Travel to Guadeloupe

Discovering Guadeloupe: Nature, culture and authenticity



Basse-Terre: Pure nature

La Soufrière, majestic symbol of the island

The Soufrière volcano, rising to 1,467 meters, is one of the best-known landmarks of Guadeloupe. A hike to its summit offers a unique experience with spectacular views over the archipelago. For thrill-seekers, the climb reveals fumaroles, hot springs, and lunar landscapes.

The tropical forest and its hidden treasures

Basse-Terre is home to the Guadeloupe National Park, an immense tropical forest covering 17,000 hectares. You’ll find more than 3,000 plant species, impressive waterfalls like the Carbet Falls, and exotic wildlife with no dangerous animals. The marked trails are suitable for both families and experienced hikers.

The beaches and the Cousteau Reserve

The black, ochre, or pink pebble beaches contrast with those of the other islands. The Cousteau Reserve, off Bouillante, is a world-renowned diving site. With coral reefs, multicolored fish, and submerged statues, divers enjoy a magical adventure, comparable to snorkeling experiences in Antigua or vacations in Cuba.

Grande-Terre: Beaches and Creole traditions

The paradisiacal coastline of Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre enchants with its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. Pointe des Châteaux offers a spectacular panorama, while the private beaches of Sainte-Anne and Saint-François delight sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts, including surfers and kite surfers.

Sugarcane and agricultural heritage

Grande-Terre nicknamed the “little Brittany of the Antilles,” is the agricultural heart of Guadeloupe. Le Moule, a former colonial capital, is home to the Gardel sugar refinery and the Bellevue distillery, offering insights into rum and sugar production, pillars of the local economy.

Nightlife and Creole culinary art

The region bursts with life, showcasing vibrant markets, authentic Creole restaurants, and lively evenings. Pointe-à-Pitre, the economic capital, is renowned for its bustling spice market, fascinating museums, and energetic nightlife, featuring nightclubs and a casino. It offers an unforgettable mix of culture, entertainment, and excitement for all visitors.

La Désirade: An authentic haven of peace in Guadeloupe

A preserved island

From La Pointe des Châteaux, La Désirade appears like the keel of an overturned boat, its unique shape standing out against the horizon. With its pristine beaches shielded by a coral reef, the island is a haven for those seeking peace, perfect for swimming, diving, and nature lovers alike.

A population attached to its roots

La Désirade, an island rich in history, is home to a community descended from Bretons, Normans, and Poitevins. The island’s residents proudly maintain their heritage, offering authentic hospitality. Villages like Grande-Anse, Les Galets, and Baie-Mahault embody the island’s vibrant local culture, where traditions continue to thrive and shape daily life.

Nature and protected wildlife

The island is famous for its beautiful hiking trails, impressive iguanas, and rare birds, notably the white-tailed tropicbird. Nearby, Petite-Terre, a designated nature reserve, is a true paradise for nature lovers, offering preserved landscapes and exceptional wildlife.


The hidden gems and Creole soul of Guadeloupe



Les Saintes: Charm and history

Terre-de-Haut and its iconic bay

The bay of Terre-de-Haut, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, amazes visitors with its enchanting scenery. Its famous Sugar Loaf overlooks a dreamlike landscape, where turquoise waters meet sandy beaches and colorful houses, creating an authentic and warm atmosphere that invites discovery and escape.

A rich maritime past

Les Saintes, once the scene of the famous naval battle between the English and French, now attract visitors with their unique historical heritage. Fort Napoléon, beautifully restored, houses a fascinating museum that retraces the archipelago’s eventful history, its battles, traditions, and rich local culture.

Fishing tradition and local gastronomy

Traditional fishing aboard “saintoises” is still practiced today, providing fresh products daily. Local restaurants delight visitors with freshly caught fish, tasty lobsters, and Creole dishes spiced with tropical flavors, sometimes reminiscent of the culinary delights of Antigua and the Caribbean.

