Explore the treasures of the Guadeloupe archipelago: the islands not to be missed!

Discovering Guadeloupe means enjoying postcard-worthy scenery, extraordinary wildlife and flora, a cuisine rich in flavour and colour, and a cultural diversity and heritage of which its people are proud. Guadeloupe is a dream. This little tropical jewel is a real treat, and the beauty of the archipelago is breathtaking.

The islands of Guadeloupe, with their lagoons and still-unspoilt wild landscapes, attract lovers of idyllic beaches with turquoise water and nature lovers alike. Made up of several must-sees, the archipelago offers a diverse and varied landscape. Each island has its own culture and traditions.

Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre is a limestone plateau with a landscape of arid plains dominated by low hills. Its highest point reaches only 177 m. In the north and east, plains stretch out to cliffs that merge into the Atlantic Ocean. The south and west are formed by the plains of Les Abymes, some of which are covered by vast wetlands known as mangroves.

The south coast has crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches protected by coral reefs. The island's main tourist infrastructure is found here. Farming consists mainly of sugar cane growing.

Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre is characterised by its rolling hills and the many rivers and valleys that cross it. This is where the Soufrière volcano rises to 1,467 m. Much of its central area is covered in dense, humid forest, which is home to France's seventh national park, covering 17,300 hectares. The town of Basse-Terre is also the administrative centre.

Marie-Galante

South of Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante is the third-largest island of the French Antilles. It takes its name from one of Christopher Columbus's three caravels (La Maria Galanta). Few cars, endless fields of sugar cane, magnificent beaches and exceptional marine life characterise this island paradise.

Far from the tourist crowds, discreet Marie-Galante is an unforgettable journey, not only through space but also through time. For this island, known as “the quiet island” or “the island of a hundred windmills”, sometimes recalls the Guadeloupe of old: a Caribbean island whose bewitching fragrance lingers long after you return to mainland France.

La Désirade

Two kilometres wide and eleven kilometres long, the island takes its name from Christopher Columbus's joy when, after months at sea, he discovered this land: “the desired one”. It was once a place of exile for pirates.

Of all the islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago, La Désirade is without doubt the most secret. Less well known than Marie-Galante and Les Saintes, it promises a peaceful escape in a rustic natural setting. Those who enjoy quiet visits and authentic discoveries will be delighted. Escape the bustle of the coast and set sail for the wildest island in the archipelago!

Les Saintes

Located 10 km south of Basse-Terre, Les Saintes consist of two main islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, home to about 3,000 inhabitants and surrounded by six uninhabited islands. Terre-de-Haut has spectacular bays and many beaches ranked among the 3 most beautiful in the world. The economy of Les Saintes is based on tourism and the traditional fishing industry, well known throughout the Caribbean, particularly boatbuilding.