Diversity and traditions
WHERE TO STAY
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WHAT TO EAT
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WHAT TO BRING
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ISLAND HOPPING
And now that you have become familiar with “le papillon”, enlarge the scope and try a new experience. Keep the pace and upgrade! For when it comes to Islands hopping, the Guadeloupe archipelago is the perfect choice.
Perfect, because it is so easy and so simple to island hop! All the outer islands, within a stone’s throw, are being connected to the main islands Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre by air and by sea.
This fascinating archipelago of 5 islands is a multi-destination, where each island is different from its neighbours, with its own distinct scenery, ambiance and culture.
Ideal destinations for a day trip or for a longer stay!
SEA LINKS
FERRY COMPANY DIRECTORY
A number of regional ferries operate regular fast and economic service between the Guadeloupe Islands. No direct trip takes more than 50 minutes. The list below gives you the contacts of the companies
BEATRIX
Regular service from Trois-Rivières to Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut)
Tel.: + 590 (0)590 25 08 06 / 94 89 96 Internet: www.terredehautourisme.com
COMATRILE
Day trip excursion from Saint-François to La Désirade (Beauséjour), Marie-Galante (Saint-Louis), Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut) – Temporary Summer service between Saint-Louis and Terre-de-Haut.
97118 SAINT-FRANCOIS Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 22 26 31 Gsm: +590 (0)6 90 50 05 09
CTM DEHER
Regular service to Les Saintes from Trois-Rivières and Basse-Terre
Bord de Mer
97114 TROIS-RIVIERES
Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 99 50 68
Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 92 06 39
www.ctmdeher.com
STAR BOAT WEST INDIES
Regular service to Les Saintes from Trois-Rivières Taxi boat (7 seats)
Tel.: +590 (0)5 90 99 73 80
Gsm: + 590 (0)6 90 30 46 48
[email protected]
VAL’ FERRY
Regular service to Les Saintes from Trois-Rivières
Tel. : +590 (0)5 90 91 45 15
www.valferry.fr
JEANS FOR FREDOM
Regular service to Les Saintes from Pointe-à-Pitre
Ferry Terminal - Bergevin
97110 POINTE-A-PITRE
www.jeansforfreedom.com
L'EXPRESS DES ILES
Regular service : Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, Dominique, Martinique, Sainte-Lucie.
Ferry Terminal - Bergevin
97110 POINTE-A-PITRE
Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 91 52 15
www.express-des-iles.com
BABOU ONE
Daily service to La Désirade from Saint-François
Ferry Terminal
97118 SAINT-FRANCOIS
Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 47 50 31
Gsm.: + 590 (0)6 90 26 60 69
Gsm: + 590 (0)6 90 63 46 39
www.babouone.fr
AIR LINKS
There is one airfield on each of the off shore islands.
Discover W.I LINES, a new airline company ensuring the connexion between the southern islands of the Guadeloupe (Marie-Galante, La Désirade, Les Saintes), as well as Saint-François and Baillif.
Regional airline companies connect the various outer islands with Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre and with the rest of the Caribbean Islands.
Air Antilles Express
Tel.: 0 890 648 648
www.airantilles.com
Air Caraïbes
Tel.: 0 820 835 835
www.aircaraibes.com
Wi Lines
Tel.: 08 99 23 77 30
EXPERIENCE THE GUADELOUPE ISLANDS BRIMMING WITH ACTIVITIES
WATER TREASURES - BLUE ACTIVITIES
Cooled all year round by the trade winds, bathed on the West side by the balmy waters of the Caribbean Sea and on the East by the surging waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the Guadeloupe Islands, are without any doubt a true aquatic paradise where the practice of many water sports is made possible.
Stretch out and relax on the magnificient Grande Anse beach of Deshaies, set off for the Gosier Islet and skim the waves on a Jet Ski, dive and explore the underwater scenery of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, watch the wind swell your sails under a cloudless sky, learn some fun facts about the sea turtles at the Guadeloupe Aquarium, sail a catamaran in search of a secluded cove … Adventures galore await you in a Blue Paradise!
GUADELOUPE AQUARIUM
One of the most visited places in the archipelago. Quite a discovery and actually a must before your first splash into “Le grand bleu”. The best way to learn about the Islands’ biotope!
BEACHES: BEAUTIFUL AND PLENTY
The Guadeloupean archipelago counts a diversity of hospitable sea shores and beautiful stretches of fine sandy beaches (more than 270 beaches). Just like the foundation of its population, the Guadeloupean beaches feature an incredible variety of shades of sand and pebbles, quite unique: black, grey, pink, golden, brown and white sand. The average annual temperature of the sea is a welcoming 28°C.
SNORKELLING
No need to dive a thousand leagues under the sea to feast your eyes: A pair of flippers, a mask and a snorkel is all you need to familiarize yourself with the outstanding underwater world, well alive and so colourful!
BILL FISHING
From the town of Bouillante, off the Leeward coast of Basse-Terre, fishing fans will love the deep sea fishing trips where they can try their hand tracking swordfish, spearfish, blue marlin or sea bream.
