What to see and do in Guadeloupe? THE 10 UNMISSABLE THINGS

1 – Underwater dive in the Cousteau reserve

My very first time! And what a first… We set off towards the boiling village not far from the beach of Malendure, crossing the Guadeloupe National Park. A magnificent road. Once there, we were welcomed by the team of the diving club « Healthy Hours » who prepared us and with whom we set off by boat around the Pigeon Islands.

There you go, we had arrived in the heart of the Cousteau Reserve, the most beautiful diving spot in Guadeloupe! The underwater scenery is absolutely remarkable; I was able to observe many colorful fish and fully enjoy this moment in the Caribbean waters. We also realize how fragile this beautiful ecosystem really is… To fully enjoy this first dive, I preferred to leave my camera and GoPro behind, so no photos 😉

In any case, it was an unforgettable experience that gave me a sense of freedom and happiness. I really want to complete the necessary levels to learn more about diving during my travels around the world.

If you are looking for less frequented diving spots, you can also go to:
• Machette (near Machette beach)
• The Mambo (near Mahaut)
• Champagne (near Bouillante)

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2 – Canyoning in the Blue Basin

Head south to Basse Terre, between Saint-Claudes and Trois Rivières, in the heart of a lush jungle crossed by the Galion River, where the Blue Basin is hidden; a magnificent natural swimming pool with clear waters.

After 30 minutes of walking through the forest to reach the heights, we began the perilous rappel descent down the waterfalls and rocky walls. Our guide Olivier was nice, but the only negative was that he lacked a bit of vigilance… Dedication to Alex for his fall 😉

Despite everything, we finally reached this little corner of paradise where we could swim and enjoy the Blue Basin. The setting is remarkable, majestic and relaxing. We raise our eyes and admire these century-old trees and the wild vegetation, up to the canopy.

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3 – Understanding Guadeloupe at the Memorial Act Museum

You cannot leave Guadeloupe without visiting the Memorial Acte. More than just a building with bold architecture, it is a place of recollection and information, a place of education to learn a common history shared by humanity.

The memorial is indeed symbolically located on the site of the former Darboussier sugar factory. It is considered one of the most ambitious memorial sites ever dedicated to slavery and one of the most accomplished in the world regarding this topic. The visit is very enriching but above all very emotional…

Each of us experienced this visit intimately. Fewer smiles, more laughter; everyone was in their own bubble with their audio guide, and we were alone in the corridors of this 2.0 museum. We learn the sad history of slavery through a tour that is equally adapted for adults and younger visitors, with many interactive installations, video, audio, and light animations.

Price: 15€

Website: memorial-acte.fr

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4 – Visit the Pointe à Pitre market and stroll through the narrow streets of the city center

I really enjoyed the authenticity of the streets in the city center. You can feel that it’s alive, human, not just a sterile place like other cities that turn their city centers into sanitized areas for tourists. No, here you take your time, you always discover, along a side street of old colorful houses, a little run-down; you see that the locals go to the fish and fruit/vegetable market by the port; you see street art installations on some walls; in short, I particularly enjoy all of that. Even though there’s a lot of color and many smells, the spice markets are still a big draw for tourists. It’s better to do more research to buy quality products in Guadeloupe (vanilla, rum, etc. – there’s no shortage of those) and not be fooled by products from Asia.

Regarding security, I really had no fears… As I said a little earlier, the city remains lively and animated; you meet all kinds of people, just as in any city; I’m not telling you anything new here! You have to be yourself; it’s as simple as that: blend in quietly with the crowd and take the time to enjoy Pointe à Pitre, a city that seems to be undergoing a transformation with the desire to show a new face. Future renovation of Place de la Victoire and the neighborhood located between the bus station and the Memorial Acte, social policies to help young people not fall into delinquency, and many other initiatives that can only be beneficial for this port city with its tourist potential (hosting cruise ships, etc…)

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5 – Enjoy the local cuisine

A trip to Guadeloupe can only be accompanied by discovering the specialties with local flavors. Creole cuisine can be as simple as bokit (a cheap local sandwich), accras, coconut flans that can be found everywhere on the island in stands, food trucks, and even street food!

But there are also more elaborate dishes based on fish, seafood and meat that can be enjoyed in the island’s restaurants. These include ouassou (freshwater shrimp with sauce), cabri (lamb prepared in stew, columbo or fricasseed), matété (equivalent to paella with earth crabs and rice), stuffed crabs and chicken columbo (spicy!)

Special mention for the exquisite cuisine of the chef at the Le Panga restaurant at the Le Jardin Malanga hotel… A subtle blend of tropical fruits and vegetables, spices, fish, lobsters and meats!

6 – Guadeloupe rum – Longueteau Distillery

We visited the Longueteau rum distillery located in the magnificent Domaine du Marquisat de Sainte-Marie in Capesterre-Belle-Eau, the oldest in Guadeloupe, which is still in operation and considered to produce one of the best rums on the island. In fact, the house has received numerous awards in competitions.

At the Longueteau distillery shop, there is a wide selection of rum varieties: white, aged, amber, flavored, or prepared as punch. The perfect opportunity to buy an excellent bottle of high-quality white rum at an attractive price, which I am currently savoring with my loved ones!

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7 – Aperitif, conviviality and sunset on the beach of Datcha in Gosier

After a nice day visiting the island, we went to enjoy the lively local atmosphere on the beach of La Datcha, facing the islet of Gosier, right in the heart of the town.

