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Guadeloupe

INTRODUCTION

Guadeloupe is one of the twenty-six régions of France. It also comprises five islands such as Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, separated from Basse-Terre by a narrow sea channel called salt river, with the adjacent islands of La Désirade, Les Saintes, and Marie-Galante.

Guadeloupe boasts 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.

HISTORY

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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

Capital: Basse-Terre

Currency: Euro - Currently 1 EUR € = 1.2139 USD

Languages: French

ATTRACTIONS

Things To See And Do In Guadeloupe

Chutes du Carbet

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

Musée Du Rhum

Dedicated to the history of sugar and rum production this museum is at 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 from 1707. The collection also includes model ships and a fascinating collection of giant insects from around the globe.

Parc National de la Guadeloupe

At 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, in the middle of the park at the very centre of Basse-Terre, has an exhibit centre with (French-only) displays on 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 of a period Creole home and displays on Perse's life and work.

RESTAURANTS

LODGING