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ISLANDS OF GUADELOUPE: Guadeloupe, Basse Terre and Grande Terre

Guadeloupe, 1 433 km2, 335.000 inhabitants, is made
up of two islands. Basse-Terre called, “The island of beautiful
water,” by the ancient Caribbean tribe Karukera, and Grande-Terre.
Fundamentally different from one another, the first mountainous and
volcanic, rich with forests, rivers and waterfalls; the second,
stretches out along a strip of calcium and coral deposits, is
practically flat apart from a small region called, “Grands Fonds,”
which is formed by a series of gulleys and sheer hills. Grande Terre
and Basse Terre are connected to one another by a bridge that
crosses the Riviere Salée, a sea passage of 3 km which divides the
two islands. |
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Basse Terre |
Basse-Terre,
derived its name from the mariner’s tradition of naming
their landings according to the winds. Basse-Terre
translated wronghly into, “Low ground,” was downwind at
the time. Locations up wind were called capesterre. An
irony of it's name is that Terre-Basse, is the region
which hosts the volcano La Soufrière, a full 1467 metres
high, and an elevated area of approximately 850 kmq, a
region almost completely covered by forest.

The volcano La Soufrière with its forest covered peaks,
dominates the island: a cathedral of green which
descends to the sea. The north east coast stretches into
cultivated hills, whilst the forests on the south west
coast stretch to the sea’s edge.
The central, volcanic, mountainous region runs from
south to north. Stretching from the the volcano La
Soufrière to the crest of Le Mamelles, which make up
part of the national park of Guadeloupe: 17.300 hectares
of rain forest . The park, one of the most beautiful in
the Antilles, hosts more than 3 000 species of plants, a
hundred of which are varieties of orchids. The numerous
footpaths throughout the forest, the volcano and the
beautiful waterfalls all make Guadeloupe a true paradise
for those who love the outdoors, trekking and canyoning.
The beaches with crystalline waters and rich sea beds.
go to
Beaches of Guadeloupe

Besides the
natural beauty of the island, Basse-Terre is also
interesting for its historical points and aspects. An
important patrimony of the island, which includes
archaeological finds in Trois Rivière and Plessis,
testimony to the pre Colombian civilisation of
Guadeloupe, as well as Fort Delgres, built in 1650 to
defend Guadeloupe from the English, the Hindu temple of
Changy, the largest on the island, witness to the
islands important Indian community. There are numerous
plantations from the colonial period which are open to
the public.
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La
Route de la Traversée |
A self drive tour of about 35 km
which is true to its French name which means, “The cross
over road.”. From coast to coast, the road begins after
Vernou (D23), leading up through the forests to climb Le
Mamelles (615 m) before descending towards Point Noir.
This area is especially beautiful during the periods
when flamboyants are in bloom, from April to the end of
August.

Numerous points of natural beauty and
interest can be found throughout the national park of
Guadeloupe: the falls aux ecrevisses, easily reachable
on foot, the Maison de la Foret, has numerous
educational information boards on the flora and fauna of
the region. The area is also a starting point for many a
forest trail. Not far from the Maison de la Foret the
creek at Bras-David is an ideal location to take a dip
and freshen up after a few hours driving. A needed rest
before scaling up the west coast, which will take you up
to Morne à Louis, where you can enjoy the view down over
Basse Terre. Merely 1 km after Morne à Louis, in the
direction of Pointe à Pitre, you will get to the Parc
des Mamelles. A forestall area offering several trails,
all of which will help you discover Guadeloupe’s natural
beauty, her flowers, animals and insects.
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Grande Terre |
Grande-Terre, much smaller than Basse
Terre, was mistakenly named so by the early settlers, to
whom this seemed the larger island. Once, almost
completely dedicated to the cultivation of sugar cane,
is now home to the principal tourist industries, thanks
to its white sandy beaches and dry climate.

Gosier, where the largest proportion
of the islands’ hotels are located, Sainte Anne, a small
borough famous for its beaches, and Saint François, one
of the most important tourism hubs in Guadeloupe,
represent the areas most developed touristic areas.
Tourists are drawn by the beaches and ideal climate.