Marie-Galante: Authenticity and gentle living

A rural island with timeless charm

Marie-Galante, affectionately known as the "big pancake" for its flat, rolling landscape, enchants visitors with its expansive sugarcane fields, serene roads still traversed by ox carts, and tranquil atmosphere. Its pristine, powdery white sand beaches, framed by crystal-clear waters, make it one of the Caribbean's hidden gems.

The kingdom of rum and sugarcane

With its renowned distilleries, Marie-Galante is famous for producing some of the best rums in the world, appreciated by connoisseurs. Discovering the old windmills immerses you in the island’s rich sugar history, a true heritage that has shaped its past and still supports its local economy.

Hospitality and Creole traditions

The locals, known for their warm welcome and generosity, love to share their culinary specialties and authentic way of life. In colorful restaurants, often by the beach, you can savor typical dishes prepared with passion, reflecting the soul and traditions of the island.

Activities and must-have experiences in Guadeloupe

Hiking and wild nature

From Basse-Terre to Marie-Galante, the region offers a variety of hikes for nature enthusiasts. Adventurers can explore lush forest trails, discover hidden waterfalls, or sail to the pristine Petite-Terre, where they can observe turtles and iguanas in their natural habitat, all while immersing themselves in the region's untouched beauty.

Water sports and private beaches

The island is a true paradise for lovers of surfing, diving, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Its private beaches offer exclusive moments of relaxation, while its world-famous spots attract water sports enthusiasts seeking unforgettable adventures in an exceptional natural setting.

Excursions to neighboring islands and cultural getaways

From Guadeloupe, you can easily take an excursion to Antigua or extend your vacation to Cuba, both offering unique experiences. While on the island, explore vibrant local markets, fascinating museums, and exciting cultural events. These immerse visitors in the heart of Creole identity, showcasing the rich history and traditions of the region.

Conclusion: Guadeloupe, a destination with a thousand faces

Guadeloupe captivates with its richness and authenticity, offering a true kaleidoscope of experiences. Each island has its unique character: from the majestic Soufrière for hiking lovers, to La Désirade for a peaceful getaway, not forgetting Marie-Galante, where you can savor a delicious, aged rum in a timeless atmosphere. Paradise beaches, unspoiled nature, historical heritage, and vibrant Creole culture make up this Caribbean gem. Definitely a must-add to your travel list, alongside vacations in Cuba or a stay in Antigua, the island promises unforgettable memories and a discovery full of charm and authenticity.

