Sulphuric hot Pool
Petroglyphes
Pointe de la Grande Vigie
Basse-Terre Beach
Le Moule Town Hall
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Personal
Impressions Guadeloupe
is a very French island, more or less France in the Caribbean. The two
main islands, Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre, are very different and
offer a wide variety of things to do and places to see. Grand-Terre has
fine sand beaches with nude sections, elegant resorts, upscale shopping
malls,
excellent restaurants, plenty of bars and nightclubs. Mountainous Basse
Terre is covered with tropical humid forest and has plenty of rivers
and waterfalls. It has a huge national park with an active volcano and
is best for hiking and biking. Public buses are cheap, but highly
unreliable and infrequent, so renting a car is recommended. The
majority of the local population speaks Antillean creole, French is the
official language, English is only common in business and tourist
spheres. A visit to Guadeloupe can perfectly be combined with a trip to
Dominia and perhaps Martinique or St. Lucia, if you have sufficient
time. Cruise ship passengers don't have enough time to explore
Guadelupe, but can spend the day with shopping and dining in
Point-a-Pitre. Don't miss real French cuisine!
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Overview
Guadeloupe
consists of two main islands, which are separated by a narrow sea
channel called Riviere Salee. On account of the shape of two islands,
Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe is known as the Butterfly
Island. The two islands are completely unlike one another. The western
Basse-Terre is mountainous and forested, with a huge national park. The
eastern Grand-Terre is smaller, flatter and more densely populated and
has nice sand beaches.
Guadeloupe also has a number of smaller offshore islands including
Marie-Galante, the Iles des Saintes group, and La Desirade, all of
which are easily reached from Guadeloupe but are quiet and untouched by mass tourism.
Guadeloupe
has it all: rainforests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and charming
villages. Offshore, on smaller surrounding islands, you can step into
societies that have changed little over the centuries. On
Terre-de-Haut, part of the Iles des Saintes, you’ll find pristine
beaches and families descended from Breton sailors. Marie-Galante in
the southeast, has spectacular beaches and produces some of the
Caribbean’s best rum - remnants of colonial sugar mills are quaint
reminders of the island’s past as a sugar producer. To the northeast,
La Désirade is a recommended day trip for its untouched landscape and
beaches.
The more sophisticated Grande-Terre boasts white
sand beaches and rolling hills. The island’s biggest town,
Pointe-à-Pitre, is a European-style shopping village offering goods
with 'made in France' labels – and at savings of an estimated 20 to 30
percent. Museums abound here. Saint-John Perse and the Schoelcher
Museum are housed in colonial manors. The Edgar Clerc archaeological
museum enlightens visitors about Guadeloupe’s Amerindian ancestors.
Culture buffs might seek out the zoological garden, the orchid garden,
or coffee and cocoa plantations.
Basse-Terre is a draw for nature
lovers. An astounding volcano, La Soufrière, which lies sleeping at its
center, is the Eastern Caribbean’s highest point at 4,813 feet. Drive
or hike through the nearby rain forests in the 74,100 acre Parc
National de Guadeloupe, or spend a day on Grand Anse, one of the
island’s best beaches, known for especially soft sand. The wildlife is
awe-inspiring. In the air, you might spot sugar birds, cow herons,
black woodpeckers, moor hen sand brown gannets.
French
imports make dining on Guadeloupe a pleasure; the destination boasts
more than 200 restaurants, some on the front porches of local homes.
Lunch, or le déjeuner, is the main meal of the day. Start with a rum
drink, then try creole creations such as stuffed land crabs, stewed
conch and curry dishes. French wines are commonly served with the meal.
Three offshore islands make super day trips. Friendly residents greet visitors in small fishing villages.
Source: CTO
Attractions
Pointe-a-Pitre Shopping Guadeloupe National Park, Basse-Terre La Soufrière, Grand Terre Zoological and Botanical Park Jacques Cousteau's Underwater Reserve Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe (Grand-Terre) La Pointe des Châteaux (Grande-Terre) Port-Louis (Grande-Terre) La Désirade Island Marie-Galante Island
...to be continued soon...