The north of Grande Terre offers splendid views and
beaches privy to mass tourism, which remains
concentrated along the south coast. Travelling across
the countryside dotted with ruined wind mills you will
reach the north coast. The coastline runs from a height
of 84 metres at Pointe Vigie, falling to the Atlantic
Ocean. Port d’Enfer, at 25 km. from Le Moule, is another
incredible landscape, a tongue of ocean reaches inland
to create a lagoon with a coastline of rocks and grass.
You could be forgiven for believing that Pointe à Pitre,
the most developed city in Guadeloupe and which sustains
the economic activity of the region is the capital of
Guadeloupe.
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The beaches of Grande
Terre |
The most reknowned beaches are to the
south of Grande-Terre, but those to the north are
perhaps the most beautiful, less visited and some still
pristine.

Between Port-Louis (Plage du
Souffleur) and Pointe de la Grande Vigie there are
several beaches of note: l’Anse du Souffleur a few km
from Port-Louis, (Don’t stop at the beach where the pay
for park facilities are located, continue by car, passed
the coastal cemetery on the coast, here the beaches are
more natural and less busy); The Anse Laborde at 1,5 km.
to the north of Pointe Vigie, has no shade. At the exit
from the borough of Anse Bertrand to the south , the
beach la Chapelle with its palms just a few metres from
the water’s edge is the most frequented.
The coast of La Moule is reknowned amongst the
international surfing community international level.
Continuing south you will get to Pointe des Chateaux a
few more bends and you’ll find the long beaches of
Grande Anse des Salines, ideal for bathing. To be
mentioned are Anse à la Gourde, Anse a l’Eau e l’Anse
Tartare, exceptional beaches that were popular with the
naturalists in the 70’s due to the location sheltered
from the ocean’s waves, truly beautiful beaches.
go to
Beaches of Guadeloupe
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Diving in Guadeloupe |
Whether you
are an export diver or are simply interested in finding
out more about this sport, Guadeloupe offers you some
beautiful sites that are each unique. Dive sites range
from the open ocean off the coast of Grande-Terre to the
tranquil waters of the Caribbean in Basse-Terre. All
sites are characterised by spectacular sea beds, rich
with life and offer experiences that are beyond special.
Guadeloupe hosts numerous dive clubs, all instructors
are fully qualified professionals and able to issue
both, the French (FFESSM or ANMP) or American (PADI),
dive qualifications. |
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La Soufrière |
The
highest part of the Antilles, at 1 467 m above sea level
is also probably the wettest part, with almost 10m of
water a year! It is quiet difficult to photograph the
peak of Soufrière, which is shrouded in cloud and mist.
The volcano is active but perhaps one of the most
passive in the world, no craters or lava flows. The
landscape is near luna with bizarre rock formations ,
gas expelling chasms and faults all encased by a rich
savanna, filled with ferns, wild mountain bananas, moss,
lichen and vine. The numerous faults which wheeze
sulphuric vapor and gas, which all bear witness to the
activity of the “vieille dame”, as she is affectionately
known by the locals .The views from La Soufriere are
truly exceptional, in good weather it is possible to see
Martinique and Dominica. It will take you about 2-3
hours to reach the the peak of the volcano travelling on
the Chemin de Dames and get back to the parking. To
enjoy La Soufrière completely you should plan to be
there for 3-4 hours.
La Soufrière is not only a volcano. Additionally,
accessible from the other side of the Soufriere you can
get to Chutse du Carbet. Another nice trip is to La
Citerne, an ancient crater with a lake at the bottom.
For the more experienced Le Traces visited by many, is
very challenging, due to the often muddy terrain.
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Rivers, waterfalls and
nature |
Les Chutes du Carbet
On the east slopes of
Soufrière, at 1300 meters altitude, is the Grand River
Carbet, who with her three falls form the highest
waterfalls of the Lesser Antilles. The most easily
accessible and best known is the second, which is 110
meters in height. The trail is well signposted and is
not more than half an hour walk from the park.
Whilst visiting the area, take time to take in the
forest; Giant leafed Philodendrons ferns reaching up to
to 15 meters, trees of 30-40 meters in height, including
white & chestnut gum trees. The first cascade of 120
meters is even more exceptional, but not easily
accessible for those who are not well trained (4 hours
round trip), the trails are often unstable, and when it
rains (frequent) are dangerous. The ground is frangible
and the streams quickly break their banks, becoming
dangerous to cross.

