Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is shaped like a butterfly — two main islands connected by a bridge, each with a completely different character. Grande-Terre to the east is flat, lined with white sand beaches and resort hotels, with Pointe-à-Pitre as the commercial capital. Basse-Terre to the west is mountainous, volcanic and covered in rainforest — dominated by La Soufrière, an active volcano rising to 1,467 meters and offering some of the finest hiking in the Caribbean.

The island is a French overseas department — meaning it is, legally, part of France and the European Union. The euro, French law and French standards of infrastructure apply, giving Guadeloupe an accessibility and reliability that many Caribbean islands lack. Yet the culture is deeply Caribbean — Creole food, zouk music, Mardi Gras celebrations and a warmth that feels entirely of the region.

The outer islands — Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade — add further dimensions to the Guadeloupe experience. Les Saintes is one of the most beautiful village settings in the Caribbean. Marie-Galante is known for its rum distilleries and unspoiled beaches. Together they make Guadeloupe one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in the French Caribbean.