DIVING
The Guadeloupe Islands constitute an archipelago with outstanding underwater marvels that can be discovered year-round. Thanks to Guadeloupe’s crystal clear waters, divers have the opportunity to appreciate an exceptional aquatic flora and fauna. One of the most popular dive sites is the Cousteau Marine Réserve located off the Pigeon Islets. This underwater reserve was made popular and named after diving pioneer Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau, director of the worldwide acclaimed film “Le Monde du Silence”. In the north between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, you will find the natural reserve of the Grand Cul-de-Sac marin. This area hosts the 18 mile great Coral Reef, with over 20 sheltered diving sites. Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade have as well exceptional resources.
Over 20 diving clubs located around the main diving areas offer courses and a variety of diving packages for divers of all ages.
CANOEING, KAYAKING AND PEDAL BOATING
They are the best ways to discover our marine reserves, coral reefs, turquoise lagoons and mysterious mangroves without damaging these fragile environments and the various living species that inhabit them. Simple, peaceful and natural, these educational expeditions constitute the best way to learn about our intertropical marine ecosystems.
SAILING
Because of its ideal location and climate, the Islands of Guadeloupe are internationally renowned for their nautical activities. The Archipelago is endowed with the very best of marina facilities and equipments. The Marina Bas-du-Fort, close to the city of Pointe-à-Pitre, is the largest of the Caribbean. A popular hangout for top sailors and renowned skippers, the Guadeloupe Islands host year round many sea sports competitions and sailing events such as La Route du Rhum, La Karujet, La Triskell Cup …
SEA EXCURSIONS
Apart from regular service by rapid motorboats and ferries running from Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre to the off shore islands, the Guadeloupe Islands offer a wide range of excursions in catamarans, yachts, motorboats and more. All on board! La Désirade, Petite-Terre, Terre-de-Haut, Marie-Galante, Caret Islet… Difficult to decide! But whatever your destination will be, you will have a great time!
SURFING TRENDS
The archipelago has remarkable spots for those who love board sports: Thanks to the almost total absence of tides and an idyllic climate, the beaches of Sainte-Anne and Saint-François, protected by coral reefs, are kite surfers’ paradises, while experienced surfers will ride the Atlantic waves off the coasts of Le Moule.
Windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing are also very popular off the southern coastline of Grande-Terre while stand-up paddle surfing is currently gaining more and more popularity within the archipelago.
Flyboard is a also brand new activity to try you can practice in Le Gosier.
GREEN ATTITUDE - GREEN ACTIVITIES
Guadeloupe, like most other Caribbean islands, has miles and miles of beaches. It also has a smoking and active volcano, acres of lush tropical forests, gushing rivers, impressive waterfalls and natural lakes. Breaking from the conventional slogan of SEA, SAND and SUN, the Guadeloupe Islands thanks to its Natural Park can also provide a myriad of outdoors activities in spectacular surroundings. Get started for the expedition of a lifetime! Welcome to the Emerald Paradise!
THE GUADELOUPE NATIONAL PARK – HIKING AND TREKKING
Created in 1989, Guadeloupe‘s National Park stretches over 74,100 acres, mainly located in the central part of the Basse-Terre island. Home to harmless animals, it’s there that you will meet with La Soufrière volcano, the very “star of the show”, a true landmark for the archipelago, the highest peak of the Lesser Antilles whose impressive silhouette culminates at 4,813 ft. The National Park features also many waymarked footpaths (more than 186 miles) leading to some of Guadeloupe’s top natural sites of exception, like the Moreau Falls or the Great Pond (Grand Etang). If you want to upgrade and fully live the tropical forest experience, why not put to the test your endurance and take off for one of our trekking trails? Majestic landscapes, surprising images, intense emotions bring a new dimension to the sportive adventure.
Visitors have choice of hiking through the park independently or with guided tours. Qualified guides will be able to advise you about the weather conditions and about the areas which are more suitable according to your level.
The Guadeloupe’s National Park whose mission is to preserve the diversity of the natural heritage of the islands provides to the hikers information material and maps as well as wooden lodges and some picnic areas (like the Corossol River).
RIVER-HIKING AND CANYONNING
The Guadeloupe National Park is a favourite playground for families. In and Out! Dry and Wet … Double your pleasure enjoying an Aquarando outing! This fun activity provides everyone an opportunity to explore at the same time the verdant vegetation of the undergrowth while struggling one’s way up river through volcanic rocks and the cool waters of a spurting stream. This request a certain number of physical efforts: hiking under the sun along the river banks, rappelling, wading in a pool, leapfrogs and scrambling over boulders, sliding on natural toboggans which usually end with a big splash (and with a laugh!) in a natural pool of fresh water! The Pointe-Noire’s Saut d’Acomat is one hotspot for river hiking in Basse-Terre.