The third waterfall is a mere 20 meters high, but is
also less crowded. Easily reachable with a path
beginning at Petit-Marquisat, (1 hour ride,), and is the
only one where you can bathing is permitted. For safety
reasons after the earthquake of 2004 is not possible to
get to the foot of the other two waterfalls.
For mother nature lovers, Trace du Grand Etang is a
beautiful hike, a journey of about an hour you will
discover this great lake. 20 hectares of volcanic
origin, which is home to many species of birds, fish and
crustaceans but unfortunately also to colonies of
mosquitoes (attention leeches in the water!)
After Capesterre go southbound towards Saint.Sauveur.
When you get there turn right and continue for about 9
km until you get to the parking at Bains Jaunes, then
turn into the path called Pas du Roy
For the third waterfall, after Capesterre turn right
onto the D3 towards Routhiers and head south. Pass the
village to reach the end of the road and the waterfall.
The waterfalls of the river Moreau
At a hundred meters in height, these are
just as beautiful as those of Carbet and are surrounded
by thick green forests. After about 2 km from the traces
the
in the forest, the trail forks. Take the right fork to
get to the waterfall of Ravine Mangle. Fork to the left
and you will get to the spectacular waterfall of Racoon
Ravine. Unfortunately, after the earthquake of 2004
which caused major landslides the traces is no longer
viable. Inquire at the office ONF, tel. 0596 992899 if
the route has been restored. Rather than attempting a
challenging journey muddy ground and tumultuous rivers.
At Douville, 10 km north of Goyave take the forest road
for about 10 km to get to the car park, from there go on
foot through in the forest. The journey takes about 5
hours there and back.
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The Cul-de-sac Marine
Reserve |

La Réserve Grand Cul-de-sac Marin, founded in 1987,
protects 2115 hectares of sea, 1622 hectares of mangrove
forest along the coast and the large lagoon that
separates Grand Terre from Basse Terre. An exceptional
site for its ecosystem, not just in renowned in
Guadeloupe, but also in all the Caribbean. The area is
wonderful to visit. There are several uninhabited
islands in the lagoon, protected by a coral reef of more
than 20 km and their mangrove forests. The whole area is
strictly regulated, organized tourist activities are
prohibited. Ilets within the reserve, considered to be
beautiful equal to the Maldives, all have different
names Fajou Christophe de la Biche, Mangue Laurette and
ilet à de Carénage.

The ilet Caret, much further from the coast and out of
the reserve, is a destination for many excursions and
trips. Try to get there before the crowds, after 1600 to
truly enjoy this little paradise. A good starting point
from which to explore the reserve of Grand Cul-de-sac
Marin is Sainte-Rose, where you can get some good offers
is on the seafront. You can hire excursions by motor
boat or rent a kayak.
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Pointe à Pitre |
The economic
capital of Guadeloupe, along with its neighbouring
council of Abymes and Gosier, form an urban area of some
100,000 inhabitants, which gives you no impression of
being on a Caribbean island. The highway traffic lead
through industrial areas where you can find many
commercial centres, large business centres, that is
until you reach the centre of Pointe à Pitre and find
the atmosphere of a Creole city. Although it has been
developed and has heavy traffic, the city has managed to
keep its Creole identity and many of its beautiful
Creole houses.

To must visit the Shoelcher museum, which is homed by a
beautiful Creole house of 1887 in rue Peynier.
The city museum at Saint-John Perse in rue Noziéres is
located in a most beautiful colonial dwelling at Pointe
à Pitre, built by the famous French architect Gustave
Eiffel in 1870. The museum is dedicated to the poet and
is a reconstruction of a typical home in the late 1800s.

The two museums are located in the centre of the old
quarter of the port, which lends itself to a stroll
among the food and retail shops. The colourful market on
the sea front at Place de la Victoria, is surrounded by
palm trees and is that of Sainte Antoine. It lies at the
corner of rue Peynier and rue Frebault, one of the most
authentic parts of Pointe à Pitre. The church of
Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul with its pavement flower
market offers a pleasant view of life in the Antilles.
Despite the difficulties of traffic and parking may want
to visit Pointe à Pitre in the hectic, yet more genuine
morning, than during the afternoon which is more sleepy.
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The ilet of Gosier |

In front of the beach in Gosier,
one of the major tourist centres of Guadeloupe with the
largest concentration of hotels and nightclubs which
takes its name from the large pelicans that inhabit the
lagoon, there is this small island with a lighthouse. A
small corner of paradise during the week, just a few
steps from the hotels. You can get there by Yole boat.
Catch the yole from the pier on the beach in at Gosier,
the right-hand wharf, 6 euro return. During the weekend
it gets very busy.
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Les Grands Fonds |

The Grand Fonds territory is a chaotic succession of
valleys and mornes encircled by a limestone plateau
between Sainte Anne, Les Abymes and La Moule. The region
historically was a hiding place and shelter for many a
aristocrats attempting to flee the massacres of the
French Revolution. Blancs-Matignon, means white area and
was one of the first locations at this period, there is
still a small farming community there which has survived
consanguinity.

