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Want to soak up the charm of French culture without being overwhelmed by the large tourist crowds? There’s an undiscovered overseas region of France lying on the Caribbean coast with awe-inspiring scenery and incredible local culture to cure your wanderlust — Guadeloupe! The archipelago comprises over 12 islands, each with a unique character and individual idiosyncrasy. From the volcanic landscape and dense rainforests of Basse-Terre to the extensive beaches lapped by reef-protected waters in Grand-Terre, there’s something for every traveller!
The gateway for cruisers is Pointe-à-Pitre, a bustling city in Grand-Terre, known for its lively markets — where tropical produce and aromatic spices pile high! The largest island, Basse-Terre, is a proud home to the Guadeloupe National Park, where the La Soufrière, the highest point in the Antilles, idyllically sits. With towering green peaks, the massive island is a retreat for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, with spectacular hikes to boast. A Guadeloupe cruise will only be complete with a side trip to Marie-Galante, dubbed as the “Island of a Hundred Mills” standing on the vast plantations of sugar cane that produce rhum agricole or cane-juice rum.
Designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Parc National de la Guadeloupe is a sprawling oasis with a thriving flora and fauna, as well as stunning natural wonders. The park’s trails run past lush tropical foliage, majestic waterfalls and the La Soufrière volcano — the highest peak in Guadeloupe rising at 4,813 feet. Another highlight are the Carbet Falls, which are three cascading waters plummeting at different heights.
Explore the picturesque city of Pointe-à-Pitre, set on the island of Grand-Terre, which is home to quaint French colonial buildings, vibrant markets and delightful museums. Beautiful historic architecture is one of the major draws of Pointe-à-Pitre, so you’ll find a lot of iconic landmarks as you stroll around the city, including the Cathédrale de St-Pierre et St-Paul or the “Iron Cathedral.” History buffs should visit Memorial ACTe Museum, which offers a glimpse into the notorious history of slavery and slave trade.
Welcome to Pointe des Chateaux — a photographer's paradise and a cruise passengers’ sought-after destination in the south-easternmost part of Grand Terre. This scenic heritage site is famous for its dramatic rock formations jutting out of the sea, making a vantage point for witnessing as the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean sea collide. The windswept and wave-battered cliffs also offer panoramic views of the island and the neighbouring La Désirade.
Grand-Terre is a sun-seekers’ hideaway with a long stretch of golden sands and endless sunshine! Sainte-Anne is home to some of the most popular beaches in the archipelago, best known for its tall palm trees and powdery sand. Caravelle Beach Club, idyllically situated in front of the all-inclusive Club Med La Caravelle, is a great choice to live your tropical dreams without compromising luxury and comfort. Saint-Anne beaches can be quite busy, given that a lot of tourists flock here. So, if you wish to escape the crowds, head to Plage de Bois Jolan — a beach with a more laid-back vibe and shallow waters.
Sampling the local booze speciality called the rhum agricole is an unmissable experience in Guadeloupe. Rhum Agricole is a distilled rum in the French Caribbean islands from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice instead of the usual molasses. You can also take a tasting tour in the Damoiseau Distillery, which is one of the biggest distilleries on the island and is also known as the best producer of white rum in the world. Other distilleries worth checking out are Habitation Bellevue in the heart of Marie-Galante's largest cane estate, Bologna Distillery housed in a 17th-century sugar windmill and Montebello Distillery producing high-quality rums for almost a century now.
Take a day trip to La Désirade to soak up serenity and simplicity, an ideal escape from the bustling crowds in the main island. Its unspoiled beauty and remote tranquillity make up for its name which translates to “The Desired One” in French. This small island is accessible from Saint-Francois in Grand-Terre on a 45-minute rocky boat ride, greeting guests with palm-fringed beaches that are protected by coral reefs. When you’re not snorkelling or swimming on the beach, why not discover the Ruins of the former Leprosy Colony in Baie Mahault?
Guadeloupe is called the “Butterfly Island” by the locals because of the butterfly shape that the two connected main islands form, separated by a narrow channel. Grand-Terre is the east wing while Basse-Terre is the west wing.
The best time to visit Guadeloupe is from December through April, when the season is dry and the weather is sunny. You might also want to avoid the hurricane season, which falls in the months of August and September.
Guadeloupe is primarily known for its soft-sand beaches, unique rums, volcanic landscapes and truly breathtaking sights!
The official language of Guadeloupe is French and Creole is widely spoken as well. While English is also used in major tourist areas, it can be helpful to learn basic French phrases and words to be able to communicate and interact well with the locals.
Since it’s a French overseas region, the official currency and main mode of exchange in Guadeloupe is the Euro. ATMs are available in major areas and major credit card payments are accepted in malls, restaurants and shops.
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