Visit the Guadeloupe Islands

Seen from the sky, the islands of Guadeloupe look like a huge butterfly surrounded by 6 fireflies, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Guadeloupe, the biggest island in the archipelago, is divided in two by a sound, the salty river. The west of the island, known as "Basse-Terre," is the green paradise where adventurers can explore 42,000 acres of tropical forest. On the other side, "Grande-Terre" is the real center of living in the archipelago. A tour of Pointe-à-Pitre is a must, to admire the typical island architecture.

As if by magic, the gentle trade winds, mixed with the subtle scent of spices, will lead you to this green paradise. A land of conservation, the archipelago is home to 4 nature reserves, and as you walk along the 300 km of hiking trails, you will see waterfalls, rivers, and tropical flowers all hidden in a lush forest, dominated by the Soufrière volcano.

Part of the beauty of these islands is the richness of the Creole culture: colorful traditional folklore, passionate farandoles in the carnival, spicy Caribbean cuisine, and a mixture of musical styles. This archipelago is pure pleasure for all the senses.

When you have had your fill of the incredible colors, enjoy laying on the huge white sandy beaches by transparent waters. The Guadeloupe islands are well-known sites for water sports enthusiasts. At the helm of a yacht, you will discover the magical, secret landscapes of the archipelago.

Marie-Galante

This generous, welcoming land cultivates a peaceful lifestyle. This is the gastronomic center of the archipelago, and you should stop here to taste the best rums (hence the island's nickname of isle of “a hundred mills”).

Les Saintes

Frequented by tourists, les Saintes include 2 inhabited islands, Terre de Haut and Terre de Bas, and 6 wild islets, which are refuges for many species of birds. Terre de Haut is known for its magnificent bay with transparent waters, its spectacular sugarloaf, and its delightful village with its peaceful streets. Terre de Bas thrives on farming and fishing.

La Désirade

The island of desire, find your inner peace on the huge white sandy beaches, with their long coral reefs, which swimmers and scuba divers will love.

Don't miss

• La Pointe des Châteaux (Grande-Terre)

• Les Chutes du Carbet (Basse-Terre)

• Le Château Murat (Marie-Galante)

• Le Fort Napoléon (les Saintes)

• The old meteorological station on la Désirade

Useful information

Main town :

Basse-Terre.

Entry formalities :

For citizens from the European Union, the European Economic Area, Andorra, Monaco, and Switzerland, visas are not required, and an identity card is sufficient. You do however need a passport if you wish to visit other Caribbean islands. For nationals from other countries, and only for stays of three months or less, an ordinary valid passport is sufficient.

Currency :

Euro

Climate :

Temperate tropical

Temperature :

Between 80°F in July and 75°F in January

Getting there :

The international and regional airport Pôle Caraïbes is at Pointe-à-Pitre (flights from the U.S. via San Juan, Puerto Rico)