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Official Atout France rating: 3 stars
Vue aérienne de l'archipelle de Guadeloupe

Discover Guadeloupe: idyllic beaches, tropical nature and authentic villages

Between idyllic beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, and authentic villages, Guadeloupe offers an exceptional diversity of landscapes. Whether you enjoy relaxing, hiking, snorkeling, or cultural exploration, each day holds a new adventure.

Introduction

General overview of the archipelago:

  • French overseas region

  • tropical climate

  • landscape diversity

  • beaches

  • rainforest

  • volcanoes

  • waterfalls

Map of Guadeloupe and its seabed

Why is Guadeloupe unique?

Plage bordée de cocotiers en Guadeloupe sur la côte caraïbe

Tropical beaches and warm waters all year round

Paysage tropical de Basse-Terre avec vue sur les montagnes de Guadeloupe

Hiking in the National Park

Poissons tropicaux observés lors d'une séance de snorkeling en Guadeloupe

Snorkeling

Cascade au cœur de la forêt tropicale de Guadeloupe

Waterfalls: Carbet Falls, Acomat,...

Cod fritters and Creole culinary specialties in Guadeloupe

Creole cuisine

Iguane des Petites Antilles observé dans la nature en Guadeloupe

Biodiversity: hummingbirds, iguanas, turtles,...

Why visit Guadeloupe?

Guadeloupe is a French archipelago located in the heart of the Caribbean, between Dominica and Antigua. Its territory is made up of several islands with varied landscapes, offering both long white sand beaches and mountains covered in tropical rainforest.

Basse-Terre

Guadeloupe is one of the most complete destinations in the Caribbean. Its archipelago combines white sand beaches, a lush rainforest, waterfalls, an active volcano, preserved marine life and a warm Creole culture.

In just a few kilometers, it is possible to go from a mountain hike to a swim in turquoise water or to lunch overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Grande-Terre

Renowned for its turquoise lagoons and vast white sand beaches, Grande-Terre is home to Sainte-Anne, Le Gosier, and Saint-François. The atmosphere there is generally more lively and touristy.

The Saintes

Guadeloupe is one of the most complete destinations in the Caribbean. Its archipelago combines white sand beaches, a lush rainforest, waterfalls, an active volcano, preserved marine life and a warm Creole culture.

In just a few kilometers, it is possible to go from a mountain hike to a swim in turquoise water or to lunch overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Marie-Galante

Guadeloupe is one of the most complete destinations in the Caribbean. Its archipelago combines white sand beaches, a lush rainforest, waterfalls, an active volcano, preserved marine life and a warm Creole culture.

In just a few kilometers, it is possible to go from a mountain hike to a swim in turquoise water or to lunch overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

La Désirade

Located east of Guadeloupe, this unspoiled island offers an exceptional natural setting, ideal for relaxation, hiking and observing local wildlife.

Most travelers hesitate between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. While Grande-Terre is known for its beaches and lively atmosphere, Basse-Terre appeals more to travelers seeking nature, hiking, waterfalls, and an authentic experience. It is in this part of the archipelago that Deshaies is located, one of the most sought-after destinations for a peaceful vacation in Guadeloupe.

Vue de la plage de la perle et de ses cocotiers

The most beautiful beaches

On Grande-Terre (lagoon, white sand and coconut trees)

  • La Caravelle (Sainte-Anne): One of the most famous beaches, with its white sand, leaning coconut trees and turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef.

  • Bois Jolan Beach (Sainte-Anne): A wilder and shady setting, perfect for families thanks to its shallow and calm waters.

  • Datcha Beach (Le Gosier): Very lively, it offers a breathtaking view of the islet of Gosier which can be reached by swimming or kayaking.

  • Raisins Clairs Beach (Saint-François): Fine sand bordered by sea grape trees (coastal trees) and a translucent sea.

  • Anse du Souffleur (Port-Louis): A large expanse of blond sand and calm waters, very popular for swimming and sunsets.

On Basse-Terre (wild coast, golden or black sand)

    • Grande-Anse (Deshaies): A huge golden sand beach nestled between two hills, ideal for admiring the sunset (but beware of the waves).

    • Plage de la Perle (Deshaies): Wilder and more authentic, neighbouring Grande-Anse, appreciated for its preserved natural setting.

    • Malendure Beach (Bouillante): Famous for its black volcanic sand and its proximity to the Cousteau Reserve, ideal for observing turtles with a mask and snorkel.

    Which sector should I choose in Guadeloupe?

    Grande-Terre

    • large white sand beaches

    • lagoons

    • more touristy atmosphere

    • Saint Anne

    • Saint Francis

    Basse-Terre

    • rainforest

    • waterfalls

    • Soufrière volcano

    • exceptional biodiversity

    • more natural atmosphere

    Conclusion

    Deshaies offers the most sought-after balance between beaches, nature, calm and discovery.

    What to do in Guadeloupe?

    Places not to miss in Guadeloupe

    Guadeloupe offers a wide variety of activities between the sea, mountains, and rainforest. Whether you prefer relaxation, hiking, or water sports, each region of the archipelago offers unique experiences.

    Map of activities available in Guadeloupe

    The most popular places

    Among the many sites to discover, some places have become must-sees for travelers visiting Guadeloupe for the first time.

    Plage de Grande Anse à Deshaies, l'une des plus belles plages de Guadeloupe

    Grande Anse à Deshaies

    L'une des plus belles plages de l'île.
    Statue sous-marine de la Réserve Cousteau près des îlets Pigeon en Guadeloupe

    Réserve Cousteau

    Spot majeur de snorkeling et de plongée.
    Soufrière volcano in Guadeloupe and landscapes of Basse-Terre

    La Soufrière

    Le volcan emblématique de la Guadeloupe.
    The Carbet Falls in the heart of Guadeloupe National Park

    Chutes du Carbet

    Parmi les plus belles cascades des Antilles.
    Falaises et panorama de la Pointe des Châteaux en Grande-Terre

    Pointe des Châteaux

    Panorama spectaculaire sur l'océan Atlantique.
    Deshaies Botanical Garden with its tropical flora in Guadeloupe

    Deshaies Botanical Garden

    A concentration of tropical flora.

    When to go to Guadeloupe?

    Period and Conditions

    December to April dry season

    May to June is a very good compromise

    July to November is wetter

    Should we be afraid of dangerous animals?

    Guadeloupe is a destination where nature plays a significant role, but truly dangerous animals are rare. Encounters with local wildlife are mostly limited to birds, lizards, iguanas, or crabs. As in any tropical region, some species simply deserve to be known and respected, particularly certain marine creatures and insects.

    To enjoy your stay in complete peace of mind, discover our comprehensive guide to dangerous animals in Guadeloupe, which outlines the real risks and simple precautions to take.

    Deshaies, between unspoiled nature and television sets

    Located on the west coast of Basse-Terre, Deshaies is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Guadeloupe. Renowned for its beaches, lush vegetation, and peaceful atmosphere, it appeals to travelers seeking authenticity, far from the island's more urbanized areas.

    Deshaies is also the location for the famous British series Death in Paradise. The village's natural scenery, its port, beaches, and tropical landscapes serve as the backdrop for this series, which is followed worldwide.

    Choosing Deshaies for your holidays means enjoying an exceptional environment between the Caribbean Sea and the rainforest, with quick access to the most beautiful beaches in the region, hiking trails, water sports and local restaurants.

    Frequently asked questions

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