Basse-Terre, derived its name from the mariner’s tradition of naming their landings according to the winds, was dwon wind at the time (locations up wind were called capesterre). It is ironic given its name, terra bassa, that it is the region which hosts the volcano La Soufrière, a full 1 467 metres high, as well as the other major elevated terrain in Guadeloupe, of approximately 850 kmq,a region almost completekt covered by forest.

The volcano La Soufrière with its forest coverei peaks, dominate the island: a cathederal of green which descends to the sea. The north east coast stretches into cultivated hills, whilst the south west coast the forst reached to the sea’s edge.
The central, mountaineous chain of volcanic origin runs from south to north. Stretching from the the volcano La Soufrière to the crest of Le Mamelles, which are a parto of the national parks 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 oforchids.The numerous paths through the forest, the vulcano, the beautiful waterfalls all make Guadeloupe a true paradise for those who love the outdoors, trekking and canyoning. There are beaches with magnificent water and a beautiful sea floor.

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Beaches of Guadeloupe

Besides the natural beauty of the island, the other area of great interest for Basse-Terre is its’ history. An important patrimony of the island which includes archealogical finds in Trois Rivière and Plessis, testimony to the pre colombian civilisation of Gualdeloupe, 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 plaintations from the colonial period which are open to the public as tourist attractions.

A driving itinerary of about 35 km which is truly suggestive. From coast to coast. The road begins after Vernou (D23), diving into the forests to climb Le Mamelles (615 m) before descending larly beautiful during the periods when flamboyants are in bloom, from Aprile to the end of August).

Numerous points of natural beauty and interest cab be found throughout the park of Guadeloupe: the falls aux ecrevisses,  easily accessibile in few kms, the Maison de la Foret, which apart from offerring a thorough education into the flora and fauna of the region is also a departure point for forest trails. Not far from the Maison de la Foret the torrent Bras-David  i san ideal location to take a dip and freshen up after a few hours driving. A diversion before scaling the west coast will take you to Morne à Louis, where you will be rewarded by a view of Basse Terre. Merely 1 km after Morne à Louis, in the direction of Pointe à Pitre, the Parc des Mamelles in the middle of the forest offers trails that will lead you on a discovery of Guadeloupe’s natural beauty, her flowers, animals and insects.

Grande-Terre, much smaller than Basse Terre, was mistakenly called this by the early settlers,to who this seemed the larger island. Once, almost completely dedicated to the cultivation of sugar cane, thanks to its white sandy beaches and dry climate, today the island si teh principal tourist center in Guadeloupe.

Gosier, where the largest proportion of the islands’ hotels are located, Sainte Anne, small borough famous for its beaches, and Saint François, one of the most important tourism hubs Guadeloupe, represent the areas most devloped for tourists, 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 devloped city in Guadaloupe 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 cemetery on the coast, the beaches become more natural and less busy); TheAnse Laborde at 1,5 km. to the north of Pointe Vigie, which unfortunatley has no shelter from the sun. At the exit from the borough Anse Bertrand to the south , the beach la Chapelle with palms a few metres from the water’s edge is the most frequented.
The coast of La Moule is reknowned amongst the surfing community at an international level.
 Continuing south you will reach the 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 will offer you sites that all beautiful and each uniques. 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 spectaular sea floor, 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 Antille, at  1 467 m. above sea level is also probably the wettest part, with almost 10m of water a year! It will be difficult ot photograoh the peak of Soufrière, always shrouded in cloud and mist. The volcano is actually active but perhap the most hospitable in the world, no craters or lava flows but a landscape that is near luna with bizzarre rock formations , fissures which seep gas and plateaus surrounded by a rich savanna, filled with ferns, wild mountain bananas, moss, lichen and vine. The numerous fissures which weeze sulphur vapour and gasses that bear witness to the activity of the “vieille dame”, as she is afectionatley known by the locals .The views from La Soufriere are truly exceptional, in good weather it is possible to see Martinique and Dominica.You will need about 2-3 hours to reach the the peak of the volcano travelling on the Chemin de Dames and return to the parking, to enjoy a complete experience of La Soufrière you should budget 3-4 hours.

