Mention Guadeloupe and images of heavenly white sand beaches immediately spring to mind. And you’d be right. But Guadeloupe is an island with a thousand things to do and see that you’d never suspect.
We’ll tell you what to do in Guadeloupe during your stay. You’ll discover Guadeloupe in a whole new light.
We can assure you that you won’t be bored!
What to do in Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe
The eastern part of the island, Grande-Terre, is also known as the island of beaches and dream hotels. However, there are many other treasures to be found here: you’ll discover sublime landscapes, soak up Creole gastronomic culture and learn about the history of slavery in the Caribbean.
Marvel at Pointe des Châteaux
The Pointe des Châteaux in Saint-François is an absolutely sumptuous natural site that you won’t want to miss during your stay in Guadeloupe. The coastal strip offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding islands. It’s a real sight to behold, battered by the sea, waves and wind.
Did you know that this is the island’s most visited site, with 500,000 visitors a year?
From the top of Pointe de la Grande Vigie
The Pointe de la Grande Vigie in Anse-Bertrand (northern part of Grande-Terre) offers a privileged view of Montserrat, Antigua and La Désirade. From the top of the cliffs, which rise more than 80 metres above the sea, you can dominate the sea.
After walking along a rocky path, you discover the end-of-the-world spectacle offered by the headland, with a familiar and unexpected feeling of the Breton coast!
Remembering the former Petit-Canal Prison
Legend has it that Légitimus, a politician of the last century, was locked up in this prison. When the gendarmes came for him, his cell was empty and a wild banyan tree had grown there. Today, this tree is called the Cursed Fig Tree. It has invaded the prison and its roof. It gives the place a magical, bewitching atmosphere.
Relax on the dream beaches of Grande-Terre
Sainte-Anne beaches
The beach at Bourg de Sainte-Anne is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Come and relax and sunbathe in a friendly atmosphere. The water is warm and the lagoon superb. After your swim, drop by the market just behind, or enjoy a fresh fish dish in one of the small restaurants lining the beach.
La Caravelle beach, at the entrance to Sainte-Anne (if you’re coming from Gosier), is a well-known Club Med beach. You’re sure to find the activity you like here: lounging, swimming, surfing or windsurfing.
If you like peace and quiet, you’ll love Bois Jolan beach. It stretches for almost a kilometer. Enjoy a family picnic in the shade of the coconut palms. The water is shallow, making it a safe place for children to swim.
Gosier Beach: the popular Datcha beach
La Datcha beach is very popular, not least because it’s easily accessible from the town of Gosier. Lovers of jogging and early-morning bathing enjoy the beach from sunrise. And night owls can stay until late at night, as part of the area is lit up. Big plus: it’s one of the few beaches on the island to offer showers.
La Plage du Souffleur in Port-Louis
Also known as Anse du Souffleur beach, this white-sand beach is a little paradise, ideal for relaxing in the shade of a grape tree while enjoying a delicious coconut sorbet.
Don’t miss a visit to the marine cemetery, where you’ll see sandy graves decorated with lambis shells. Linger in the village of Port-Louis to discover the charm of its typical wooden houses and the church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours.
Discover Creole culture at Pointe-à-Pitre’s Spice Market
The spice market is a must-see if you’re visiting Pointe-à-Pitre. The Saint-Antoine market is located right in the city center, under a large metal hall. Saffron, ginger, coriander, cloves, colombo – it’s an explosion of scents, flavors and colors. If you’re looking for a gift, you’ll love the local handicrafts.
A little history
ACT Memorial
This is the place to be if you want to learn about the history of the slave trade in its entirety. The ACT Memorial gives you a unique experience as you pass through the hold of a ship, just like the African slaves.
Musée Edgar-Clerc
The Musée de la préhistoire amérindienne Edgard-Clerc in Le Moule traces the history of the island’s first occupants: the Amerindians.
The last distillery in Grande-Terre: Damoiseau
Visits to the Damoiseau distillery in Le Moule are free and open to the public. The distillery was founded in the late XIXᵉ century and has been owned by the Damoiseau family since 1942. A must: the Cabane à Rhum where you can purchase a fine selection of rums or battery syrup.
What to do in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
Basse-Terre is renowned for its lush natural beauty and authentic wilderness. Hiking, waterfalls, nature reserves, volcanoes, mangroves… it’s all there to immerse you in Guadeloupe’s natural riches. If you like to get off the beaten track and find out what to do in Basse-Terre, you’ll love what follows.
Chutes du carbet
The Carbet torrent rises at La Soufrière and has 3 waterfalls. The 2ᵉ chute is the most beautiful (and also the most accessible). It is an impressive 110 m high. It’s a breathtaking sight.
La Soufrière, the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles
The Soufrière volcano, also called the “Old Lady” by locals, is a volcanic complex made up of 5 volcanoes: La Citerne, La Madeleine, L’Échelle, Carmichaël and Le Nez Cassé.
Once you’ve reached its summit, known as La Découverte, you’ll be able to admire one of the finest panoramas in the West Indies. The mountain ranges of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre unfolding before your eyes will leave you with unforgettable memories. In the distance, you’ll see the islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, Petite-Terre, La Désirade, Montserrat and Dominica.
The magic of mangroves in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
Discover a fascinating environment: the mangrove swamps of Guadeloupe, located in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve. This is in fact the island’s largest bay. It is home not only to the largest mangrove swamp, but also to the longest coral reef in the Lesser Antilles.
Here’s a must-visit spot for access to strings of uninhabited islets, heavenly lagoons and sandbanks ideal for diving.
That said, we don’t recommend going alone, as there’s plenty to get lost in. Blue Lagoon organizes a number of excursions by boat to take you into this wild and unique ecosystem, in the heart of lush nature.
An unusual gourmet stopover: the Maison du Cacao Gwakoko
Did you know that Gwakoko is the only cocoa plantation in Guadeloupe? Here, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience as you make your own chocolate bar amidst the cacao trees, while helping to roast and grind the cocoa. The chocolate workshop ends with an informative and entertaining guided tour of the plantation. A must-see in Guadeloupe for chocolate lovers!
Image credits – Gwakako.com
Bouillante Zoological Park
The Guadeloupe Zoo is home to over 90 animal species from the West Indies and South America. It’s a magical place for young and old, right in the middle of the rainforest. Admire racoons, iguanas, feline parrots, monkeys and panthers.
A visit to the canopy allows you to walk on suspension bridges and safely access life in the world above, with a privileged view of Guadeloupe’s natural setting and wildlife. Prepare to be amazed by species of trees, flowers and plants you’ve never seen before: orchids, wild pineapples…
Now you know what to do in Guadeloupe
As you can see, even if Guadeloupe is highly appreciated for its dreamy beaches, the island is full of treasures and riches, whether cultural, natural or gastronomic.
That’s the strength of this Caribbean island: there isn’t just one Guadeloupe, there’s your Guadeloupe. Because it’s you who chooses to build the experience you want to live there, based on encounters and affinities.
Living an experience that’s just like you also means staying in the place that best suits your tastes and desires, so you can be as close as possible to the activities you enjoy. Prestige Villa Rental is the real estate agency for top-of-the-range villa rentals, capable of finding you the property that will open the doors to an unforgettable experience, whether in Grande-Terre or Basse-Terre.
