Visit the French Caribbean Nation of Guadeloupe

Made up of five main islands, Guadeloupe is a unique blend of France and the tropics, well tempered by African and South Asian culture.

Each island has its own unique charms, so a short tour of the islands is a must when visiting.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about 5 Must-Do Activities in Guadeloupe

Source: JoanJetsetter

Guadeloupe basic travel information

Location: In the eastern Caribbean Sea, between Antigua and Dominica
Size: 629 square miles / 1,628 square kilometers, including the islands of Grand-Terre, Basse-Terre, Les Saintes, La Desirade and Marie-Galante.
Capital: Basse-Terre
French language
Religions: mainly Catholic
Euro coin
Area Code: 590
Tips: not expected but appreciated; restaurants and most hotels add up to 15 percent
Climate: Average temperature in summer 87F, winter 74F. Located in the hurricane belt.
Airport Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport

Activities and attractions in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe's five islands are dotted with old colonial forts and houses, while local markets abound in color and activity; The latter, along with the weekly ox-pulling and cockfighting, is a great place to soak up the local culture.

Basse-Terre is blessed with lush rainforests protected in a national park that includes the Le Carbet waterfall. Butterfly watching is one of the local passions.

Visitors to Marie-Galante can stay with a country family and soak up the agrarian lifestyle, walk or kayak the Vieux-Fort River.

The bay of Les Saintes is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Guadalupe Beaches

Guadalupe has Atlantic and Caribbean beaches, some with bright white sand, others volcanic black.

On the island Grande-Terre de Guadeloupe, where coral reefs often create shallow lagoons, Caravelle Beach, decorated with palm trees, is one of the most beautiful.

Dozens of secluded beaches are scattered at the end of the dirt roads throughout the island.

Most visitors to Les Saintes head to the Grande-Anse beach in Terre-de-Bas.

Petite Terre is a small flat island surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, a favorite spot for beach lunches and snorkeling.

Guadalupe Hotels & Resorts

M Gallery and Club Med operate "brand" hotels in Guadeloupe, but most of the properties are small and locally owned.

Accommodation at Marie-Galante includes several guesthouses where you will have the opportunity to interact with local families.

In Les Saintes, you will find some charming hotels by the sea, such as the Bois Joli and the Auberge des Petits Saints.

Renting private villas is another option in Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes.

Restaurants and gastronomy in Guadeloupe

You will find excellent Creole and French cuisine on the islands of Guadeloupe, which have more than 200 restaurants.

Seafood, of course, is the cornerstone of any menu, from lobster to stewed shell.

The islands' South Asian influences are reflected in the curry dishes.

Come in August for the annual Fete des Cuisinieres or Chefs Festival.

Lunch is the main meal of the day for the locals. At Les Saintes, try the special coconut cream cakes, known as Torrent of Love, sold on the docks.

History and culture of Guadeloupe

Guadalupe, discovered and christened by Columbus, has been part of France on and off since 1635, during its long and sometimes bloody history of slave revolts and colonialism.

Today, Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France with a population mainly of African origin, but also with strong influences from South Asia.

It is a country of poets (including Nobel Prize winner Saint-John Perse), writers, musicians, sculptors, and painters, and you will still find island women in colorful traditional dresses and headscarves on special occasions.

Events and festivals of Guadeloupe

The carnival season in Guadeloupe runs from the feast of Epiphany in January to Easter, reaching its peak in February around Shrove Tuesday.

Marie-Galante hosts an annual music festival in May that attracts a variety of regional and international acts.

The BPE bank sponsors an annual Marie-Galante transatlantic race to Belle Ile en Mer in May.

Cities around the islands hold festivals honoring patron saints throughout the year.

Cockfighting takes place from November to April.

Guadeloupe nightlife

Dance music Zouk, who was born in Guadeloupe, comes from a variety of discos and clubs in cities such as Gosier, Bas-de-Fort, St. François, Le Moule and Gourbeyre.

Zouk club crowds tend to be more local than visiting.

The casinos are located in Gosier and St. François and offer blackjack and roulette, as well as slot machines.

There are also party boats that operate out of Gosier and Pointe-a-Pitre, and Marina Bas du Fort is known for its piano and jazz bars.

Nightly entertainment options tend to be concentrated in hotels, especially on the smaller islands.

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