Experiences in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe Aquarium
One of the most visited museums in the archipelago, the aquarium has joined the school of the sea (ECOTOUR) to offer ecological discovery courses: a day course in which you can learn about a particular biotope in the island’s marine environment in a fun and interactive way. Perfect for kids!
Hiking Trails
With over 110 miles of hiking trails spread all over the archipelago, the Guadeloupe Islands can easily be explored on foot! One of the most scenic hike is La Soufriere, a gently active volcano, reaching 4800 ft! Start your climb at the famous hot spring “Les Bains Jaunes”, and make your way through the rainforest by taking the trail “Le Pas du Roy” .
Once you have reached the bottom of the volcano, the path “Chemin des Dames” will take you all the way to the top. This hike will take you about 4h30, so if you are looking for a less athletic option, you can choose to take the trail “Maison de la Foret” and then follow the path “Saut d’Eau de Matouba”, this route should take you about 2h30.
Horseback Riding
Riding a horse is the perfect way to discover the archipelago while staying in harmony with nature! The Guadeloupe Islands offer many sites for horseback riding, among the best are: “Le Haras” in St Francois, the “ Domaine de Belle Plaine” and “Les Attelages du Comté” in Sainte Rose, and the “Ranch des Deux Ilets” in Deshaie.
Kayaking
Canoeing, Kayaking or pedal boating ?
Those three crafts will allow you to go from islet to islet in a playful way! Explore the mangrove and the lagoons of the archipelago, and admire the corals, the tropical fish and the wrecks. A perfect way to discover the water world without damaging it!
Whale Watching
About fifteen species of cetacean (toothed whale, whale, humpback whale, pilot whale…) are present in our waters, some of them, migrate part of the year to cooler waters. Three clubs in the archipelago will allow you to observe cetaceans in their natural environments: les Heures Saines, and Evasion Tropicales in Bouillante, and Stenella in Saint-François. The guarantee of an unforgettable experience!
Cool Stuff To Do
Experience the “ Je Ne Sais Quoi” of the French Caribbean
The islands of Guadeloupe are treasure troves of activities and adventure for all ages and tastes. From Green to Blue, cultural to culinary, sporting to wellness and shopping to architecture/heritage, our French-Caribbean archipelago has an experience for everyone. With its natural assets, safe environment and modern French infrastructure, the Guadeloupe Islands are just the perfect Caribbean Gateway for outdoor activities! Discover the five islands by sea. Make our friendly rain forest your own, just go EXPLORE! You can also travel through time on our coffee trails, sugar cane fields , enjoy memorable rum tastings and so much more!!
A Culturaholic
Diversity and Traditions
The Guadeloupe Islands are bound together by a rich ethnic diversity that characterizes their folklore, language, music and beliefs. A land of many influences- African, European, Indian, American and Oriental- the Guadeloupe archipelago has a multi-faceted identity where Indian rites, African memory and the rule of the 17th century colonists are part of everyday life.
Black Heritage History
Guadeloupe is not only gorgeous beaches, waterfalls and nightlife and all but also a rich Black History destination where one can learn about our heros, our history and our strong connection with our African heritage, foundation of our tradition.
The Slaves Steps and Prison Cell
This monumental stairway of 54 dressed-stone steps led to the esplanade where slaves were sold directly off the boat. Plaques on the steps display the names of various African ethnicities: Yoruba (southwestern Nigeria, Togo, Benin), Congolese (from the former kingdom at the mouth of the Congo River), Ibo (southeastern Nigeria), Wolof (Nigeria, Senegal, and Congo), Fula (west Africa), and Bamileke (western Cameroon). At the foot of the stairs stands a bust of Louis Delgrès, who fought to the death against the reinstation of slavery in 1802.
Fort Louis Delgrès
Built in the 17th century, the Fort Delgrès was initially made to defend the harbor of Basse-Terre against the English attacks. It was renamed in 1989 as a tribute to Louis Delgrès, one of the Guadeloupe Islands’ major figures for the abolition of slavery.
Memorial ACTe Museum
Located in Pointe a Pitre, precisely on the Darboussier site, which used to be a sugar factory, the Memorial ACTe Museum is a cultural center dedicated to the Memory and History of Slavery Trade. It is part of UNESCO’s Slave Route Project, a global initiative to promote the rapprochement of peoples through the shared legacy of this tragedy.
La Grivelière `Coffee Plantation`
Deep inside the valley, dive into the heart of tradition. From stone to stone, discover building constructed through the ages, lulled by the clear waters of the beautiful rivers of Vieux-Habitants and let you ennivrer by bonifieur coffee , on the field of Habitation La Grivelière “House Coffee”. “L’Habitation” will stir up your taste buds with its excellent host table and intoxicating coffee flavors.
Bologne Rum Distillery
The Bologne distillery is located in Basse-Terre. This old sugar factory of the 17th century was owned by the Bologne family (Chevalier St Georges’ father). The distillery was then acquired by Amé-Noël in 1845, former privateer and first black free man owner of a major plantation. But it is in XIX century that the Sargenton-Callard family, then owners of factory, decided to turn the sugar factory into a rum distillery.
Dining in Guadeloupe
Restaurants
With over 200 restaurants and a rich culinary heritage, the Guadeloupe Island is a premier dining destination. Our chefs are creatively inspired by the fresh and flavorful ingredients to deliver a unique gourmet experience. The Guadeloupe Islands are packed with specialities sold by food trucks to delight your taste buds. Start with our traditional hand-mixed coconut sorbet and finish with our famous « bokit »- a deep fried naan like bread stuffed with meat, vegetables or meat.
Shopping
There are many shops and markets for shopping on the Guadeloupe Islands. You will find your favorite European brands like Mango, Lacoste, Lancel, L’Occitane… and french pharmacies ! You are looking for a gift to take home? Unique jewels, sarongs, spices, clothes, rum, chocolate, colorful home made Rum Punch, local fruit jams or international award winning rums, be ready to bring Guadeloupe Islands back home!
Savory Coffee
Bring with you our coffee 100% Arabica ,“Bourbon Pointu” type. The quality is comparable to the Blue Mountains in Jamaica. Today, the quantities of production are very small. You can only find it on the archipelago.
Chocolate Delights
At la “Maison de Cacao” in Pointe-Noire,Basse- Terre, you will find chocolate bars, cocoa beans, cocoa liquors and incredible chocolate cakes….
Spice it up
In any our colorful markets, you will find amazing spices to give a Guadeloupean touch to your dishes.
Artistic T-shirt
When you are in Pointe-a-Pitre market, don’t miss artist Joël Nanquin and his unique arty t-shirts!