🇬🇵 Guadeloupe

Discover Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is an overseas region of France shaped like a butterfly, consisting of two main islands—Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre—separated by a narrow sea channel. As part of France, Guadeloupe offers European sophistication blended with Caribbean warmth, featuring pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and authentic French-Creole culture. The archipelago includes stunning outlying islands like Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade.

Basse-Terre features the dramatic La Soufrière volcano, Guadeloupe National Park's rainforest trails, and cascading waterfalls. Grande-Terre offers white-sand beaches, water sports, and vibrant towns. With French cuisine, excellent infrastructure, Euro currency, and tropical beauty, Guadeloupe delivers a unique Caribbean experience with a distinctly European flavor.

Award-Winning Excellence

Notable Award-Winning Properties & Services

• La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa - Guadeloupe's Leading Hotel 2025
• Hertz - Guadeloupe's Leading Car Rental Company 2025

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• La Soufrière Volcano - Active volcano and highest peak (4,813 feet) with challenging hike through misty rainforest to sulfurous summit
• Les Saintes - Archipelago of eight islands featuring Pain de Sucre bay, Fort Napoléon, and charming French village atmosphere
• Carbet Falls - Three stunning waterfalls in Guadeloupe National Park, including the Caribbean's highest at 410 feet
• Pointe-à-Pitre - Bustling commercial capital with spice markets, colorful architecture, and authentic Creole culture
• Memorial ACTe - World-class museum documenting Caribbean slavery and history with stunning architecture
• Marie-Galante - Remote island with pristine beaches, historic windmills, rum distilleries, and ox-cart transportation
• Plage de la Caravelle - Protected beach with calm turquoise waters, white sand, and Club Med resort on Grande-Terre
• Cousteau Reserve - Protected marine park with exceptional diving and snorkeling at Pigeon Island
• Route de la Traversée - Scenic mountain road crossing Basse-Terre through lush rainforest with hiking trails
• Pointe des Châteaux - Dramatic windswept peninsula with crashing waves, rocky coastline, and spectacular Atlantic views
• Rum Distilleries - Tour Damoiseau, Longueteau, and other distilleries producing world-renowned rhum agricole
• La Désirade - Peaceful island escape with authentic fishing villages, stunning beaches, and hiking trails

The Butterfly Islands

Beaches & Natural Beauty

Guadeloupe offers diverse beaches from the white sands of Grande-Terre to the volcanic black beaches of Basse-Terre. Plage de la Caravelle features calm protected waters perfect for families. Grande Anse in Basse-Terre offers dramatic beauty with golden sand and palm trees. Anse Bertrand showcases turquoise waters and authentic local atmosphere.

The outlying islands feature some of the Caribbean's most pristine beaches. Pain de Sucre (Anse du Pain de Sucre) in Les Saintes consistently ranks among the world's best with calm azure waters and white sand. Marie-Galante's Anse Canot and Feuillère beaches offer miles of unspoiled beauty with few tourists.

Nature & Adventure

Guadeloupe National Park covers 74,000 acres of Basse-Terre's rainforest with over 180 miles of hiking trails. Popular trails include the challenging La Soufrière summit hike, Carbet Falls trails, and coastal paths through mangroves. The park protects rare species including the Guadeloupe woodpecker and racoon.

Adventure activities include canyoning in rainforest rivers, kayaking through mangrove forests, zip-lining, and horseback riding. The Cousteau Reserve offers exceptional diving with healthy coral reefs, tropical fish, and the underwater bust of Jacques Cousteau. Surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are popular on the Atlantic coast.

Guadeloupean Culture & Cuisine

Guadeloupean culture blends French sophistication with Creole warmth and African, Indian, and Caribbean influences. French is the official language, though Creole (Guadeloupean Patois) is widely spoken. As a French overseas region, European standards apply for infrastructure, safety, and services.

The cuisine is exceptional, blending French techniques with Creole flavors. Must-try dishes include colombo (curry), blaff (fish stew), boudin créole (blood sausage), accras (cod fritters), and bokit (fried dough sandwich). Fresh seafood, French pastries, tropical fruits, and world-class rhum agricole (cane juice rum) are staples. Markets overflow with spices, local produce, and authentic Creole specialties.

Travel Tips

• Entry Requirements: US citizens need valid passport. No visa required for stays under 90 days (Schengen rules apply)
• Getting There: Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) with connections through Paris, Miami, or regional Caribbean hubs
• Getting Around: Rental car essential (drive on right). Good road network. Ferries connect outlying islands. Taxis available
• Currency: Euro (EUR). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs common. Higher prices than most Caribbean islands
• Language: French essential. Limited English outside tourist areas. Learn basic French phrases for better experience
• Best Time to Visit: December to May for dry season. Carnival in February. Hurricane season June-November
• Island Hopping: Day trips to Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, La Désirade via ferry from Pointe-à-Pitre or Trois-Rivières
• What to Pack: Hiking boots, rain jacket, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, light clothing, mosquito repellent
• Costs: More expensive than other Caribbean islands (European prices). Budget accordingly for food and activities
• Safety: Generally safe with European standards. Watch belongings in crowded areas. Strong ocean currents on Atlantic coast