La Soufrière is not only a volcano. In addition to its territory Chutse du Carbet, accessible on the other side, Another nice trip is to La Citerne, an ancient crater with a lake on the bottom. For the more experienced traces are numerous but also very challenging, especially for 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 jumps form the highest waterfalls of the Lesser AntillesThe most easily accessible and best known is the second, with his 110 meters in height. The trail is well signposted and is not more than half an hour walk from the park.
You can see the moist forest: filodendri leafed giant ferns high up to 15 meters, trees of 30-40 meters in height which gommiers white and chestnut. 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 in case of rain (frequent) are dangerous to the ground and easily franabile for streams in the middle to cross.
 

The third waterfall is less spectacular 20 meters high and is also less crowded. Easily reachable with a path beginning at Petit-Marquisat (1 hour ride), is the only one where you can swim. For safety reasons after the earthquake of 2004 is not possible to reach the foot of the other two waterfalls.
For lovers of nature, another is a beautiful hike Trace du Grand Etang, a journey of about an hour you will discover this great lake of about 20 hectares of volcanic origin, which to many species of birds, fish and crustaceans and unfortunately also colonies of mosquitoes (attention leeches in the water!)

After Capesterre southbound Saint.Sauveur up to turn right and continue for about 9 km. parking Bains Jaunes, take the path Pas du Roy
For the third waterfall, after Capesterre, heading south, turn right onto the D3 towards Routhiers, past the village to reach the end of the road.
 

The waterfalls of the river Moreau

At a hundred meters height, these are just as beautiful as those of Carbet, surrounded by thick green forest. After about 2 km from the traces in the jungle trail forks to the right until you reach the waterfall of Ravine Mangle, keeping to the left will reach the most spectacular waterfall of Racoon RavineUnfortunately, after the earthquake of 2004 which caused major landslides the traces is no longer viable. Inquire at the office dell'ONF, tel. 0596 992899 if the route has been restored. Rather challenging journey to the ground muddy and tumultuous rivers to cross.
At Douville, 10 km north of Goyave take the forest road for about 10 km to reach the car park, from there on foot in the jungle, about 5 hours and go back.
 

La Réserve Grand Cul-de-sac Marin, founded in 1987, is the natural park of Guadeloupe, protects 2115 hectares of sea and 1622 hectares of mangrove forest along the coast and the large lagoon that separates Grand Terre from Basse Terre. Exceptional site for its ecosystem, not just in Guadeloupe but also in all the Caribbean, is a wonderful area to visit for its wild islands in the lagoon protected by a coral reef of more than 20 km and its 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, have the most diverse 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 be there without the crowds after 1600 to truly enjoy this little paradise. The locality of reference from which to explore the reserve of Grand Cul-de-sac Marin is Sainte-Rose, where you will find some proposals on the seafront, excursion in motor boat, rental kayak.

Capital of Guadeloupe, along with neighboring municipalities, and Abymes Gosier, form a conurbation of some 100,000 inhabitants, coming from no one has the impression of being on a Caribbean island. The highway traffic through industrial areas will see shopping centers, large business centers. It was not until reaching the center of Pointe à Pitre to find the atmosphere of cities Creole Caribbean.. Although it has been assailed construction and traffic, the city has managed to keep a typical single Caribbean and beautiful houses Creole.

To visit the museum, which occupies Shoelcher a beautiful Creole house of 1887 in rue Peynier.
The municipal museum Saint-John Perse in rue Noziéres is located in the most beautiful colonial dwelling Pointe à Pitre, built by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel in 1870.. The museum is dedicated to the poet and proposes a reconstruction of the home of the late 1800s.
 

The two museums are located in the center of the old quarter of the port, which lends itself to a stroll among the shops and food retailers everywhere.. The market colored sea on board in Place de la Victoire trip palm trees and the Sainte Antoine at the corner of rue Peynier and rue Frebault, one of the most authentic of Pointe à Pitre, the church of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul with the market for flowers at the foot of the pavement offer a pleasant view of life in the Antilles. Despite the difficulties of traffic and parking may want to visit Pointe à Pitre in the morning, when the hectic day, the more true that during the afternoon, more sleepy.
 

In the town of Gosier, which takes its name from the large pelicans that inhabit the lagoon, one of the major tourist centers of Guadeloupe with the largest concentration of hotels and nightclubs, there is this small island with a lighthouse.. A small corner of paradise during the week, a few steps from the hotels.. Pier on the beach in Gosier, wharf on the right, 6 euro return on yole fishermen. During the weekend is very busy.