ADVENTURE COURSES – ZIPLINING
For a total submersion in nature, two parks (Le Tapeur and Mangofil) offer ziplining and canopy adventure tours. Way up high and safely secured to cables and harness, you will slide on hanging canopy bridges from one tree to another and discover new species of tropical vegetation of Basse-Terre (large timber trees, creepers and epiphytes plants).
GOLF
Guadeloupe is also popular for its international Golf course located in Saint-François (Grande-Terre).
This 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II covers an area of 53 acres. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and planted with majestic royal palm trees the lay out including slopes, artificial lakes and bunkers is quite attractive. A Club House, a restaurant and a Pro Shop complete this elegant setting. So while in Guadeloupe, tap the ball and swing “à la Créole”!
PARKS & GARDENS
Botanical Gardens
The climate in this area is ideal for the blooming of a wide variety of tropical flowers. Hibiscus, Anthurium, Alpinia, Balisier, Bougainvillea, Rose de Porcelaine, Allamanda, Oiseau de Paradis, Oleander, and Poinsettia are everywhere parts of the scenery. True wonders of nature, theses delicate species are carefully kept and displayed in magnificient gardens. Enjoy the freshness of the Botanical Garden in Deshaies or the amazing “Parc Paysager de Petit Canal” to learn about medicinal plants.
IN THE AIR
Seen from above, the Guadeloupe Islands look even better on a clear day! Flying over the islands, Microlighting, paragliding and parachuting are a great way to grasp the islands’ natural beauty. There, under your eyes, the islands display their elegant and multicoloured silhouettes. Another water-based activity, parasailing is great fun and offers too unforgettable sensations!
HORSEBACK RIDING
The Guadeloupe Archipelago is a fabulous playground where youngsters and grown ups can indulge in all sorts of leisure activities be they on land, at sea or up in the air. The hardest part is simply deciding what to choose!
For the adventurous traveller of the western world looking for off the beatten track experiences, the various terrains of the Guadeloupe National Park offer horse riding fans the opportunity to live their passion in astounding environments: Experiment the exhilaration of a gallop on a deserted beach early in the morning or a cool swim with your horse in beautiful blue waters! But there is enough variety in the landscapes and terrains to challenge the more advanced riders. A gentle trot in the freshness of a nearby undergrowth makes a great trail ride as well.
Professional tour guides are at hand to make sure you enjoy your hobby in complete safety.
CENTRE EQUESTRE DE VALOMBREUSE
Web Site : www.valombreuse.com
DOMAINE DE BELLE PLAINE
Web Site : www.cheval-guadeloupe.com
LE HARAS DE SAINT-FRANCOIS
Web Site : www.leharasdesaintfrancois.com
LE RANCH DES 2 ILETS
Web Site : www.ranch-2-ilets.ffe.com
The Guadeloupe Islands …
A very Special Destination for Honeymooners!
Honeymooners looking for a little French flair in the Caribbean will love Guadeloupe. On the map, the Islands of Guadeloupe look like a majestic butterfly, with its two wings, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, surrounded by three delicate gems: La Désirade, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.
Located in the Windward Islands, this little french archipelago, offers a magnificent and unequalled setting to live one’s unforgettable romantic love affair Créole style.
And as for a Love Nest …It’s up to you! You can choose from luxury and first class resorts to fairly new hôtels de charme, hideaway villas or family run guest houses.
The Guadeloupe Islands have it all and everywhere, LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Here is a selection of what’s on offer.
Love is GREEN! Fancy walking, hand in hand, with someone special, in a domesticated jungle, surrounded by giant ferns, beautiful exotic fragrant blooms and roaring cascades. Definitely, you are in the Garden of Eden and everything is tempting you to taste the Passion Fruit!
Love is BLUE! Miles of shaded white sandy beaches with turquoise sea provide brilliant sunbathing places just to laze about … Just for TWO!
The Islands of Guadeloupe are also a sailor’s paradise, so get on board the “Love Boat” for some great island hopping, glorious sunset parties or a romantic night cruise under the starry Caribbean sky.
Love is CHIC, Love is YELLOW! Our cities are modern and busy. One finds, side by side, stores and boutiques selling the latest creations from Paris as well as perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, records and souvenirs. Go for the Gourmet Shops to find exquisite Foie de Gras, sublime Chablis, quality champagne, liqueurs and more.
Love is RED and Some like it HOT! : Not to be missed are our local markets where street vendors dressed in local costumes sell pell-mell fruit, flowers, vegetables, fish, spices, love potions and aphrodisiac liqueurs. Watch out! You are under the spell!
Enjoy, “en tête à tête,” our rich and surprising créole cuisine! Be curious and for a desert, bite into a “Tourment d’amour”. Bon Appétit, Ma Chérie Amour!
This enchanted evening comes now to an end ... It’s late and after this elegant candlelit dinner it’s time to get closer! It’s time for “Zouk Love” and dance the night away. Voulez-vous danser, Mon Amour?
After a day out in the sun, what a treat to enjoy the resort spa and wellness programme of massage for relaxation and rejuvenation!
A dream came true... The Guadeloupe Islands … C’est Magnifique, Mon Chéri!