Guadeloupe

The Butterfly Archipelago: 5 islands, each with its own unique atmosphere

Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, La Désirade…

From white-sand beaches to volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons to tropical forests, colorful markets to Creole villages… Guadeloupe offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, flavors, and cultures.

Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a diving fan, a beach lover, or simply curious to discover Creole history, culture, and way of life, every island and every region has a new experience in store for you.

Welcome to Guadeloupe, a distillation of the Caribbean to be enjoyed to your heart’s content.

Information

Money

Euro

Payment by all types of cards

Language

French

Guadeloupean Creole

Jet Lag

London : – 5h

Montréal : 0h

Requirements

Valid ID card or passport

Information

Euro – Cash, Visa, CB, Amex…

French – Guadeloupean Creole

London : – 5h

Valid ID card or passport

Discover the Archipelago of Guadeloupe

Grande-Terre

Beaches and turquoise horizons

With its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and landscapes shaped by the ocean, Grande-Terre is the beach destination of Guadeloupe. From Le Gosier to Saint-François, via Sainte-Anne, it features a mix of lively resorts, Creole villages, and unspoiled natural sites such as Pointe des Châteaux.

Bordered by cliffs along its Atlantic coastline and surrounded by sugarcane fields to the north, it boasts some of the archipelago’s most beautiful beaches.

Basse-Terre

Inside the nature

The wild, volcanic heart of Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre stretches around La Soufrière and a lush tropical forest. Waterfalls, rivers, black- and golden-sand beaches, and hiking trails come together to create spectacular landscapes in the heart of the national park.

An ideal destination for lovers of nature, adventure, and a change of scenery.

Marie-Galante

The Island Where Time Slows Down

Nicknamed “La Grande Galette,” Marie-Galante charms visitors with its peaceful landscapes, unspoiled beaches, and timeless way of life. With its old mills, sugarcane fields, and traditional distilleries, the island retains a strong Creole identity and a rich heritage.

An ideal destination to slow down, savor the moment, and discover the authentic Guadeloupe.

Les Saintes

An exceptional berry

A small archipelago with unparalleled charm, Les Saintes captivates visitors with its spectacular bay, colorful narrow streets, and Creole cottages. In Terre-de-Haut, the atmosphere of an old fishing village invites you to take your time, surrounded by historic sites, wild coves, and a laid-back lifestyle.

An ideal getaway to discover another side of Guadeloupe.

La Désirade

Secret and well-preserved

Far from the hustle and bustle, La Désirade reveals a wilder, unspoiled side of Guadeloupe. This long limestone island, located across from Grande-Terre, charms visitors with its rugged landscapes, underwater world, and peaceful atmosphere.

A unique island, perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and take the time to explore in a different way.

Unique experiences to enjoy during your stay

Watch the sunrise at Pointe des Châteaux

Attend a Kout Tanbou

Hike through the tropical forest of Basse-Terre

Relax on the beaches of Grande-Terre

Sample Saintoise crêpes and tourments d’amour in Terre de Haut

Take a surf lesson at Helleux

Discover the story told by a passionate storyteller in Petit-Canal

Climb La Soufrière and enjoy a 360° view of Basse-Terre and Les Saintes

Enjoying a coconut sorbet on the golden sandy beach at Grande Anse

Take a dip in the cool river at Bras du Fort

Encounter turtles and tropical fish in Petite-Terre or at the Cousteau Reserve

Unique experiences to enjoy during your stay

Watch the sunrise at Pointe des Châteaux

Discover the story told by a passionate storyteller in Petit-Canal

Attend a Kout Tanbou

Climb La Soufrière and enjoy a 360° view of Basse-Terre and Les Saintes

Hike through the tropical forest of Basse-Terre

Relax on the beaches of Grande-Terre

Enjoying a coconut sorbet on the golden sandy beach at Grande Anse

Sample Saintoise crêpes and tourments d’amour in Terre de Haut

Take a dip in the cool river at Bras du Fort

Take a surf lesson at Helleux

Encounter turtles and tropical fish in Petite-Terre or at the Cousteau Reserve

Travel Guide – Discover Guadeloupe

25 € – E-book format – 53 pages

Practical Tips, Cultural Immersion, Hikes, Daily Itineraries for exploring and discovering the archipelago.

