| General Overview | | | | Park (Parc National). It's a gorgeous region surrounded |
| If you're looking for a fun, relaxing and tropical place to | | | | by mountains and forests with several lagoons for |
| go for a holiday then Guadeloupe is a fantastic option. | | | | swimming and plenty of places to hike. Notably, there is |
| The beaches in Guadeloupe are simply beautiful and | | | | a Zoo with a suspension bridge where you can walk |
| clear, with lovely sandy beaches stretching for miles. | | | | around the forest 15-20metres above the ground! |
| The coastline is breathtaking and varies depending on | | | | There's lots of trails that lead to waterfalls, however |
| the area. The sand at Grande-Terre is white, whilst the | | | | the finest are Cascade aux Ecrevisses and Saut de la |
| sand on the leeward coast is brown and at the end of | | | | Lézarde. Cascade aux Ecrevisses is an |
| Basse-Terre you can actually find black sand as there | | | | intimate, picturesque cascade with lots of lush |
| are volcano's which you can visit. | | | | vegetation and a beautiful warm pond with a waterfall |
| | | | where you can swim. It's well worth the trip as its quite |
| Guadeloupe is a French colony and this makes for an | | | | secluded and there is a place where you can have a |
| interesting mix of Caribbean and European cultures | | | | picnic with tables and chairs etc. Le saut de la |
| similar to the likes of Martinique and St. Barts. Ideally it's | | | | Lézarde is another slice of paradise similar to |
| recommended to speak a minimum French as not | | | | the cascade, which is again tranquil and sublime |
| everyone speaks English. | | | | consisting of a 30 foot waterfall a huge pool for |
| Guadeloupe is great for snorkeling and diving as there | | | | swimming and open sided cavern with trees and |
| are a number of spectacular coral reefs not far from | | | | creepers hanging off the walls. Take a right to |
| the beaches. The Pigeon Isles is namely one of the | | | | l'Orée du parc, direction Vernou then follow the |
| best spots with an underwater sanctuary along with | | | | indications. |
| the crystal clear Cousteau Reserve, which is filled with | | | | La Soufriere Volcano |
| multi-coloured fauna. | | | | An important landmark of Guadeloupe's landscape as |
| The best way to see Guadeloupe is either by car or | | | | it is the highest mountain situated in the middle of |
| scooter, both of which are very affordable. | | | | Basse-Terre and is a spectacular day trip! It can be |
| Islands of Guadeloupe | | | | done in half a day, however you need to be fit and we |
| - Grande-Terre | | | | recommend wearing shoes and taking sufficient |
| - Basse-Terre | | | | amount of water! If you want a tour group, contact |
| - Iles des Saints | | | | HazEco. |
| - Iles des les Petite-Terre | | | | The volcano hike is a breathtaking experience, |
| - Marie Galante | | | | however it isn't for the faint hearted. In 2004 the main |
| - La desirade island | | | | parking lot was destroyed by a landslide so you are |
| Grande-Terre | | | | now obliged to park further down which means an |
| The Grande-Terre is a beautiful island surrounded by | | | | extra 30 minute hike through the forest, which is |
| coral reefs with white and black sandy beaches, cliffs | | | | somewhat longer and rockier. The sulphar smell is not |
| and rolling hills with vast farmland. It's a popular | | | | very intoxicating at all. A bit of trivia: Originally the |
| destination amongst visitors, especially: | | | | steam was condensed and used as a medicinal drink. |
| Pointe-à-Pitre, Gosier, Saint-François, | | | | Capesterre-Belle-Eau |
| Pointe des Châteaux, Le Moule, Pointe de la | | | | Situated in the south east of Basse-Terre, Chutes du |
| Grande Vigie and Port-Louis (excellent diving spot). | | | | Carbet is the most popular destination in the region and |
| Pointe des Chateaux (Castles Point) | | | | also of Guadeloupe, comprising of three huge |
| Situated at the most eastern part of the island its | | | | cascades, which is a must see! The first one is difficult |
| spectacular views draw many visitors, enabling you to | | | | to acces and reserved to specialists, the third one |
| see neighbouring islands; La Desirade, Iles des les | | | | needs 2 hours of hiking and has an incredible 20 meter |
| Petite-Terre, Marie Gallante, Iles des les Saintes and | | | | high water-fall. The second one is easier to access |
| sometimes more! Despite the name, there aren't any | | | | taking approximately 1 hour to get there and back, |
| castles, its actually a reference to the majestically | | | | however it's still a great walk with only the sounds of |
| carved rocks formed by the ferocious waves. | | | | falling water in the mangroves. The view is simply |
| Sainte-Anne beach | | | | breathtaking and was noted in Christopher Columbus' |
| There is of course the most popular Club Med | | | | log when he named Guadeloupe 'Karukera', which |
| Caravelle beach which is accessible to anyone and | | | | translates to "the island of beautiful waters. We |
| the bourg beach, with a little marina, wonderful for | | | | recommend you take a raincoat and approximate wet |
| swimming and has every pretty white sandy beach as | | | | weather gear as it rains a lot! |