Attractions
Anse Cafard Slave Memorial
some of which are nudist
Privileged
to be situated at the heart of the Caribbean’s rich Creole ethnicity,
the top tourist attractions in Guadeloupe are a dream for any dedicated
culture enthusiast to explore. The atoll of Guadeloupe is well-adored
for its pristine beaches where sands are close to being perfectly in
composition. Moreover, Guadeloupe doesn’t only boast of its stunning
beaches but still has so many other travel destinations waiting to be
discovered.
Standing at a height of around 1000 feet, Morne
du Chameau is the highest part of Terre-de-Haut region in Guadeloupe.
Positioned on the southern border of a stunning bay, Morne de Chameau
is enclosed by Morne Morel and Morne Mire. Also referred to as Camel
Hill, Morne du Chameau is a fine looking watch out area where you can
be in awe at the picturesque scenery of other islands in close
proximity. Morne du Chameau’s pristine beauty offers a serene and
natural ambiance which complements its biodiverse sanctuaries.
With
a captivating view of the bay on the wonderful isle of Terre-de-Haut,
Fort Napoleon is deemed as one of the top tourist attractions in
Guadeloupe. The fortress of Napoleon rises as the ultimate embodiment
and work of art of the Caribbean Atoll’s rich French birthright.
Constructed in the 17th century, the authentic Napoleon Fort was ruined
by the British forces in 1809. The structure was then refurbished
during Napoleon’s time of power and thus was named after him. The fort
though has never witnessed any grave war but functioned as a prison
house for political captives. At present, the citadel has already been
converted into an awe-inspiring museum and garden that will prove to be
a worthwhile use of your valuable time here.
Another
addition to the top tourist attractions in Guadeloupe is its beaches.
Its beaches are actually open to all tourists but if you want to have a
more serene vacation experience, you may want to visit a few of the
private beachfronts that are managed by hotels which only allow access
for its guests.
Moreover, nakedness is also allowed along
the beaches of Guadeloupe, especially in close proximity to the
resorts. So don’t be astonished if you witness beach bums lying down
barenaked on the shores or taking a plunge in the waters. Among the
premier beaches to explore in Guadeloupe are St. Anne, St. Francois and
Le Moule on Grande-Terre as well as Grande Anse.
In
the Eastern Caribbean, the island archipelago of Guadeloupe enchants
visitors with its evocative blend of natural beauty, Creole and French
culture, and fascinating history.
Originally inhabited by
the Arawaks, and later the Caribs, Guadeloupe was also coveted by the
Dutch, attacked by pirates, and briefly occupied by Britain. Today the
archipelago is an overseas region of France, and its food, language,
and culture reflect this tie.Guadeloupe proper resembles a butterfly in
shape with two main islands, Grand-Terre in the east and Basse-Terre in
the west, separated by a narrow mangrove channel called the Rivière
Salée. Pretty palm-fringed beaches rim the coastline, and the interior
is lush and mountainous with waterfalls, hot springs, an active
volcano, and great opportunities for hiking. Most tourist facilities
are located on the southern shore of Grand-Terre, which is also home to
the largest city and cruise port, Pointe-a-Pitre. Composed of volcanic
mounds and ridges, Basse-Terre is high and rugged, with well-preserved
tropical forests and the active volcano of La Soufrière.
The
archipelago also encompasses the smaller islands of La Desirade, Les
Saintes, and Marie-Galante, which offer many natural attractions of
their own. All of Guadeloupe's islands boast excellent opportunities
for birding, photography, hiking, and water sports such as surfing,
snorkeling, swimming, and diving. Guadeloupe also hosts many colorful
carnivals and festivals, including the five-day Mardi-Gras Carnival
ending on Ash Wednesday.
