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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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Beaches of 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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.