The last baobab of Guadeloupe with its impressive roots
system can be found in the vicinity of the village
Grands-Fonds. It's worth a car trip, provided that you
do not get lost in the labyrinth renamed the green
Basse-Terre.
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Les Ilets de Petite
Terre |

Petite Terre, another nature reserve, is a micro coral
archipelago located between La Desirade and Les Saintes,
consisting of two islands, Terre de Bas and Terre de
Haut. A little paradise inhabited by only two guards and
the iguanas, Petite Terre is accessible from Saint
François on the island of Guadeloupe, by daily sailing
excursions avoid the weekends and Easter. |
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Visititing Basse Terre |
Wilderness, exuberant and beautiful
postcard beaches. easy access for sports: water,
mountain and river, beautiful dive spots and many places
to visit both historical and natural. There are numerous
villages and towns where you can stop the car stop and
stretch your legs.
Sainte
Rose

This town is
dedicated to sugar cane cultivation. It’s a fisherman’s
port and is pretty and lively. It is an ideal departure
point for excursions to Grand Cul-de-sac Marin.
Approximately 5km up into the hills and you can get to
the sulphuric waters of Sofaia, from where numerous
trekking trips depart. You can also easily reach the Rum
Museum; the Domain de Severin distillery.
Deshaies

Once
dedicated to the cultivation of coffee and of cotton,
today Deshaies is a quaint fisherman’s village and the
touristic center of the north of Basse Terre. Deshaies
is well known for its beautiful beaches and diving
spots. The Botanic Garden also deserves a visit.
Pointe Noire
Point Noire
and Bouillante were the most isolated towns of Guadalupe
up to the ‘50s, until the road to Deshaies was built.
The road of the Traversée was constructed 10 years
later. The isolation of Pointe Noire contributed in
keeping intact its Creole Heritage. The history of
Pointe Noire is tied to the cultivation of coffee and
also to its fine carpentary & cabinet making, due to the
richness of its fine woods and timber from the nearby
forests. Today Pointe Noire is still considered the wood
capital of Guadalupe. The Cafeterie Beausejour at Acomat,
an antique coffee plantation, today a museum, the Orchid
Park at Trou Caverne, the Maison du bois, La Maison du
Cacao and the Case à Vanille are all a must to visit.
Bouillante
Founded in
the XVII century, it’s one of the most antique hamlets
of Guadalupe. It takes its name from the numerous hot
water sources (approx 80°C) which can be found in the
area, even in the sea. Today this natural resource is
used to create electricity. All year, millions of
tourists visit Malendure with the Ilets Pigeons and it’s
numerous diving spots.
Vieux Habitants
An authentic
hamlet, one of the oldest of the Island. Of great
interest is the XVII century church. The hamlet was
dedicated to coffee cultivation, there are still 3 in
the area today. A must to visit: the museum of Cafè
Chaulet, the home of La Grivelière and the plantation of
Café Vanibel.
L’Habitation
cafetière La Griveliere - Vieux Habitants
La
fabrique de la paroisse Saint Joseph des Vieux Habitant,
now classified as a historical monument, is a dwelling
built in the 1700's by monks and missionaries who
converted to the production of coffee, with the arrival
of 3 plants from Paris in 1726. A testimonies to
colonialism, the habitation, once dedicated to the
production of coffee, vanilla and cocoa still has intact
its water mill, its masters house, the slave houses is
now a museum.
Follow the signs from Vieux Habitants for about 5 km in
through the forest. Closed in September and the first
week of October.
Basse Terre
The administrative capital of Guadeloupe, it was the
first city to be founded in 1643. Developed by the sea
and dominated by the mountains and the volcano of
Soufriére, it is a lively city and full of character.
The distillery of Bologne produces one of the best white
rums of Guadeloupe.
The Fort Delgres

On the border with the town of Basse-Terre, the Fort
Saint Charles, created to protect against British
attacks, the former capital of Guadeloupe. Many ships
have anchored in its the bay in front of the mouth of
the river Galion. It was renamed Delgres Louis in 1989
in memory of the 'mulatto' (children born of the master
with mixed race,) colonel who fought against
reinstitution of slavery in 1794. Unfortunately it was
restored after eight years. The fort dates back to 1650.
A national monument since 1977, it stands out as one of
the most beautiful examples of Vauban military
architecture, for its size and the excellent state of
its buildings and defensive structures.
The structure also hosts, the ramparts which dominate
the city of Basse-Terre and which are littered with
cannon guns, a large renovated barracks at its heart,
the tank built in 1702 by Père Labat, the prison and the
soldiers' cemetery where lies the remains of the famous
admiral Gourbeyere governor of Guadeloupe from 1640 to
1634. It makes for a walk back in time.
Free admission. Open from 8 am to 16.30.. From the city
center, take the first right after the post office, then
take the first left. Parking is outside the fort, (Do
not leave anything in view in the car), easily reachable
on foot from the center.
Saint Claude

