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Guadeloupe

INTRODUCTION

One of the twenty-six regions of France, Grenada is composed of five islands, including Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which is separated from Basse-Terre by a narrow sea channel called the Salt River, and the adjacent islands of La Désirade, Les Saintes, and Marie-Galante.

Guadeloupe boasts a spirited blend of French and African influences. As well-known for its sugar and rum as for its beaches and resorts, the archipelago offers an interesting mix of modern cities, rural hamlets, rainforests, and secluded beaches.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Capital: Basse-Terre

Climate: Guadeloupe follows the rest of the Caribbean with gorgeous weather almost all year round--expect hot days and cool nights.

Currency: Euro - Currently 1 EUR € = 1.2139 USD

Languages: French

Time Zone: UTC-4

ATTRACTIONS

Things To See And Do In Guadeloupe:

Chutes du Carbet

Take the drive up to the Chutes du Carbet lookout and you will be rewarded with a view of two magnificent waterfalls plunging straight down a sheer mountain face. The walk to the second-highest waterfall (110m/361ft) takes 30 minutes and the walk up to the highest waterfall takes about 2 hours (115m/377ft).

Musée Du Rhum

Dedicated to the history of sugar and rum production, this museum is located on the site of the former Reimonenq Distillery in the village of Bellevue. Exhibits include an old distillery, cane-extraction gears, and a vapor machine dating back to 1707. The collection also includes model ships and a fascinating collection of giant insects from around the world.

Parc National de la Guadeloupe

Located in the heart of Basse-Terre, this national park makes for a great drive and/or hike through orchid-filled rainforests and fern-covered hillsides. Maison de la Forêt, situated in the middle of the park at the very centre of Basse-Terre, has an exhibit centre with (French-only) displays of the forest.

Musée St. John Perse

Musée St. John Perse occupies an attractive 19th century colonial building with ornate wrought-iron balconies. The museum is dedicated to the renowned poet and Nobel laureate Alexis Léger (1887-1975), better known as St. John Perse. The house offers both a glimpse at period Creole homes and displays on Perse's life and work.