The beaches of Marie-Galante are considered the most beautiful of Guadeloupe, it is no coincidence most of the advertising spots for Guadeloupe are shot here!
There are about ten and one is more beautiful the other: on the Atlantic coast protected by coral reefs on the Caribbean side, leeward, long stretches of white sand lapped by the placid waters of the Caribbean Sea. All to be discovered!
 

Anse de Mays - Saint Louis

Le Feuillère Beach - Capesterre

Anse Moustique - Saint Louis

Les Galets Beach - Capesterre

Anse Feuillard Beach - Capesterre

Marie Galante offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, but there is no luxury accommodation.
The reception is usually pleasant and familiar. Most of bungalows and hotels are concentrated long the coast between Grand Bourg Capesterre. Accommodation "chez l'habitant" or with the locals are readily available on the island.
 

The story of Marie-Galante is quite lively. Christopher Columbus discovered in 1493 the island, known to its native inhabitants as Aulingan (Island cotton) and renamed it with the name of his Caravel Maria Galanta.
The first French colonists settled in Vieux Fort in 1648. At the beginning of 1700 the first slaves were brought to the island for the cultivation of tobacco. With the arrival of Dutch, driven from Brazil, the production of sugar developed and gave life to the first Sugar plantations creating the monoculture of sugar cane. The Dutch attacked the island several times plundering and destroying the mills and factories, then from 1692 to 1816 the British and French fought for Marie-Galante five times. In this period the island saw independence from 1792 to 1794.
After numerous bloody conflicts between rebels and slave masters, in 1848 the abolition of slavery was achieved. But the attempts by influential white farmers to restore "order" in 1849 gave birth to a bloody fight at Habition Pirogue, which became famous for the celebration that followed after the tragic events that saw tens of blacks slaves dying for the right to freedom.
 

Three distilleries in Marie-Galante remained in operation: Distillerie Bellevue, Distillerie Bielle, Distillerie Poison.
They produce an excellent white rum 59° and in the morning and are open to the public.
Opportunity to buy the rum directly from the manufacturer.
 

The dives in Marie Galante will give unique emotions. Depending on the season you may cross dolphins and feel the songs of whales that resonate in the deep waters.
Turtles, barracuda, angel fish, parrot fish, moray eels, lobsters, octopus, leopard rays, moray eels are common fare for divers in wonderful virgin spots.
 

For those who want to seize a taste of the authentic Marie Galante and loves of walking and hiking, the trails are a numerous. From the office of tourism, you can buy a map detailing pedestrian routes.

Reaching the distillery Bellevue, the first and only eco-distillery of Guadeloupe, do not miss a visit to the boutique run by Christophe, the P'tit Kiwi. We were fascinated by the skill and sensitivity of this young artist-craftsman in the working of Calebasse.

Marie Galante can be seen in one day, but we recommend you stay a few nights in order to fully appreciate the atmosphere and the beautiful beaches.
Grand Bourg is the capital, lively in the morning and sleepy in the afternoon.
 

Saint Louis, a ferry dock to the north of the island, is a quiet village, situated on a white beach with several small restaurants, beautiful beaches to the north of the country (Vieux Fort, Anse Moustique, Anse Canot). North of Saint Louis, towards Vieux Fort only ten minutes by car to admire the Great Gueule Gouffre, a natural arch carved by the sea.

Fine, ventilated beaches at Capesterre, where there is the greatest concentration of tourist facilities, although the village itself does not offer special attractions.

The Habitation Trianon-Roussel
The Habitation Roussel, dating back to 1700 and now in ruins, has been classified a national monument since 1981 because of the colonial significance
 

The Habitation Murat
Eco-museum of Marie-Galante, the Habitation Murat is from 1600 and had a protagonist role in the golden age of sugar. It was one of the largest estates on the island, with an area of 200 hectares and more than 200 slaves . The property consisted of about thirty buildings, 2 mills, one hundred cases (housing for the slaves), la maison de maître, in a beautiful classic style built by the British during a period of colonization in 1800.
The eco-museum offers an overview on the history of Marie-Galante and an attractive garden of medicinal herbs.
 

Only 1.5 km from Grand Bourg, in the direction Capesterre, indicated on the left. Open to the public from 8 to 13 and from 14.30 to 17.30. During the weekend from 9am to 12 and from 14 to 16. Admission free.

Guided tours. Tel. 0590 979441

Le Mulin Bézard

The mill BEZARD a Capesterre is the only one of the 106 mills Marie Galante to have resisted time and nature. Built in 1814, the golden age of sugar production, (Marie-Galante alone produced 20% of all the sugar from Guadeloupe) remained in operation until 1940 and has been very well renovated in 1994, becoming a museum.. Admission € 2 adults, children 1euro.

La mare au punch

La mare au punch or "the swamp of punch." To celebrate the abolition of slavery in 1848 slaves of the Habitation Pirogue poured into swamp hectoliters of rum duration the celebration lasting days and days.

A true cultural tradition of Marie Galante, from June to February, the Ox competitions are held usually on Sunday, creating a real festival with winners on the podium and music. These races take place in small villages: Morne Lolo, Canada, Vanniers, Bambara and Saint-Michel. Ask the tourist office to find out dates and venues of racing.

On the road connecting Grand Bourg and Capesterre, in the hamlet of Murat stop to a visit  Victor Tibedeo, a craftsman who makes objects from wood, roots, Calebasse and coconut.