At 500mt above sea level, Saint
Claude is a pleasant town surrounded by forests and at
only 6km from Basse Terre. A worthwhile visit, just to
admire the beautiful villas of the last century built by
the bourgeoisie of Guadeloupe to take advantage of the
mild climate.
The roches gravées - Trois Rivières

Dated the 300 /400 ad, the carved
rocks are one of the few traces of pre columbian
archaeological remains in the Antilles. The many massive
volcanic rocks reached as far as Trois Rivières with the
explosive of La Madeleine. The Arawaks carved and
engraved signs and anthropomorphic figures on 18 rocks
around the archaeological park of Trois-Rivières. This
tropical garden of 1 hectare, in addition to hosting the
roches gravées, is also very beautiful to visit and a
picturesque route.. One of the most famous rocks is at
the Museum of Natural History in New York. To reach the
park, follow signs to Le parc des Roches Gravee in
Trois-Rivières. For information tel. 0590 997759
Capesterre-Belle-Eau
This town is mainly agricultural,
dedicated to banana plantations and is home to the most
important Indian community of Guadeloupe. The waterfalls
of Carbet are the most important tourist attraction in
the area. Also of interest is the Longueteau distillery.
The cemetery of slaves - Capesterre
Not far away from Capesterre, an
ancient slave you can find some twenty anonymous mounds
decorated with typical conch shells (Strombus gigantis),
some graves are decorated with green-white plants called
neiges (snow), others with flowers, but all point
towards Africa.
At 1 km. North of the river after Capesterre take the
road in land to reach the Habitation-Bois Debout, then
turn right.. After aprox ten meters, walk through the
woods southbound. The cemetery is about ten meters away.
The Hindu temple

Whilst traveling through Guadeloupe you
will see numerous Hindu tombs, especially in
Grand-Terre. The temple of Indian polychrome Changy
dedicated to the goddess Mayinmen, just a few km. from
Capesterre, is the largest and most important of
Guadeloupe. The arrival of the first Indians dating back
to the mid-1800 to "replace" the slave workers in the
fields of sugar cane, gave birth to the Indian
community, which is now estimated at about 60,000
people, concentrated mainly at Capesterre Belle-Eau, Le
Moule , Petit-Canal, Port Louis, which once were
important areas for the production of sugar cane.
Inside the temple is not accessible. Ceremonies on
Saturday and Sunday.
On the N1 at about 3 km. North of Capesterre.
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Visiting Grande-Terre |
An area of long, white and
beautiful beaches with turquoise lagoons protected by
coral reefs. To the north you can admire the sugar cane
plantations shimmering in the sunlight.
Industrialisation is however present at Grande-Terre
around the Pointe à Pitre area. Numerous restaurants and
a lively night life enhance the touristic area of Gosier,
Sainte Anne and St. Francois, with a selection of sports
both watersports and landsports.
Le Fort Fleur-d’Epée at Bas
du Fort - Gosier

The largest fortress ever built in
Grande-Terre. Built between 1750 and 1763 based on an
octagonal base, was a strong point for naval battles.
The British fleet occupied the fort for a short period
in 1794. Abandoned in 1817 after the end of maritime
rivalry between France and England, today, after an
excellent restoration, the fort is open to the public,
it also occasionally hosts exhibitions. To visit the
fort which has a superb view of the bay, the gunpowder
storeroom and the underground tunnels, follow the road
to Gosier from Bas du Fort. Open daily from 9am (10 am
on Monday) to 5pm 17th Free admission.
Sainte Anne

A lively
touristic location well known for its breathtaking
beaches. A delightful sea front with a roadside seafront
market plus a number of restaurants & lolòs.
Saint
François