The Grand Fonds territory is a surprising fact of a chaotic succession of valleys and mornes encased in limestone plateu between Sainte Anne, Les Abymes and La Moule. Guadeloupe in the history of this region was hiding and shelter to many aristocrats to flee the massacres of the French Revolution. Blancs-called Matignon, the name of the location of the first settlement, there is still a small farming community that has survived consanguinity.

The last baobab of Guadeloupe with his impressive body is in the vicinity of the village Grands-Fonds.. It's worth a trip by car, provided they do not get lost in this labyrinth of nature that recalled the green Basse-Terre.

Petite Terre, a natural reserve, is a micro coral archipelago located between La Desirade and Les Saintes, consisting of two islands, Terre et de Bas Terre de Haut. A little paradise inhabited only by two guards and the iguanas, Petite Terre is accessible by hiking Saint François daily on the island of Guadeloupe, and the goal of sailing boats that offer day trips, to avoid weekends and in the Easter weekend.

A wild nature, exuberant and beautiful beaches, some look as if they are postcards. Easy access for sports: water, mountain and river. Beautiful dives. Many places to visit both historic and natural.There are numerous villages and towns where the car stop and make four steps.

Sainte Rose

This town is dedicated to sugar cane cultivation. It’s fisherman’s port is pretty and lively. It is a departure point ideal for excursions to Grand Cul-de-sac Marin. Approximately 5km from the hills, the sulfuric waters of Sofaia from where numerous trekking trips depart; 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. 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 the Creole Heritage. The history of Pointe Noire is tied to the cultivation of coffee and thanks to prestigious essences and wood, also cabinetmaking. 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 centrury, it’s one of the most antique hamlets of Guadalupe. It takes its name from the numerous boiling water sources (approx 80°C) which can be found on all the territory, 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, still today there are 3 in the area. A must to vist: the museum of Cafè Chaulet, the home of La Grivelière, the plantation of Café Vanibel.
 

L’Habitation cafetière La Griveliere - Vieux Habitants

La fabrique de la paroisse Saint Joseph des Vieux Habitant, now classified historical monument, a habitation was created in 1700 by monks missionaries who converted to the production of coffee with the arrival of 3 plants from Paris in 1726. One of the testimonies of the best preserved of colonialism, the habitation, once dedicated to the production of coffee, vanilla and cocoa keeps the water mill, la maison du maitre, the homes of slaves and is now a museum.
. Follow the signs from Vieux Habitants for about 5 km in the forest. Closed in September and the first week of October

We point out to the distillery Longueteau, the distillery Reimonenq, the museum of rum in Ste Rose.
 

Basse Terre
The administrative capital of Guadalupe, in 1643, it was the first city to be founded. Developed on 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 Guadalupe.
 

The Fort Delgres

On the border with the town of Basse-Terre, the Fort Saint Charls, created to protect against attacks, the British former capital of Guadeloupe and ships in the bay in front of the mouth of the river Galion, renamed Delgres Louis in 1989 in memory of Colonel mulatto who fought against the first abolished slavery in 1794 and then restored after eight years, dating back to 1650.
National monument since 1977, stands out as one of the most beautiful examples of military architecture in the Vauban, for its size and excellent state of its buildings and defensive structures.
The ramparts dominating the city of Basse-Terre with guns, a large renovated barracks at the heart of the military, the tank built in 1702 by Père Labat, the prison and the soldiers' cemetery where lie the remains of the famous admiral Gourbeyere governor Guadeloupe from 1640 to 1634 provide a walk back in time.
Free admission.Open from 8 am to 16.30.. From the city center, the first right after the post, then left. Parking outside the strong (do not leave anything 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 forest and at only 6km from Basse Terre. A visit here is worthwhile just to admire the beautiful villas of the last century built by the Guadalupese bourgeoisie to taking advantage of the mild climate.

The roches gravées - Trois Rivières

Dated the 300 / fifteenth century, the rocks are carved one of the few traces of the pre-culture in the Antilles. Among the many volcanic rocks as far as Trois Rivières with the explosive of the massive La Madeleine, the Arawaks were carved and engraved signs and anthropomorphic figures of about 18 rocks around the archaeological park of Trois-Rivières. This tropical garden of 1 hectare, in addition to host roches gravées, is also very beautiful to visit the picturesque route.. One of the most famous rock is at the Museum of Natural History in New York. To reach the park, Le parc des Roches Gravee ARCHEOLOGIQUE in Trois-Rivières are signs, however, towards pier. For information tel. 0590 997759 0590 997759
Currently the park is closed for restoration.

