Guadeloupe with your family : practical guide

• Capital city: Basse-Terre
• Political system: Presidential
• Languages: French and Creole
• Currency: Euro
• Cost of living: Higher than the metropolis

Butterfly of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe spreads its wings in 2: Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, crossed by the Rivière Salée. From Marie-Galante to the Saintes archipelago, to the Désirade, let yourself be surprised by its islands rich in diversity, its tropical mangrove swamps and its heavenly beaches.

• On the west coast is Basse-Terre, a small corner of wild and bucolic paradise. Less touristic than Grande-Terre, its hiking trails and lush tropical forest will amaze your little adventurers. Hibiscus and iguanas will meet you in the heart of the National Park nature reserve. The ascent of the Soufrière will transport you to its highest point: the volcano that overlooks the island. In a more relaxing way, the magnificent botanical gardens of Valombreuse or orchids will take you for a romantic or family stroll. To the north, the magnificent beach of Deshaies and its rupestrian fishing village will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the sea. In the south of Basse-Terre, don’t miss the Saintes archipelago under any circumstances. A stop on these islands with their military vestiges is highly recommended. Its wild beaches and Fort Napoleon are just waiting for you.

• On the other side,  Grande-Terre on the east coast is full of white sandy beaches and blue lagoons. The most seasoned surfers will find themselves on the beaches of Anse du Souffleur, Anse Bertrand or Saint-Anne. It is also on this side of the island that the best sunsets can be watched. From Pointe des Châteaux, the colours of the star plunging into the sea are even more beautiful than elsewhere. But this is not the only superb lookout, Point de la Grande Vigie and Porte de l’Enfer also offer a breathtaking panorama. Want a more authentic experience? Head for la Désirade where you won’t be able to resist the splendid beaches and the hidden treasures that will be revealed to you through diving.

• In the very south, the island of Marie-Galante, preserved from mass tourism, reveals all its authenticity. The landscape is unique: sugar cane plantations as far as the eye can see and old mills stand out on the horizon. Colourful villages, majestic beaches, it is also in these places that you will find the best rum of the Antilles.

• To the north, between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, nestles the Grand Cul-de-sac Marin. Laughter will give way to astonishment. Admire the coral reefs and dive into the marine reserve which will take you to the closest of spectacular aquatic fauna. Lagoons, heavenly beaches, tropical mangrove swamps and coral reefs can be found in this enchanting place protected by UNESCO.

Guadeloupe, the jewel of the Caribbean, is a destination that attracts visitors with its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and warm atmosphere. With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush natural surroundings, the island offers an idyllic setting in which to escape and recharge your batteries. But Guadeloupe also has a wealth of culture to explore through its gastronomy, musical traditions and colourful festivals. Whether you’re a keen hiker, scuba diver or simply looking to relax in the sun, Guadeloupe has it all. In this article, we’ll take a look at the essential reasons to choose this destination for your next holiday, for an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is a dream destination, and going on a family holiday to Guadeloupe is one of the best options in the region. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, Guadeloupe offers an unforgettable experience for families looking for adventure, relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore nature, this tropical destination has everything to please children and adults alike. Whether you decide to stay in a lodge, a holiday club or an all-inclusive resort, the possibilities for total discovery are endless!

Creole cuisine will amaze your taste buds. On the restaurants’ menu, you will be spoilt for choice. Fish and shellfish lovers will enjoy cod accras (fritters), blaff (broth with sea urchin, fish or shellfish eggs), fish or crayfish broth. Even more exotic, take a risk by tasting touffé de requin (stewed shark). Chicken can be eaten with coconut sauce or spices (chicken Colombo), and can be cooked slowly over a wood fire (boucané chicken). As a side dish, rice, red beans and plantains will be a highlight on your table. It will also be the occasion to taste forgotten tubers such as cassava, taro or yam.

If you have a sweet tooth, the Antilles will open the gates to paradise for you: Blanc-manger coco  (a kind of flan made from coconut milk) or banana flambé with rum. The delicious exotic fruits are incorporated into the country’s most refined pastries. And to finish off with a glass – or two – of rum or a ti-punch  (a cocktail made from lime and sugar cane) to help you digest.