| seen in post cards. Attention, an entrance fee is paid | | | | Kassavery of Capesterre-Belle-Eau is potentially one |
| on weekends if you go by car. But you can park the | | | | of the last places in the Lesser Antilles where you can |
| car alongside the boulevard. | | | | taste the famous cake of Manioc made of coconut |
| Saint Francois | | | | and banana. |
| A large seaside resort and fishermans port, which is a | | | | Visit a Rhumerie - Rum distillery |
| favourite destination for many due to its beautiful | | | | Severin distillery in Sainte Rose (ph 28 91 86) is a little |
| beaches and rich landscape. Centered around an old | | | | more industrial and cleaner than others. They're very |
| market, you can find nurseries, a fishermans wharf | | | | friendly and you're able to freely taste rum, punch and |
| (where you can buy fresh fish each day), fresh fruit | | | | anything else they're brewing. They have a garden in |
| and vegetable merchants and a diverse range of local | | | | the back and a guide to explain the numerous plants |
| traders, which brings a certain liveliness and ambiance | | | | etc. The grow Ouassous which are served at the |
| to the town. At various times throughout the year | | | | Domaine de Severin restaurant in the colonial house in |
| there are parades, dances, festivals and local fairs | | | | the garden, which is very nice. |
| along with numerous restaurants, hotels a casino and a | | | | Isle de Pigeon |
| range of other activities including a superb golf course. | | | | Considered as one of the best places for snorkeling |
| One of the great things about Saint Francois is its | | | | and scuba diving, Isle de Pigeon is a small island just off |
| easy access to other islands as you can take a boat | | | | the West Coast of Basse Terre above Bouillante. The |
| to many destinations such as; La Desirade, | | | | sea is not very deep and is perfect for snorkeling as |
| Petite-Terre and Marie-Glante. If you're looking for a | | | | you will see similar views as those who dive! You're |
| great holiday villa in Saint Francois, Guadeloupe we | | | | not obliged to take a boat, you can also hire a kayak |
| recommend Villa Belle Allee which is a short distance | | | | and paddle or join a kayak trip as the island is only |
| from the town centre. | | | | approximately 1km from the shore. By the way, there |
| Porte d'enfer: the gates of hell | | | | are no pigeons here, despite the name! |
| Despite the name, La Porte d'Enfer is a protected | | | | Reserve Cousteau situated at Isle de Pigeon is simply |
| cove with calm waters and a small palm-lined beach | | | | incredible and is one of the best places on Isle de |
| backed by high limestone cliffs, which give it a uniquely | | | | Pigeon. There are boat trips here with glass bottoms |
| captivating allure. The beach is great for swimming, | | | | so you can admire the coral reef and vast array of |
| especially for small children and adventurous travelers | | | | sea life. Some boats will stop after about an hour and |
| can explore the limestone cliffs and surrounding area. | | | | you can borrow a mask, tuba and palms and jump in |
| La Porte d'Enfer is close to Le Moule, so you can tour | | | | the sea to see up close what's out there. The captain |
| the town after your visit to the beach. Guadeloupe's | | | | will then attract fish with bread, so they can swim right |
| beaches are hardly known for their seclusion, but this | | | | next to you. You may need to inquire about this |
| beach is a little further from the crowds, making it a | | | | before. You you can scuba dive nearly everyday at la |
| perfect spot for some vacationers. | | | | reserve cousteau regardless of your level. Check out |
| Visit a Rhumerie - Rum distillery | | | | for more information. |
| Cabane a rhum Damoiseau is in Le Moule (ph 23 78 | | | | Iles des Saints - Islands of the Saints |
| 23) on your way to Pointe des Chateaux is artisanal | | | | Described as some of the most beautiful islands in the |
| where you can visit everything, from the crushing of | | | | Caribbean, Iles des Saints is a group of picturesque |
| the sugar cane to the fermentation tub of vesou | | | | islands south of Basse-Terre. There are very few |
| (sugar cane wine becoming rum). It's very interesting | | | | cars and the best way to visit is to rent a scooter or |
| but all the odors and sounds is a little overwhelming at | | | | walk. There are a number of historical sites to visit |
| some point, and you got to watch out for the bubble | | | | such as Fort Napoééon (dates back to |
| of goo coming out of those tubs when the wind picks | | | | 1867), which has exhibition and iguanas. There is a |
| up! | | | | number of beautiful beaches, in particular 'Pain de |
| Mangrove Exploration at The reserve of the Grand | | | | sucre', along with various shops, galleries, restaurants |
| Cul de Sac Marin | | | | and the like. Try climbing the "Chameau" (309m), the |
| Located in the North between Grande Terre and | | | | magnificent circular view is well worth the effort! |
| Basse Terre, the natural reserve has been protected | | | | Terre-de-Haut is the largest and most populated |
| since 1990 due to intense hunting, which had a | | | | islands of Les Saintes. It is an incredible place with |