Discover the Guide

Travel Guide – Discover Guadeloupe

25 € – E-book Format – 53 pages

Practical Tips, Cultural Immersion, Hikes, Daily Itineraries for exploring and discovering the archipelago.

Discover the Guide

Frequently Asked Questions and Some Answers

Guadeloupe is a great place to visit all year round!
The tropical climate means you can enjoy the archipelago any time of year, but the year is divided into two main seasons, which affect the weather, visitor numbers, prices, and events..

  • The dry season, from December through April/May: The climate is generally drier, and temperatures are pleasant. This is the most popular time of year for travelers, with higher visitor numbers and higher prices. It also coincides with Carnival season.
  • The rainy season, from June through November: Warmer and more humid, this period is also less crowded and often more affordable. July and August are particularly rich in events and activities. This is also the time when sargassum may be more prevalent on certain beaches along the Atlantic coast.

In summary: If you want to enjoy a generally drier climate, opt for the dry season. If you’d like a more relaxed trip and lower prices, the rainy season can be an excellent alternative. Want the details for each month — weather, events, crowd levels? Check out our Guadeloupe month-by-month calendar article.

A week, 10 days, two weeks, or longer: you can explore Guadeloupe at your own pace.

In just one week, you’ll be able to enjoy the archipelago’s must-see attractions—from beaches to nature and culture—as long as you choose your base wisely and keep travel time to a minimum.

With 10 days or two weeks, you’ll have more time to explore different parts of the island and discover neighboring islands like Les Saintes or Marie-Galante, while still leaving time to relax and let yourself be carried away by the Caribbean rhythm.

Our roadbook offers day-by-day itineraries tailored to the length of your stay, to help you organise your days, make the most of your journeys and enjoy Guadeloupe to the full without rushing.

A car is still the most convenient way to explore Guadeloupe at your own pace.
The archipelago also has a network of buses, taxis and ferry services between the various islands. Your choice will depend mainly on your itinerary, where you’re staying and how much you want to explore.

For a holiday focused on exploring, hiring a car offers greater freedom and makes it easy to reach beaches, villages and attractions further away from the main roads.

Our Travel Guide helps you organise your journeys and plan a logical route, taking into account distances and journey times.

Hotels, flats, villas, holiday cottages, B&Bs or private rentals: you’ll find all kinds of accommodation in Guadeloupe, to suit different types of holiday.

Location, however, is a key factor to bear in mind. For a week-long stay, choosing a relatively central base, such as Le Gosier, can make it easier to explore the area without having to travel too much.

For a longer stay, it may be worth changing accommodation and splitting your time between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. This way, you’ll get more out of the archipelago’s different facets whilst minimising travel time.

Before booking, therefore, consider the location of your accommodation as much as its comfort: a good base can make all the difference.

At Discover Caraïbes, we believe that what’s a must-see for one person isn’t necessarily a must-see for everyone.

Guadeloupe offers such a diverse range of landscapes, experiences and atmospheres that everyone will find exactly what they’re looking for.

Rather than telling you what you absolutely must see, we’d rather help you find what suits you best: beaches, walks, nature, culture, cuisine, heritage, meeting local people, or simply moments to escape the hustle and bustle.

Our Travel Guide brings together our selections and recommendations to help you plan a holiday that suits you, at your own pace and according to your preferences..

Yes, there may be occasional water cuts, mainly due to the condition of the water network and certain periods of drought. The situation varies depending on the local area and the time of year.

But don’t panic: this doesn’t mean you’ll be spending your holiday without water! Remember to check before booking your accommodation whether it has a water tank.

In Our Travel Guide , we also share all the practical tips you need to ensure your stay is a success..