There are colorful bars on the beach, food trucks, people doing their exercise, families coming for a picnic, and groups of friends enjoying the sunset.

The spot is very pleasant; there is Creole and reggae music, you can enjoy a fresh smoothie on a sunbed, and even take a shuttle boat or a kayak to go to the islet opposite the beach.

–> The beach is lit up in the evening until 23:00.

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8 – Snorkeling on the Souffleur beach

This beach is located on Grande Terre, not far from the city of Port Louis. Some even consider it one of the most beautiful in Guadeloupe! The ideal place to relax on this beautiful stretch of fine sand and swim in the turquoise waters; a true postcard-worthy scene.

For snorkeling enthusiasts, there is also a marked marine trail with signage in the water 😉 When we went there, there weren’t that many people, which is quite pleasant!

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9 – The Pointe de la Grande Vigie

Welcome to the end of the world! Or almost… In fact, the tip of Grande Vigie is located at the far northern tip of Grande Terre, a few kilometers from Anse-Bertrand. The scenery is spectacular…

From the top of the limestone cliff, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, with its intense blue color that seems to disappear into the distance. The sea erupts and the waves break against the rocky cliffs; it’s truly beautiful to watch.

Don’t forget to stroll along the path that runs along the cliff; the scenery is lovely.

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10 – Route de la Traversée & waterfall of crayfish

17km long, the Traverse road is the only one that crosses Basse Terre from one side to the other. It connects the commune of Petit-Bourg with that of Pointe-Noire passing through this beautiful mountain massif.

The landscapes are magnificent, the vegetation is so lush, the green of the plants contrasts with the blue of the sky; you have no idea where to look and you feel completely disconnected! At the bend of a turn, we stopped to see the pretty cascade with the snails; the site is peaceful and majestic.

The height of the waterfall is not important, but the water flow is impressive. From the road to Traversée, you can also visit the Mamelles site (Petit Bourg and Pigeon peaks), have a picnic on the Corossol river, visit the Bras David site, and visit the The Maison de la Forêt with its discovery trail.

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Practical tips for traveling in Guadeloupe

• When to go to Guadeloupe?

It is so nice to live in the Antilles! It is best to visit Guadeloupe during the dry season, from December to April. At this time of year, the temperatures are pleasant (27°C) and the sun is shining brightly, although there may occasionally be some occasional showers. It is also during this period that the prices are the highest. From mid-June to November is the rainy season and the temperatures become stifling (+30°C). The best weather/price alternative is the months of May, June and November.

• Aviation: XL Airways' great deals to Guadeloupe

We left with the airline XL Airways, which offers rates that defy all competition. The round trip flight from Paris to Pointe à Pitre starts at 419€. It’s worth following the group’s news because from time to time there are flash sales with even more attractive rates. On board you have the option of purchasing extras to enhance your trip: a world cuisine meal plan (22€), a tablet rental (10€), access to the «Paris» lounge (39€). Until May 14, 2016 there are 3 flights per week.

• Cruises

For those who enjoy this mode of travel, you also have the option of taking a ten-day cruise in the Caribbean and discovering these magnificent islands in record time, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe. Many websites offer interesting offers such as those from MSC cruises with Abcroisiere. You will surely find the formula that suits you best there.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in Guadeloupe, for all tastes and budgets. Some will prefer gîtes, campsites and unusual accommodations, family hotels or luxury hotels offering absolute comfort. There is a choice! In fact, I will soon publish an article about the beautiful hotels of the « Hotels and Islands »They are all so different from each other (in family, in a couple, in the mountains, by the sea, etc...) with unique universes. I will also tell you about the La Toubana hotel, a little corner of paradise, ideal for couples on their honeymoon.".

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Transport in Guadeloupe

The car is almost mandatory for getting around! Be sure to book your car rental at the time of planning your trip; you’ll get better prices. You can also rent scooters and motorcycles to enjoy the Guadeloupean roads at full speed! Another option, but difficult to rely on for the entire trip, is public transport by bus…

In my suitcase?

I took my big suitcase Delsey Chatelet And I filled one compartment with swim shorts, bermudas, t-shirts, shirts, trousers, espadrilles, tongue caps, etc… The summer kit! The other compartment was of course dedicated to souvenirs, but in the end I managed to get by, I didn’t buy that much anyway.

I also took my backpack with me. Herschel in which I had my camera Fujifilm XT10, the MacBook Pro for work, all my cables (chargers, etc..), my Guide Evasion Guadeloupe for hiking, my Sunglasses, My headphones and my inflatable pillow!

Summary

In the end, Guadeloupe truly has something to appeal to all travelers… Those seeking relaxation, sensations, nature, emotions, authenticity, encounters, and also escape! Admittedly, 5 days is far from being enough to discover even a small part of Guadeloupe, and as Rachel said, «few people don’t fall in love with Guadeloupe. You come here for the first time for baptism and you keep coming back, over and over again, to marvel even more and more.» And it’s true that there is so much to discover… This trip was like a taste of things to come, and now I really want to go back, this time for a longer stay to immerse myself even more in Guadeloupe and its islands. Visit here to find out more the islands of Guadeloupe

This article was produced as part of a press trip with the Guadeloupe Tourism Office, XL Airways, Des Hôtels and Des Îles.