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A Taste of France in the Caribbean
 A sassy blend of French culture and Creole esprit spice up this gorgeous tropical island, known for its stunning natural wonders and local charm: sugar-white beaches, the volcano of La Soufriere, the triple waterfalls of the Carbet, endless plantations, old mills, quaint hamlets, and picturesque fishing villages. Guadeloupe is actually made up of two main islands - Grande-Terre to the east and Basse-Terre to the west - each having completely different striking landscapes, distinguishing them from one another. Basse-Terre is a land of forest-covered mountains and volcanic peaks, with lakes, hot springs, waterfalls and mountain trails appealing to all nature lovers. In contrast, Grand-Terre is full of sugarcane fields, low, chalky hills lined with stunning white-sand beaches ideal for sunbathing.
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 General Info
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Official Name: Guadeloupe |
| Entry Requirements*
: For stays up to three weeks, U.S. citizens traveling as tourists must have a proof of citizenship in the form of a valid passport. |
| Capital: Basse-Terre. |
| Language: The official language is French, but a French-based Creole is also spoken. English is spoken in the tourist areas.
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| Climate: Subtropical. |
| Economy: Agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services. |
| Government: Overseas department of France. |
| Religion: Roman Catholic, some Hindu, pagan African and Protestant sects.
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| Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes ; U.S. dollars are widely accepted. |
| Time Zone: Time difference with the US Eastcoast - 1 hour during winter time (no time difference in summer).
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| Telecommunications: The country code for Guadeloupe is 590. |
| Electricity: Voltage is 220, 60 periods, European standard wall plugs. Transformers and adaptors are necessary for American appliancies.
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Temperature |
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Average temperature ranges from the low 70s in the winter to the high 80s in the summer.
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Helpful Numbers
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French Government |
| Tourist Office |
| 444 Madison Avenue |
| New York, N.Y. 10022 |
| (212) 838-7855 |
French Government Tourist Office in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe |
| (011) 590-82-09-30 or 590-89-46-89 |
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Excursion Ideas
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Beaches and Sports
- Near to Pointe-a-Pitre is Gosier, a tourist center where hotels and small inns, cafes, discos, shops and a beautiful strip of endless white sand await you. Sainte-Anne, farther east, has another famous glistening stretch of sand. There, you can choose between Plage du Bourg, a spacious shore ideal for picnics and watersports, and Plage du Bois Jolan, perfect for relaxing in the shade of towering coconut palms. Both spots are well-suited for swimming with calm shallow waters. Moving east along the shore, you'll find more beautiful beaches in the Sainte-Francois region. Choose the watersport haven of Plage de la Marina, or the sheltered coves and quiet beauty of the local favorite nudist beach, Plage de l'Anse Tartare.
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Sightseeing and Attractions
- Pointe-a-Pitre is steeped in history and the best place to discover it is around the Place de la Victoire, where many quaint wooden homes and open balconies date back to colonial times. The downtown open market is alive with cheerful vendors who, surrounded by the colorful array of fruits and vegetables, delight in the traditional bargaining rituals. For the visitor who wants to learn more, two museums worth checking out are Musee Schoelcher, named for and containing information about the French political leader who was instrumental in abolishing slavery in the Caribbean colonies, and Musee St. John Perse, dedicated to the 1960 Nobel Prize-winning Guadeloupean poet. An architectural wonder not to be missed is the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Around the island of Grand Terre, visit the 18th-century Fort Fleur d'Epee for some fun exploring the well-preserved battlements and dungeons and for outstanding views of Pointe-a-Pitre. The Guadeloupe Aquarium offers the land dweller an excellent look at the underwater world, without even having to get wet. The sharks and eels are particularly impressive.
On Basse-Terre, the 74,000-acre Parc National is a definite highlight. Stretching east to west through the park is La Traverse, a road lined with brilliant foliage including shrubs, flowers, thick ferns and stately trees. For the active traveler, there are 180 miles of marked trails all over the grounds, just waiting to be explored. Information centers are located in the park that contain exhibits about Guadeloupe's natural history and provide helpful information.
Other highlights include the Chutes du Carbet, a trio of 410-foot-high waterfalls and La Soufriere, a fascinating (and dormant) 4,813-foot-high volcano with all of the usual volcano extras-- steamy sulfur pits, mud cauldrons and plenty of smoke holes. More adventure awaits those who climb to the crater's edge, where an otherworldly moonscape with pools of bubbling mud and eerie rock formations tantalize the imagination.
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Shopping
- Luxury items made in France always appear to be on special in Guadeloupe. French wines and champagnes are excellent bargains, as well as silk scarves, crystal, perfumes and cosmetics. The antique-hound will adore the treasures to be found, namely the early French and plantation-period items. Most shops are located in Pointe-a-Pitre along Rue de Nozieres, Rue Frebault and Rue Schoelcher.
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Dining and Nightlife
- Guadeloupe is a gastronome's dream, with its more than 100 restaurants serving up everything from delectable Creole dishes to a variety of international favorites. Fresh seafood and fresh vegetables are plentiful. In addition, the recipes are guided by French, African and East Indian influences, creating a most unique and tasty array of dishes. Try accras, crispy croquettes of cod or malanga root, or feroce d'avocat, a spicy avocado treat. Squid, conch or lobster are excellent main dishes to savor, and homemade coconut ice cream seems a fitting way to end this exotic and gourmet dining experience.
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*Requirements for US Citizens only
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