Guadeloupe Flag
Why visit Guadeloupe?
Ideal for the adventurous independent traveler wishing to island-hop the offshore island while enjoying active volcano, architecture, diverse culture, fishing, hiking, hot springs, lush rainforests, luxury products, natural wonders, nightlife, nude sunbathing, rugged mountainous coastline, sailing, scenic views, shopping, snorkeling and walking.
Photo Credit: Stéphane PLISSON/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: African dresses, bamboo hats, dolls, lace, madras cotton goods, minature wood carvings, paintings, patchwork tapestries, rum, and spices.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Accras (codfish fritters). Blaff (seafood soup). Boudin (blood sausage). Cabri (goat dish). Colombo (stew). Crabes Farcis (stuffed crabs). Matete (rice dish).
- Local Drinks to Try: Bonifieru (coffee). Ti Punch (cocktail).
Photo Credit: Clara CALDERINI/Pixabay
History
- In 1815, became under French control.
- In 1848, slavery was abolished.
- In 1946, made an overseas Department of France.
- Fun Facts
- Individuals born on Guadeloupe are full French citizens.
- While France provides imports and subsidies, its economy depends on agriculture, light industries, and tourism.
- Producer of two-thirds the bananas are eaten in France.
- Guadeloupeans are known to love champagne!
Photo Credit: Stéphane PLISSON/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Jour de l’An, (February) Les Nuits Caraïbes, (April) Carnival, La Desirade Goat Festival, Nissan Fishing Festival, (March) Mi-Carême, (April) Fête du Poisson, Le Terra Festival, (May) Eritaj Festival, FEMI International & Regional Cinema Festival, French Surfing Competition, Guadeloupe International Track & Field Meeting, Karujet, Mini-Transat, Saint François Golf Open, Terre De Blues Music Festival, (June) Fête De La Musique, (July) All Day In Music Festival, Guadeloupe International Zouk Festival, Gwoka Festival, Traditionnal Sailling Tour Of Guadeloupe, (August) Female Cooks Festival, Fete des Cuisinieres, The International "Tour De La Guadeloupe", (October) Creole Week, (November) Documentary Film Month, & Route du Rhum.
- Holidays: Good Friday, Easter Monday, Slavery Abolition Day, Feast of Assumption, & All Saints' Day.
Photo Credits: Fabien/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Daylight savings time not observed.
- The summit is often cloudy or fogged.
- English is not widely spoken.
- If you buy a madras fabric hat; do be mindful of the underlying message. Simply meaning, "one point" means your heart is available, "two points" means your heart is already taken, "three points" means your heart is taken, but you're still open to offers!
- In the National Park's it's illegal to fish, hunt, pick flowers or use a radio.
- At the waterfront, Marche de la Darse do buy something before taking any pictures without permission.
- Hippodrome Karukera (Anse-Bertrand) periodically hosts horse races.
- Legal drinking age is 18.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Hyperbaric Chambers is available at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (Abymes) and at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (Fort de France, Martinique).
Photo Credit: Lunathys/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.
Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs during September.
- Coolest Season: January - February
- Humid & Hottest: July - November
- Peak Season: December - May
Photo Credit: François BENOIS/Pixabay
- Historical Sites: Cathedral of St. Pierre & St. Paul, Fort Delgres, Fort Fleur d'Epee, Habitation La Griveliere, Maison Zevalos, Porte d'Enfer (Hell's Gate) & The Cathedral of Basse-Terre
- Museums: Coffee Museum, Edgar Clerc Archaeology Museum, Memorial ACTe, Musee du Rhum, & Musee St. John Perse
- Popular Attractions: Aquarium Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre, Deshaies, Bras David & the Maison de la Foret, Changy Hindu Temple, Chutes du Carbet, Gosier, Grande-Terre, iles des Saintes, La Pointe de la Grande Vigie, La Soufriere Volcano, Le Desirade, Le Moule, Les Mamelles, Le Parc National, Marche de la Darse, Maria Galante, Musee Schoelcher, Parc Zoologique et Botanique, Pointe a Pitre, Pointe des Chateaux, Pointe Tarare, Pont d'Alliance, Pont de la Gabarre, Riviere Salee (Salt River), Ste Anne, St Francois & Zoo de Guadeloupe
Photo Credit: Pascal GUICHARD/Pixabay
Offshore Islands:
- Marie-Galante the largest of Guadeloupe's offshore islands. Known as La Grande Galette (The Big Biscuit) for its flat and circular shape. Popular for ruined sugar mills, rum distilleries, and sugar fields.
- Iles des Saintes only three are inhabited of the eight island archipelago. Charmed for its barren landscape and walkable town. Most visitors explore Terre-de-Haut and Le Bourg.
- Terre-de-Bas an inhabited island once covered with sugar plantations. Attractions are their beaches, fort, and fishing.
- La Desirade relies on fishing as there's little tourism beyond attractive beaches. Has 1 church, 2 hotels, a few bars, and restaurants.
Photo Credit: jlxp/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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