Guadeloupe attractions offer a
variety of different experiences for travelers. A vibrant artistic
culture, traditional song and dance, as well as innovative modern music
formed from the fusion of Guadeloupe's melting pot of cultures, are all
part of what Guadeloupe tourism has to offer. Travelers will be able to
find plenty of things to do in Guadeloupe, including club-hopping,
climbing the volcanic mountains, and relaxing at one of the beach
resorts.
Pointe-a-Pitre The center of Guadeloupe and
the place most travelers will fly into the country is the city of
Pointe-a-Pitre. Although the capital of the country is Basse Terre,
Pointe-a-Pitre is the economic center of the archipelago and ideally
situated in the center between the two main islands, Grande-Terre and
Basse-Terre, which together form Guadeloupe proper. Pointe-a-Pitre
offers some Guadeloupe attractions, though most tourists will spend
only a day or two shopping and seeing the sights of the town. Some old
colonial buildings remain scattered about within the modern town, and
there is a lively morning market down by the waterfront. Tourists may
want to check out the Iron Cathedral; it features iron girders,
protection against hurricanes and earthquakes. Shopping in
Pointe-a-Pitre is one of the popular things to do in Guadeloupe—as an
overseas department of France, Guadeloupe benefits from ample access to
French perfumes and other brand name goods, all of which can be paid
for in Euros.
Gosier Gosier itself is just a
fifteen-minute drive from downtown Pointe-a-Pitre, and one of the most
popular things to do in Guadeloupe is to go clubbing, bar-hopping, or
gambling in the casinos there. Gosier also has some of the prime
Guadeloupe attractions: beaches. Dozens of beach resorts and hotels are
located along the cost of Gosier, and the density of tourists is quite
intense. For a more secluded beach, take a boat out to the Ilet de
Gosier, though this beach is close to the town, it is relatively quiet,
and its waters are excellent for snorkeling.
Beaches The
beautiful beaches of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre are the highlight of
Guadeloupe tourism, and are renowned for the clarity of their waters
and for the range of colors the sand takes throughout the islands.
Sands white as sugar, as well as pink, red and black, all feature on
Guadeloupe's beach circuit. On the southern coast of Grande-Terre, the
beaches face the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, perfect for
swimming, snorkeling and diving. This is also where the beaches are the
most crowded and the beach resorts most dominant. On the north side of
the island facing the Atlantic, beaches tend to have stronger waves,
excellent for surfing, such as at Anse Bertrand in the north. For a
relatively secluded but excellent beach, check out Grande Anse to the
Northwest on Basse-Terre. The sand is copper, and there are some
charming inns and hotels in the town of Deshaies nearby.
1 Guadeloupe National Park, Basse-Terre Island Designated
a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Guadeloupe National Park (Parc
National de la Guadeloupe) on Basse-Terre Island, often draws more than
one million visitors per year. The park encompasses 300 kilometers of
hiking trails, La Soufrière volcano at 1,467 meters, Col de la
Matéliane at 1,298 meters, and a wide range of flora and fauna,
including 100 species of orchids and 11 species of bats. Birdwatchers
will enjoy the diversity here with resident species such as the black
woodpecker, pearly-eyed thrasher, and lesser Antillean pewee. A good
way to tour the park is via Route de la Traversée (D23). This scenic
trans-coastal highway winds through the tropical forest of majestic
mahogany trees, giant ferns, and bamboo. Along this route, visitors
will find lookouts, picnic areas, jungle waterfalls, and a staffed
roadside center at Maison de la Forêt. Many visitors also stop for a
cooling swim at Cascade aux Ecrevisses, a small waterfall spilling into
a pond.
2 La Soufrière The highest peak in the lesser
Antilles, La Grande Soufrière is an active volcano, which has erupted
eight times since 1660. Hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles punctuate
its barren black sides. Hikers can ascend the volcano along the Chemin
des Dames trail, an approximately two-hour climb with panoramic views
from the highest points of the massif, as long as the weather is clear.