Quick search

All inclusive packages - Guadeloupe

Frequently Asked Questions

The average duration of a direct flight from Montreal to Guadeloupe is 5 hours.
The length of an ideal stay in Guadeloupe is 7 days to enjoy a relaxing holiday; if the purpose of the trip is to travel to discover the island, plan a minimum duration of 10 days.
Guadeloupe is a French overseas department https://www.guadeloupe.gouv.fr/
First the capital, Pointe-à-Pitre to discover its history, its culture, its local population, its lively markets; then Sainte-Anne sur Grande-terre, for its market and the beaches; Le Gosier, for its warm and lively atmosphere; Les Abymes, the most populous city in Guadeloupe; Basse-Terre for volcanoes and hiking sites;
Bananas remain the primary operating product in Guadeloupe, as do sugar cane and its derivatives. Agriculture is therefore the most important economic activity, as is tourism.
Although the destination of Guadeloupe can be visited year-round, the best time to go considering the ease of obtaining flights which can be direct from Montreal, and having a drier tropical climate, is from December. until early May. During the summer months, from June to November, it is the wet season with more frequent tropical showers.
Guadeloupe is in the same UTC-4 time zone as Quebec; however, during the time change in Quebec in winter, you have to allow one hour difference since Guadeloupe does not change its time.
It is quite safe to travel to Guadeloupe. But as for all the countries of the world to visit, it is necessary at all times before departure to consult the Canadian government site which issues the updates for all the countries of the world; do not hesitate to consult the website: https://voyage.gc.ca/destinations/guadeloupe
The two islands are quite similar, both in their vegetation, their gastronomy, their hotel facilities, services, etc .; the island of Guadeloupe is larger than the island of Martinique. Martinique is 'wild', flowery and colorful, it is called the flower island. Guadeloupe is also 'wild', more mountainous, several territories to discover, beautiful areas of beaches, including Grande Anse and Sainte-Anne, among others.
You have to move around the island to appreciate its beauty; diving of all kinds, sailing sports, sugar cane or coffee plantations, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, visiting Pointe-à-Pitre for its history and culture, discovering the markets locals, taste Creole gastronomy, take an excursion to the Soufrière volcano, enjoy the beaches of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, La Désirade, bathe in hot springs, visit the Parc des Mamelles with the family, or go on a cruise on a catamaran, there are many activities.
Apart from the multitude of different birds (notice to Ornithologists ...), you will see in Guadeloupe raccoons, iguanas, lizards, turtles, humpback whales, crabs, sea urchins, several species of fish.
Bananas remain the primary operating product in Guadeloupe, as do sugar cane and its derivatives. http://www.odeadom.fr/banane/
The beaches of Guadeloupe are paradisiacal bathed by limpid waters; depending on the sectors of the archipelago, the beaches are lush or lunar, sometimes in a discreet or more touristy cove, small or of good extent like the beach of Grande-Anse, or wild like La Désirade, or of golden sand like the beach from Marie-Galante, or white sand like Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe is a haven of relaxation and natural beauty.
The fastest and most popular means of transportation from Pointe-à-Pitre to Saintes is the ferry; some local companies offer shuttles, the crossing time of which varies from one hour for a 'fast' shuttle or around 2:30 a.m. for a regular ferry, once or twice a week.
To get from Pointe-à-Pitre to Fort-de-France in Martinique, the fastest transport is a flight of just under an hour offered by Air Caraibes; it is also possible to get there by ferry for about 5 hours; the distance between the two capitals is 188km.
Pointe-à-Pitre is located on the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea.
Although the destination of Guadeloupe can be visited year-round, the best time to go to Pointe-à-Pitre, considering the ease of obtaining flights which can be direct from Montreal, and the island having a tropical climate drier, is from December until early May. During the summer months, from June to November, it is the wet season with more frequent tropical showers.
Guadeloupe-Pôle Caraibes Airport (PTP) is Guadeloupe's main airport, and the only international one, located in the heart of the archipelago. It used to be called Pointe-à-Pitre - Le Raizet.
Guadeloupe is in the same UTC-4 time zone as Quebec; however, during the time change in Quebec in winter, allow a difference of one hour since Pointe-à - Pitre in Guadeloupe does not change its time.
The good places to choose to stay in Guadeloupe are the village of Club Med La Caravelle, the Toubana Hotel & Spa, the Créole Beach Hotel, the Auberge de la Vieille Tour, the Relais du Moulin, the Langley Resort Hotel Fort Royal. Other suggestions: www.voyagesaquaterra.com
All-inclusives are not very common in Guadeloupe, with the exception of Club Med La Caravelle on the superb Sainte-Anne beach; most of the hotels on the island offer breakfast or half-board stays, such as La Toubana or La Créole Beach.
Pointe-à-Pitre being the economic center of Guadeloupe, a visit to the colorful local markets, the large park of the Place de la Victoire, the Le Gosier marina, the Museums, the Cathedral, the shopping streets, the terraces, are some of the activities to discover.
#Guadeloupe #Caribbean Islands #White Sandy Beaches #Lush Nature #Creole Cuisine #Hiking #Waterfalls #Scuba Diving #Marine Life #Volcanoes #Caribbean Culture #Music and Dance #Local Markets #Charming Accommodation #Boat Excursions #Tropical Relaxation #Snorkeling #Tourism in Guadeloupe #Outdoor Adventure