| detrimental effect on the natural wildlife there. It's | | | | fabulous walking, snorkeling, and places to stay and |
| possible to take a tour of the mangroves and learn | | | | eat. Many people take only day trips to this island, but |
| about this fascinating part of the island. | | | | its worth a few nights in its own right. If you're looking |
| The Festival of Women Cooks (or the Fête des | | | | for empty beaches, a quaint village, and the feeling of |
| Cuisinières) | | | | having an island all to yourself, this is the place for you. |
| Aculinary nirvana proclaimed as one of Guadeloupe's | | | | To get there you can take a boat from either Trois |
| most spectacular events, and usually held in | | | | rivieres, Pointe a pitre or St francois and potentially |
| Pointe-á-Pitre in August. The festival features a | | | | some other places. |
| banquet open to all that lasts for hours, and traditional | | | | Iles des les Petite-Terre |
| Creole costume is prevalent. Dancing and parades | | | | Located south of Pointe des Chateaux, under La |
| proceed the event. Belying its dual roots, Creole foods | | | | Desirade in the east of Guadeloupe, Iles des les |
| and French foods intermix. | | | | Petite-Terre is a magnificent desert island occupied by |
| Pointe a pitre | | | | a few iguanas and some birds called 'sucriers'. You |
| Guadeloupe's largest city is a mix of old and new and | | | | can take a day trip there and once you arrive you find |
| is perfectly located between the two main islands, | | | | a paradise perfect for snorkeling and swimming. |
| which assisted its development. The city has had a | | | | Please note, hunting and fishing is forbidden. |
| colourful past with numerous fires, hurricanes and | | | | Marie Galante |
| earthquakes, however it stands tall today. It's a bustling | | | | Her name is taken from Christopher Columbus' caravel |
| city with a great market where you can buy fresh fish, | | | | and she is the largest of the islands depending on |
| vegetables, spices and an array of other things on a | | | | Guadeloupe and is approximately 1-2 hours from Saint |
| daily basis. The market is open every morning and is | | | | Francois or Pointe a Pitre. The island is very chilled out |
| situated in the center of Pointe-a-Pitre. | | | | and was a haven for writers and painters for |
| Another worthwhile visit in Pointe-a-Pitre is the | | | | inspiration. It was originally the home of the rum distilling |
| aquarium, which contains a vast array of beautifully | | | | which is easy to see based on the amount of natural |
| coloured fish housed in huge tanks. The staff are | | | | vegetation there and they still carry the sugarcane by |
| extremely visit and it makes a nice break from the | | | | cart. You can taste rum at one of the local distilleries |
| Caribbean sun! Deshaies Botanic Garden | | | | or take a walk and discover the beauty of a |
| The Botanical Garden is located in the north east of | | | | landscape scattered with windmills and ruins of former |
| Basse Terre in a beautiful village called Deshaies. You | | | | sugar refineries. The beaches are regarded as the |
| can find over over 200 varieties of native plants along | | | | most beautiful in Guadeloupe. |
| with wildlife and picturesque waterfalls and ponds. A | | | | La desirade island |
| must for lovers of nature. | | | | Picture an overturned ship in the water and that kind |
| Basse-Terre (Low Land) | | | | of describes La Desirade. It's the least touristic places |
| Despite its name, Basse-Terre is in fact the highest | | | | in Guadeloupe (with only two hotels), mainly because it |
| and largest island of Guadeloupe located to the east. | | | | is quite mountainous and rocky with not much |
| It's rich in wildlife and there is an abundance of things to | | | | vegetation. The lack of contact is probably why the |
| see and do. | | | | inhabitants are so friendly and relaxed as the lifestyle is |
| National Park of Guadeloupe | | | | very calm. La Desirade is 11km long and 2km wide, |
| One of the main attractions is the National Park of | | | | with desert-like terrain, coconut and sea grape trees |
| Guadeloupe (Parc Naturel), which provides around | | | | along the coast and a large cactus garden at the |
| 300km (188 miles) of marked trails leading into the | | | | eastern end. The northern side of the island is |
| rainforest, where visitors can observe many tropical | | | | uninhabited, consisting of a rocky coastline with rough |
| animals and plants. The scenery on these walks often | | | | open seas, whilst the southern side has beautiful sandy |
| includes waterfalls (such as the Cascade aux | | | | beaches and reef-protected waters. If you're looking |
| Ecrevisses) or lakes (such as the Grand Etang). On | | | | for a place to get away from the hussle and bussle of |
| Grande-Terre, hiking trails lead through the mangrove | | | | touristic places and want to checkout some beautiful |
| or along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast. | | | | secluded beaches and smaller farmers villages, then |
| La Route de la Traversee is the road that crosses | | | | this is the place for you. It's best discovered on a |
| through the middle of Basse-Terre and the National | | | | scooter as its quite hilly. |