The triple waterfall of Chutes du Carbet cascades down the eastern face
of the La Soufrière massif, from a height of 115 meters, with lookouts
over each waterfall. Hikers who follow the trail to Etang As de Pique
will find one of the largest of the mountainside lakes formed in
craters on the volcanic massif surrounded by lush hillsides.
3 Terre-de-Bas Island Terre-de-Bas
is the western island of Les Saintes and features small fishing
villages swimming beaches and hiking trails. Two hours is sufficient to
cross the island, which is considered one of the most natural and wild
in the Guadeloupe archipelago. Grande Anse on Terre-de-Bas features a
small 17th century church, a pretty bay and beach with huts for
swimming and snorkeling, and a hiking path to the promontory of
273-meter Grande Montagne. Gros-Cap is the main village of Terre-de-Bas
with a ferry landing, hotel, restaurant, and the starting points of
roads and hiking trails.
4 Terre-de-Haut Island Terre-de-Haut
Island, the eastern island of Les Saintes, exudes a more European
character than its western counterpart. The terrain and climate were
unsuited to raising sugar, so the settlers were mainly fishermen. The
pastel-colored houses and brightly-painted fishing boats (saintoises)
provide excellent photo opportunities. At the island's main village,
Bourg des Saintes, "Sugarloaf" volcanic hill overlooks a curved blue
bay fringed by white sands. The houses here are European in character,
with whitewashed walls, red tile roofs, and flower gardens. Located on
a hill overlooking the bay, 17th-century Fort Napoléon with its
historical museum and Exotic Garden is one of the island's main tourist
attractions. Another highlight, Morne du Chameau is the highest point
on the island and takes around two hours to ascend from Terre-de-Haut
village. Across the bay, Ilet à Cabrit is a small island where the
ruins of 19th-century Fort Joséphine still stand.
5 Basse-Terre Lying
in the shadow of the Soufrière volcano, Basse Terre is the
administrative capital of Guadeloupe and one of the oldest French
settlements in the Caribbean. Banana boats fill their holds at the
harbor, and the town is a mix of French colonial architecture and
modern government buildings. Points of interest include 17th-century
Fort St-Charles (also called Fort Louis Delgrès), the town square
(Place du Champ d'Arbaud) and its adjoining park Jardin Pichon, and the
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. At the Archaeological Gardens
history buffs will find a series of Arawak petroglyphs and wildlife
lovers will enjoy the Zoological and Botanical Park. Overlooking town,
the suburb of St Claude is home to large colonial mansions, former
homes of the fugitive French aristocratic families who founded sugar
plantations in the 18th century. Hiking trails ascend the volcanic
massif with sea views.
6 Zoological and Botanical Park An
easy drive from Pointe-a-Pitre, the Basse-Terre Zoological and
Botanical Park is a popular hilltop garden and nature reserve on the
banks of the Rivière aux Hérbes. Children love the animals here. Hiking
trails thread through the tropical rainforest where visitors may spot
tortoises, raccoons, monkeys, jaguars, and parrots. One section of the
park is strung with rope bridges leading through the canopy with
spectacular views over the mountainous terrain.
7 Pointe-a-Pitre Shopping Shoppers
will find Guadeloupe's best buys in the archipelago's largest town,
Pointe-a-Pitre. French perfumes, jewelry, cosmetics, crystal, and
fashion tempt shoppers at the Center Saint-John Perse as well as the
stores along Frébault, Nozières, and Schoelcher Streets. The colorful
outdoor markets are fun to visit as much for the ambiance as their
merchandise with many market vendors dressed in colors as bright as the
tropical fruits they flaunt. The harborside market sells spices,
flowers, crafts, and clothing, and fishing boats tie up here to sell
their catch. Other markets around town include Saint-Antoine,
Saint-Jules, and the Flower market.
