnants of the Balashi Gold Mine.{{cite web|url=https://www.aruba.com/nl/ontdek/historische-goudmijnen |title=Historische Goudmijnen|website=Aruba|access-date=27 April 2021|language=nl}}

The legend has it that in the early 17th century, French pirates attempted to invade Aruba but were confronted with fierce resistance from the indigenous people in this narrow passage. This significant encounter left a lasting impact, and as a result, the passage came to be known as Franse Pas in Dutch or Rooi Frances in Papiamento. In English, it translates to “Frenchman Pass".

Many indigenous people were killed during the invasion, and local residents near Frenchman Pass claim to hear haunting cries and noises from the Indians during the evening hours. Some believe that the spirits of the indigenous people awaken, lingering in the Spanish Lagoon area.{{cite web|url=https://www.beautiful-aruba.nl/natuur/spaans-lagoen.php |title=Spaans Lagoen|website=Beautiful Aruba|access-date=27 April 2021|language=nl}}

Frenchman's Pass is a unique place on the island that captivates the locals. Unlike many ghost stories, which might lack authenticity or serve as mere jokes, this pass plays a significant role in Aruba's folkloric storytelling culture.{{Cite book |last=Caribbean Speed Printers N.V. |url=http://archive.org/details/BNA-DIG-ARUBATODAY-2023-09-08 |title=Aruba Today (September 8, 2023) |date=2023-09-08 |publisher=Oranjestad: Caribbean Speed Printers N.V. |page=A7}}

{{Multiple image

| image1 = De Franse Pas op Zuid-Aruba, Bestanddeelnr 252-3398.jpg

| caption1 = Frenchman's pass (1955)

| image2 = Collectie Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen TM-20029579 Ruine van de Balashi goudsmelterij vlakbij het Spaans Lagoen en de Franse Pas Aruba Boy Lawson (Fotograaf).jpg

| caption2 = Ruins of the Balashi gold smelter near the Spanish Lagoon and the French Pass (1964)

| align = center

| total_width = 400

}}