Originally a
fishing village, founded in 1683 by a Franciscan mission
Saint François has become one of the most developed
touristic areas of Guadeloupe, with luxury hotels, an 18
hole golf course and a marina. St Francois though has
not forgotten its agricultural roots. A few years after
the abolition of slavery, Indian workers where brought
to Guadeloupe to replace the slaves in the fields and in
manufacturing. This lead to Saint Francois being the
largest Indian community of Guadeloupe. This is apparent
when you tour the nearby countryside where the courerful
hindu flags shimmer on the tombs at the Hindou cemetery
just a few hundred meters from the beach at west-Raisins
Clairs.
Saint Francois 's agricultural roots is reflected in its
traditions. le concours de boeuf tirant
attracts many a visitor to the area, a race between cows
to reach the top of a 200 meters climb pulling a heavy
cart of 1 to 2.5 tons. The races are organized from May
to December in almost all the councils of Grande-Terre.
Contact the local tour office for exact dates &
locations.
La Pointe
des Chateaux

Follow the coastal road out of Saint Francois and you
will find 10km of beautiful beaches and bays. At the end
of this road you will get to Pointe de Chateaux famous
for its dramatic scenery and one of the most visited
locations of Guadeloupe. There are numerous restaurants
and lolòs in the area.
Le Moule

On the Atlantic coast, Le Moule
is one of the oldest towns of Guadeloupe. Founded in
1680 under the name of Portland it was a very active
port until the beginning of the twentieth century. In
1700 it became the main commercial port for the export
of sugar and rum in the Grande-Terre and took the name
of Le Moule. As it was such a key port, it became the
scene of many naval clashes with the British. The
anchors that you will notice at the entrance of the port
were used to protect ships entering and leaving.
Le Moule today is a nice authentic Caribbean town with a
retro charm and a lively town centre. The town centre
regularly holds events and entertainment. The large town
square is surrounded by typical wooden Caribbean houses
and the church of Saint John the Baptist is the major
focal point. The square is considered to be one of the
most beautiful in Guadeloupe. La Moule also has some
nice beaches one of which is Anse du Souffleur.

The Distillery Damoiseau

Surrounded by fields of sugar cane and in the region of
Bellevue, council of La Moule, Damoiseau is an long
standing distillery open to the public that produces one
of the best rums in Guadeloupe.
Free visit to the distillery and property. Friendly
service and the public rum tastings.
Morne à l'Eau

Passing Morne a l’Eau to get to the North of the Grande
Terre (Anse Bertrand, Port-Louis), its worth taking note
of the cemetery. It appears to be a large
three-dimensional chess board, as all the tombs are
decorated with black and white tiles.
Port Louis and Anse Bertrand

Port Louis is a fishing town
and Anse Bertand is a sugar cane and cotton field
region. They are both tranquil towns and are renowned
for their beauty and beaches.
Pointe de la Vigie

The northern most point of
Guadalupe, a 84mt high limestone cliff overlooking the
ocean from where you can enjoy an incredible panorama.
On a clear day you can see Montserrat, 70 km to the west
and Antigua, 80km to the north.
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How to get about |
Now it is taken for granted, that the
best way to get about move is to rent a car in Guadeloupe. The
island is very large, the points of interest and beaches are far
from each other and the holiday time is s are always too short
to travel to the relaxed rhythms of public transport Guadeloupe.
Several bus companies departing from Pointe à Pitre and
Basse-Terre connect all the local councils municipalities with
frequent stops also in fractions. The bus timetables are on
average between 5:30 and 20:00 from Monday to Saturday, on some
routes (Pointe à Pitre Basse-Terre, Pointe-à-Pitre Deshaies for
example) the service is active on Sundays but on a reduced
schedules reduced.
Hitchhiking is in use, but always choose carefully and not ever
at night. Not recommended for women.
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Guadeloupe in transit |
To reach the
islands of Guadeloupe, coming from Europe you have to spend a
night on the main island to wait for the departure of the ferry
the next morning. If your holiday does not include a stay in
Guadeloupe, but only on the islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante
and Désirade, think about, however, reserve booking the first
night in a hotel. You can then and transfer airport / hotel /
station at sea. For The return is easier will be more
comfortable, you can catch the ferry from the islands in the
morning so you have the time to reach the airport to leave the
comfort of at the end of the day.
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Notes |
For trips into the
forest at Soufrière watch out for the weather for cast, when it
rains the streams & rivers flood and crossing becomes dangerous.
Wear walking shoes and wear suitable rainproof clothing and
bring something to protect you from the rain.
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Local
handcrafts |
At the Point des Chateaux you can find useful and decorative
birdcages, objects, baskets....all crafted by Jordan 100% Made
in Guadeloupe!

JORDAN CARAÏBES
Pointe des Chateaux
Tel. 0690 720535
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