Guadeloupe

Originally this “Island of beautiful waters” was called Karukera but Christopher Columbus renamed it in 1493. Guadeloupe is well known for its spectacular sheltered beaches. The beaches range from the surf-brushed dark sands of western Basse-Terre to the long shiny white stretches encircling Grande-Terre. The famous diver Jacques Cousteau considered Guadeloupe amongst the top 10 dive sites in the world.

The archipelago also offers an interesting mix of modern cities, open-air and covered marketplaces, rural hamlets, and rainforests. Guadeloupe is a lively centre of the Caribbean's Creole culture, boasting a spirited blend of French and African influences. The two islands, separated by the narrow bridged strait of the Riviere Salee, are often seen as the wings of a butterfly, resting on the Caribbean.

Guadeloupe is a fantastic destination because there is also extreme stillness available, from St Barthelemy to the outlying islands of Marie-Galante, La Desirade and Les Saintes, undeveloped and attractive, with old and crumbling mills, a frequent reminder of Guadeloupe's historical connections as a major sugar plantation.

Understanding The Geography

Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is an overseas department of France. Guadeloupe is also one of the twenty-six regions of France and an integral part of the Republic. As part of France, Guadeloupe is part of the European Union; hence its currency is the euro.

Guadeloupe comprises five islands: Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre (separated from Basse-Terre by a narrow sea channel called salt river) with the adjacent islands of La Desirade, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.

Basse-Terre has a rough volcanic relief, while Grande-Terre features rolling hills and flat plains.

Climate Conditions

The country is a Tropical maritime nation, with a wet season from May to November, and periodic Hurricanes between June and November.

Understanding The Culture

As might be deemed more typical of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe boasts plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, with displays of local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the Biguine, where colourful and ornate Creole costumes are still worn.