Top 5 original must-see visits on the Guadeloupe islands

If I say “Guadeloupe islands”, what do you think of? I'd bet my right arm that you immediately think of idyllic Caribbean beaches and the delicious cocktails you dream of tasting. A superb image, you will say, and I can only agree: it makes you dream. What makes you dream even more is all the riches whose existence you don't know about.

Today we invite you to discover our top 5 visits for getting to know the Guadeloupe islands.

The Parc Archéologique des Roches Gravées

The Guadeloupe islands have a rich history, and the proof is in the Trois-Rivières area of Basse-Terre. The Parc Archéologique des Roches Gravées is a rare recognition of Amerindian civilisation. There you will find engraved stones and more than 200 drawings by Arawak Indians dating back more than 1,500 years. A little extra? This little gem is run and guided by locals.

Set off to discover these rocks in a garden of lush vegetation where you can admire plants typical of the Caribbean. Have fun recognising them: calabash tree, cassava, castor oil plant, cocoa tree and vetiver are all there.

- entry is free
- You can taste exotic fruit, a very playful taste experience for your children!
- It is only nine minutes from Jardin Malanga.

The Morne-à-l’Eau cemetery

Morne-à-l’Eau is a small commune on Grande-Terre known for its cemetery. Odd to visit a cemetery, you will say? Well, know that the commemoration of the dead in Creole culture is very different from that in mainland France. On All Saints' Day, families gather to spend time with their departed and recall the good times and memories they shared with them. Sadness alternates with good humour and the happiness of being with family and sharing memories.

This cemetery is surely the expression of the importance of honouring one's departed and keeping their memory alive. In front of you stand not granite or marble tombs but real little houses. Some families even called on architects. These tombs are all carefully decorated in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Why these checkerboards? No one really has the explanation, but several hypotheses exist.

Since 2015 this cemetery has been listed as a French historic monument, like Père Lachaise in Paris. Believe me, it is worth the detour.

Dive into the flavours of Creole cuisine!

Guadeloupe is an island for food lovers, and you are setting off on a delicious culinary journey. Creole gastronomy is an exotic cocktail unique in the world.

Here are a few dishes that seem essential to me:

• The Bokit is a sandwich whose special feature is that it is fried! (You can find a stand literally on every street corner.)
• West Indian salt cod acras: the name speaks for itself, as an aperitif or a side dish, they are always delicious.
• Also discover other traditional Creole dishes such as chiquetaille de morue, fricassée de lambis (conch) or lobster dombrés, bébélé and many more.

Climb the Soufrière volcano

Affectionately nicknamed “vié madanm la”, the Soufrière volcano is on Basse-Terre and, when the sky is clear, it offers marvellous panoramas over the tropical forest and the ocean.

An unmissable walk to make the most of the richness of its paths. Stop for a picnic (don't forget to take your rubbish with you when you leave: nature is more beautiful when we respect it). We also advise you to bathe in the Bains Jaunes or discover some of the many waterfalls.

Once at the summit, you will be rewarded for your efforts with a breathtaking view.

One thing is certain: this walk will give you a glimpse of the jewels the Guadeloupe islands hold, and you will go to bed with stars in your eyes!

Water activities for sport and fun on your holiday in the Guadeloupe islands!

Whether you are an adrenaline fan or not at all, the sea offers a multitude of activities (or non-activity… ;) )

For surfers, we strongly recommend the Saint-François spot, where the wave is clean and straight thanks to the coral on the sea bed. For the more experienced, it will rather be the Le Moule spot: depending on the power of the swell, the wave can suit all levels of surfer and guarantees you a very good time.

Of course, all water sports are offered at many watersports centres: kayak, paddleboard for the calmer, kitesurfing, windsurfing — every kind of board is possible!

For the less sporty and for families, the Guadeloupe islands also offer plenty of lagoons for the eyes and for swimming! Did you know that the Saint-François lagoon was ranked the 6th most beautiful lagoon in the world by the Petit Futé? We also note the beauty of the Sainte-Anne lagoon, lined by an immense beach. Its waters, protected by a coral barrier, are shallow: put on your mask and fins and you can see a multitude of colourful fish!