On Grande-Terre’s southern coast, the seaside towns of Le Gosier, Sainte-Anne, and Saint-François boast some of the archipelago’s most beautiful beaches. Fine sand slips through your fingers, the calm turquoise waters are perfect for a dip, and evenings come alive with markets, concerts, and festivals. For watersports lovers, it’s the ideal place for kitesurfing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding.

Still active, this volcano is the highest point in the Lesser Antilles, standing at 1,467 metres tall. Hiking to the summit through dense, misty vegetation is a magical experience, with spectacular volcanic scenery along the way.

Three stunning waterfalls can be found along the Grand Carbet River in the heart of a lush forest. A short hike through the tropical jungle leads to various lookout points, surrounded by thick ferns and the sounds of tropical birds.

These famous waterfalls are among the island’s top attractions. Climbing to the top through natural pools surrounded by lush tropical vegetation is both a refreshing and unforgettable experience.

Off the coast of Bouillante, the Pigeon Islets Marine Reserve (once called the Cousteau Reserve) is an amazing destination for scuba diving. This protected underwater world is alive with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.

Nicknamed “the island of a hundred windmills,” it’s known for its agricultural rum distilleries, quiet sandy beaches, and deep-rooted rural traditions.

● One of the best ways to explore Marie-Galante, also called “La Grande Galette” due to its round shape, is by bike. A 54-km circuit lets you tour the whole island, and with e-bikes and charging stations available in the three main towns, you can enjoy the ride and soak up the island’s charm and traditional crafts.

● Ox-cart rides through the sugarcane fields are a wonderful experience, and along the way, stops at Murat and Trianon estates are a great way to see the island’s history.

● Gueule Grand Gouffre is an impressive open-air pit facing the ocean, where waves crash against eroded rock and spray high into the air. From the viewpoint, you can see the coastlines of Grande-Terre and La Désirade.

● In Saint-Louis, near the Vieux-Fort beach, a peaceful kayak or electric pedal boat trip along the river is a great way to spot many bird species, hear the rustling of moorhens, and catch the molokoï turtle splashes.

An archipelago within the archipelago, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas are famous for their turquoise waters, natural beauty, and maritime culture.

● Old Fidelin Pottery: A charming ruin overlooking Grande Baie (Terre-de-Bas) and an exceptional mooring spot.

● Boating and watersports: Les Saintes are known for sailing and snorkeling. Dive into the crystalline waters of Pain de Sucre (Terre-de-Haut) or try scuba diving to explore the warm, coral-rich sea.

● Hiking: Discover stunning beaches, hidden trails, and picturesque villages. Climb the Boucle de l’Étang trail on Terre-de-Bas (781 metres high) for a breathtaking panoramic view.

● Local treats: Don’t leave without trying the famous “tourment d’amour” pastry or visiting Fort Napoléon (Terre-de-Haut) for sweeping views of the islets and Marigot Bay, named one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Quieter and more secluded, La Désirade offers rugged hiking trails and some of the oldest geological formations in the Antilles.

● Desert botanical garden: Set on 5,000 m², this cactus-filled garden offers scenic views of the bay and showcases a rich variety of plants, including the now-protected Melocactus intortus (nicknamed “Englishman’s head”).

● Geological nature reserve: The first of its kind in French overseas territories, this reserve is home to 150-million-year-old rocks. Walk the coastline to see the crashing Atlantic waves and to discover the Caribbean’s geologic past.

● Semi-precious stone workshop: In her Beauséjour studio, Véronique carves and polishes local stones like basalt, jasper, and prehnite into elegant jewelry and ornaments. Visitors can even try their hand at stone cutting and take home their own custom creation.

● Petite Terre islets: Just a short sail away, this uninhabited nature reserve is accessible by catamaran. On land, it shelters one of the largest populations of Lesser Antillean iguanas. Offshore, rays, dolphins, turtles, fish, and crustaceans give an unforgettable underwater show.

The local currency is the Euro (EUR), just like all French overseas destinations.

A valid passport is required to travel to Guadeloupe.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. However, the tropical climate makes it pleasant to visit year-round.

French is the official language, but Guadeloupean Creole is part of everyday life and casual conversations.