• In the west, in Basse-Terre, all roads lead to rum. Go to the Distillerie Bologne. In Guadeloupe, the culture of coffee is also omnipresent. The exceptional « Bonifieur  » cafe, which makes the country famous for its unique aromas and rarity, will make your mouth water. Do you miss the Distilleries? Head to the Habitation Desmarets restaurant to savour the best of Antillean cuisine in the heart of a former distillery. Also taste the tourment d’amour on the Saintes archipelago, a delicious little round cake filled with coconut jam.
• To the east, in Grande Terre, Le Zawag welcomes you to the Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa ****. Rediscover the local dishes and let yourself be tempted by the lobster in the fish tank. Passing through la Désirade during the Easter weekend? The Cabri (goat’s) feast will then be in full swing. All the dishes will be goat-based during this celebration: stew, colombo, etc. In Pointe-à-Pitre, the Gastronomy Festival will be held and you can taste the best of Guadeloupean gastronomy and try your hand at cooking. It takes place in July.
• To the north, at Grand Cul-de-sac Marin: seafood and shellfish can be enjoyed with the whole family in an idyllic setting. To the south, in Marie-Galante, enjoy a bébélé (tripe-based soup) emblematic of the region. Taste the best rum of the island at the Distillerie Bielle. Stop at the typical restaurants that line the island to taste the succulent local specialities.

Guadeloupe is an island with a rich heritage. The Ti-Moun (children in Creole) won’t be bored not even for a second! From Pointe-à-Pitre to the Cocoa Museum, what better way to discover the history and culture of the island while having fun?

Guadeloupe, with its turquoise waters and exceptional marine biodiversity, is a veritable paradise for lovers of maritime exploration. Whether you’re a keen diver, snorkeller or sailor, the archipelago offers a multitude of opportunities to discover breathtaking underwater landscapes and a rich fauna. From coral reefs to historic shipwrecks, every dive is full of surprises and unforgettable encounters. What’s more, boat trips will take you from island to island, exploring hidden coves and deserted beaches. In this article, we invite you to dive into the fascinating world of maritime exploration in Guadeloupe, so that you can experience magical and unforgettable moments in the heart of this natural setting.

Guadeloupe, a veritable treasure trove of greenery, is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to get away from it all. With its lush tropical forests, spectacular waterfalls and majestic mountains, the island offers an infinite playground for adventurers and explorers. From hiking trails to unspoilt beaches, every corner of the archipelago invites you to discover breathtaking landscapes and a rich biodiversity. Whether you want to try your hand at canyoning, explore the natural parks or simply enjoy a relaxing day in the heart of nature, Guadeloupe has something for everyone. In this article, we offer you a guide to an unforgettable nature break in Guadeloupe, so that you can appreciate the wild beauty of this unique destination.

Guadeloupe enjoys a tropical climate and pleasant temperatures. Located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, it enjoys a relatively high level of sunshine. Temperatures are mild, between 20 and 30 degrees all year round. Winter is the best season to get there. It is in the dry season called « Lent », a hot period that takes place from December to May. The rainy season, called « wintering », is wet. Rains are more frequent from June to December. It is therefore the low season. Good to know: the sun in the Antilles rises early from 5:30 am and sets around 6:30 pm.

• Your children must travel with an up-to-date vaccination record, if necessary go to the doctor for booster shots before leaving! The Pasteur Institute details all the precautions before leaving for Guadeloupe.
• There is no compulsory vaccination except for travellers over 1 year old who have been in transit for more than 12 hours in a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. It must be done 10 days before departure.
• For certain travellers, only and on the recommendation of the doctor (e.g. long stay, etc.): a vaccine against hepatitis B, flu or pneumococcus can be prescribed.
• Don’t forget to bring a mosquito net and mosquito repellent.
• Boil the tap water before drinking it, this is an island!
• Take sunscreen with a high protection factor (50 SPF+).
• Consult our travel checklists so that you don’t forget anything if you are travelling with babies (from 0 to 3 years old), toddlers (from 3 to 6 years old) or older children (from 6 to 12 years old).