8 Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe (Grand-Terre) At
Sainte Anne, visitors will find a settlement dating to the 17th century
and one of the finest beaches in Guadeloupe. Sainte Anne was the
capital of Grande-Terre until 1759, and today the ruins of sugar mills
surrounding town are a testament to its former status as an important
sugar exporter. A seaside promenade invites travelers to stroll under
the palms, and the beach here is busy, but beautiful with white sand
and shallow water in dreamy shades of blue. Visitors will also find a
selection of restaurants and a market selling local crafts near the
beach.
9 La Désirade Meaning "The Desired One" in
French, La Désirade certainly lives up to its name. A 45-minute boat
ride from Saint-Francois, this peaceful island, is ringed with
beautiful palm-fringed beaches and protected by long coral reefs.
Snorkeling, swimming, and diving are all popular pursuits here, and a
hiking trail at Le Morne du Souffleur offers spectacular sea views as
does Grande Montagne, the island's tiny village. Composed of tabular
rock, this beautiful island was once a leper colony, but is now a
geological nature reserve. Not far from La Désirade lie Petite-Terre,
two uninhabited island nature reserves known for their biodiversity.
10 La Pointe des Châteaux (Grande-Terre) La
Pointe des Châteaux is a scenic isthmus at the easternmost point of
Grande Terre. The windy, wave-battered point with castle-like rock
formations exudes a rugged beauty reminiscent of Brittany. A botanical
path leads from the village to a vantage point among great black rocks,
which gives a clear view to the islands of La Désirade, Petite-Terre,
and Marie-Galante.
11 Port-Louis (Grande-Terre) Port-Louis,
a small fishing village is home to one of Guadeloupe's prettiest
beaches, Plage du Souffleur. This wide-open stretch of beautiful white
sand is fringed by flame trees, which look especially beautiful when
they blossom in the spring. Brightly painted wooden houses and vintage
iron lampposts give the town a cheery feel. A drive through an area of
desert vegetation leads to Pointe de le Grande Vigie, the northern-most
point in Guadeloupe, with 360-degree views across the sea to
neighboring islands on clear days.
12 Marie-Galante Island Called
the Big Pancake by its inhabitants, Marie-Galante is a round, flat
island known for its gorgeous beaches. Sugar farming and tourism are
the primary industries and visitors will see the ruins of many
windmills around the island. Sunbathing, swimming, hiking, and local
events are all popular activities. At Habitation Murat, an eco-museum
honors Marie-Galante's arts and culture, including the history of its
sugar industry. Also on-site are a restored colonial mansion, windmill
tower, and the ruins of a sugar factory. Feuillere Beach is one of the
nicest stretches of sand on the island.
13 Jacques Cousteau's Underwater Reserve Off
the coast of Basse-Terre near Bouillante, the waters surrounding Pigeon
Island comprise the popular Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve
(Réserve Cousteau) with some of Guadeloupe's best sub-aquatic scenery.
Visitors can snorkel along the shallow water reefs, scuba dive, or view
the coral from a glass-bottom boat. The dive sites cater to all skill
levels. Turtles and large schools of fish, as well as parrotfish,
trumpetfish, and barracuda frequent the coral gardens here, and the
area offers good wall and wreck dives. Travelers can also kayak over to
the reserve from the mainland.
14 Jardin Botanique de Deshaies Brimming
with beautiful tropical flora and many colorful species of birds,
Jardin Botanique de Deshaies is a peaceful botanical garden on
Basse-Terre's northwest coast. Paths lined with bright splashes of
bougainvillea wind throughout the grounds where visitors stroll among
cascades, lily-topped ponds, and gazebos. Children will love feeding
the fish as well as the rainbow lorikeets, which descend on
outstretched arms. A hilltop restaurant provides beautiful views of the
gardens and the sea.
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Chutes du Carbet
Cascade aux Ecrevisses
Pointe de la Grande Vigie
Caravell Beach
Racing Cyclists
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