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Key Features
Guadeloupe is a large and highly developed French Caribbean island - actually an archipelago with smaller offshore islands, see below (politically also St Martin and St Barths.) Easily accessible from France, OK from USA (Miami or San Juan), no direct flights from the UK (usually via Antigua or Paris). Metropolitan French infrastructure overlaid on a lively French creole culture – French roads, cars and supermarkets with zouk music and a creole way of life and food. A good variety of beaches, many with white coral sand, particularly Grande-Terre, some active including watersports, others secluded, several with beach bars and restaurants. Basse-Terre darker sand in mountainous coves. Many large, mainly mid-range hotels, a small clutch of more stylish inns, particularly in Basse-Terre, some funky. A good variety of restaurants, French and creole. Many activities including museums and old plantations, excellent rainforest and hiking, sugar/rum factories, good sailing (particularly with offshore islands), casinos, cruises.
Offshore islands
The Saints, charming, quiet and pretty islands south of Basse-Terre, less developed, simpler French Caribbean life, but a handful of charming inns, some nice beaches, popular stop for yachtsmen. Marie Galante, , accessed from Point à Pitre, strong traditional culture, simple French West Indian life, low key, tradition of sugar cane and rum. La Désirade, accessed via St François, extremely simple life, just a few guest houses and goats.
Please see the Definitive Caribbean guides to St Barthsand St Martin, islands further north which are politically connected to Guadeloupe. |
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