Capesterre-Belle-Eau
This town is mainly agricultural, dedicated to banana production and represents the most important Indian community of Guadalupe. The waterfalls of Carbet are the most important tourist attraction of the area. Also of interest is the Longueteau distillery.

The cemetery of slaves - Capesterre

Not far away from Capesterre, an ancient place of burial of slaves where we find some twenty mounds anonymous decorated with typical shells of lamb (Strombus gigantis), some graves are decorated with plants green-white calls neiges (snow), others with flowers, but all are geared towards Africa.
At 1 km. North of the river after Capesterre Capesterre to take the road into the earth to reach the Habitation-Bois Debout, go right.. After a few tens of meters, walk in the woods south. The cemetery is about ten meters.

The Hindu temple

Traveling in Guadeloupe will see numerous tombs Hindus, especially in Grand-Terre. But the temple of Indian polychrome Changy dedicated to the goddess Mayinmen, a few km. da Capesterre, is the largest and most important of Guadeloupe. The arrival of the first Indians dating to the mid-1800 to "replace" the work of slaves in the fields of sugar cane, and gave birth to the Indian community now estimated at about 60,000 people, concentrated mainly Capesterre Belle-Eau, Le Moule , Petit-Canal, Port Louis, which once were indeed 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.
 

Long, white and beautiful beaches with turquoise lagoons protected by coral reefs. Even though modernization is all present at Grande-Terre at St. Francois, to the north you can admire the sugar cane plantations. Numerous restaurants and a lively night life enhance the touristic area of Gosier, Sainte Anne and St. Francois, with a selection of sports both water and land for the day time.

Le Fort Fleur-d’Epée at Bas du Fort  - Gosier

The largest fortress ever built in Grande-Terre. Built from 1750 to 1763 on an octagonal base, was a strong protagonist of naval battles and the British fleet occupied 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 occasionally hosts exhibitions. To visit the fortifications with the view of the bay, the powder magazine and the underground tunnels. Easily reached from Bas du Fort on the way to Gosier. Open daily from 9am (10 am on Monday) to 17th Free admission.

Sainte Anne

A lively touristic location well known for its breathtaking beaches. A delightful sea front with a cheerful market along side of the beach and a number of lolò restaurants.
 

Saint François

From a fishing village, founded in 1683 by a Capuchin mission, has become one of the most developed tourist areas of Guadeloupe, with its luxury hotels, golf 18 holes and its navy has not forgotten its agricultural vocation. A few years after the abolition of slavery was imported workers from India to replace the work of slaves in the fields and in manufacturing. This migration has the largest Indian community of Guadeloupe. Travelling in the countryside it will not be difficult to see the colorful flags of the tombs or the dazzling Hindu cemetery a few hundred meters from the beach to the west-Raisins clairs.
Strong tradition of farmers in Guadeloupe which attracts many spectators in the lands of Saint-Francois and not only are les concours de boeuf tirant. Winner is the race horse that can in the shortest time to reach the top of a climb of 200 meters with a heavy tank from 1 to 2.5 tonnes to pullThese competitions are organized from May to December in almost all the municipalities of Grande-Terre. Find the office of tourism.

La Pointe des Chateaux

On the way out of Saint Francois going along 10km of road and following beautiful beaches and “cricche” you arrive at Pointe de Chateaux. Because of its dramatic scenery it’s of the most visited locations of Guadalupe. There are a number of restaurants and lolò 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 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 produced in the Grande-Terre and took the name of Le Moule. Precisely for this reason becomes the scene of naval clashes with the British. Anchors will notice that the entrance of the port were intended to protect ships entering and leaving.

The Distillery Damoiseau

Surrounded by fields of sugar cane in Bellevue in the municipality of La Moule is an old distillery open to the public that produces one of the best rums Guadeloupe ..
Free visit to the distillery and property. Friendly service and the public tasting of rum.
 

Morne à l'Eau

Passing Morne a l’Eau to Rache the North of the Grande Terre (Anse Bertrand, Port-Louis), take note of the cemetery that seems a large three-dimensional chess board with the tombs decorated with black and white tiles.

Port Louis e Anse Bertrand

The first dedicated to fishing, the second to the cultivation of sugar cane and cotton, they are both tranquil towns and are renown for the beauty of their 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.