+ overview
The island of Guadeloupe has taken the lead in the French Caribbean and has been closely linked to Europe throughout its history. The link is maintained today, and many choose to visit this unique piece of France in the New World. Guadeloupe comprises the butterfly-shaped islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre as well as the nearby smaller islands of La Desirade, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes.
+ history
Guadeloupe has come a long way from its earliest beginnings. From an island much sought after by European powers to one with a colorful personality on its own, the island has undergone a remarkable evolution. Discovered by Columbus in 1493, Guadeloupe became a French colony in 1635 and, in 1946, the islands were given the status of a French Overseas Department. As a result they retain their strong French influence, from the local flavours and ingredients to the currency.
+ see & do
Guadeloupe does not only boast stunning white sand beaches but also a wildlife-infested rainforest and the highest waterfall in the Caribbean. Basse-Terre has a rough volcanic terrain; Grande-Terre has rolling hills and flat plains. There are also lush mountainous areas with stunning and unspoiled tropical scenery. The islands are a divers’ paradise, considered to be among the top dive sites in the world.
+ eat & drink
Guadeloupe boasts plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs, with displays of local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the biguine, where colorful and ornate Creole costumes are still worn. Don’t forget to try the famous rum punch cocktails – rum with lime, bitter and syrup.
+ stay & rest
+ get there
by air
Guadeloupe’s main airport, Le Raizet International Airport is well connected with Europe and North America. Situated north of Pointe-à-Pitre, it is only 6km from the city center. The terminal has a tourist information booth, car-rental booths, a couple of restaurants, ATMs and money-change bureaus. Immigration officers here are relatively fast and professional. You can check the following airlines for flights: Air Antilles Express, Air Canada, Air Caraïbes, Air France, American Airlines, Corsairfly, LIAT
by sea
Two companies provide regular ferry service between Guadeloupe,Martinique, Dominica and St Lucia. All the ferries listed leave from the Gare Maritime de Bergevin in Pointe-à-Pitre.
L’Express des Îles operates large, modern catamarans between Guadeloupe, Martinique and Dominica. The boats are fairly comfortable, with air-conditioned cabins, TV entertainment and snack bar. Boats depart from Pointe-à-Pitre on Friday, Wednesday and Sunday. Consider it’s nearly a seven-hour journey, usually with a few stops on the way. Departure days and times for these services change frequently and often bear no relation to the printed schedule. The only way to be sure is to call L’Express des Îles or check with a local travel agent.
Brudey Frères has a 350-passenger catamaran with a daily service between Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort‑de-France. In season, there’s an extra boat on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It also has a regular service (every day in high season) between Guadeloupe and Dominica and a once- or twice-a-week service to St Lucia. Here again schedules change, so check current timetables.
+ get around
+ map