3 weeks in Guadeloupe | 24-day itinerary and our mini guide to planning your trip

If you’re planning a trip to Guadeloupe for 2 weeks or more, take inspiration from this complete 24-day itinerary to prepare for your trip and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

What to visit in Guadeloupe in 3 weeks?

It’s true that many people plan a trip of around 10 days to discover Guadeloupe, but before you set off, there are a few things you should bear in mind, as this French overseas department is large and offers an incredible variety of landscapes. It would be a pity to rush your trip or to want to see everything and miss out on certain places or visits. Guadeloupe is the largest island in the French West Indies. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The two main islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago form a butterfly-like shape (hence the nickname), separated by a narrow inlet called the Rivière Salée. On the east wing, you have Grande Terre and the capital Pointe-à-Pitre. It’s the island where there’s the most life, with big cities and markets, but also more touristy places, heavenly beaches, numerous coves, and nearby islands such as Petite-Terre and La Désirade. Then there’s Basse-Terre, much wilder, mountainous and verdant, with its tropical forests, volcano (La Soufrière), waterfalls and beautiful walks. Opposite are Marie-Galante and Les Saintes.

You must first ask yourself the right questions: when is the best time to go to Guadeloupe? Do you like hot weather, humidity, tropical temperatures, crowded beaches, hiking, etc.? Travelling between December and May does not have the same impact as travelling between June and August. Do you travel with your family, as a couple or with friends? There are many things to do and many ways to organize your trip.

There are those who want to settle down in a single location, renting a car to travel around Grande-Terre but also getting to Basse-Terre in a day. There are those who want to stay only on Grande-Terre to enjoy Guadeloupe’s beautiful beaches. Finally, there are those who will do as we did, staying a few nights in various places to avoid getting up very early and running around. In my opinion, this is the best way to travel in Guadeloupe!

I give you myhe must-sees for a first discovery of the butterfly island butFeel free to consult all our articles on Guadeloupeto prepare for your trip:

• What to do in 4 days in Marie-Galante
• Basse-Terre must-sees
• 7 things not to miss on Grande-Terre
• A two-day visit to Les Saintes

| DAY 1 TO DAY 10: LE GOSIER, SAINTE-ANNE & SAINT FRANÇOIS (GRANDE-TERRE)

When we talk about Grande-Terre, we often think of le Gosier, Sainte-Anne and Saint-François, the most popular tourist towns in this part of Guadeloupe. There are small stores, restaurants and bars, so it’s quite convenient for those looking for entertainment during their trip and a variety of accommodation, without driving too far to reach Basse-Terre. It’s also on this coast, which links the 3 towns, that you’ll find lovely sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

During our stay, we took the time to discover and stroll around Grande-Terre’s best-known markets, including the one in Sainte-Anne, which takes place every morning, to sample local Creole specialities, and the one in Moule, open on Wednesdays from 3pm to 9pm and renowned for serving the best acras on the island, at La Kaz à acras. Beware, there’s a long queue at the end of the day. These colorful markets are full of life, so you’ll be sure to pick up some souvenirs and local produce.

For water sports enthusiasts and lovers of small coves, I recommend the Helleux spot and Gros Sable beach, renowned for surfing, as well as Port-Louis for diving and the north coast from Port-Louis to Pointe de la Grande Vigie for small coves to swim in. A roadtrip to appreciate the beauty of these landscapes!

→ See Grande-Terre’s must-sees in this article right here

• The beaches of Grande-Terre

Most travelers come to Guadeloupe to bask on the beautiful beaches of Grande-Terre. The beaches of Sainte-Anne and Saint-François sare certainly the best known. On the road to Sainte-Anne, La Caravelle beach is undeniably one of the most beautiful and best-known on the island – everyone’s talking about it!. This long, white-sand beach with its crystal-clear waters, lined with coconut palms, is also the Club Med beach.. There’s a lot of people coming, but plenty of deckchairs! Not far from La Caravelle beach lies the beach at Petit Havre, less crowded, shaded and therefore suitable for families. Once again, you have to get to these beaches early to enjoy the peace and quiet and find a little piece of sand.

In Sainte-Anne you will also find the beach of Bois-Jolan, similar to La Caravelle but without the hotel component, and Le Bourg beach. On the Saint-François side, we were recommended thea Coulée, Raisins Clairs beach and Anse à la Gourde.

We didn’t have time to get there, but apparently the shower beach is a well-known attraction on Grande-Terre. This pretty cove, hidden behind mangroves, attracts many people for its fine sand and, above all, for its salty showers. In fact, erosion has carved out a natural pool fed by seawater from a natural geyser. The waves crash violently against the rocks, creating a natural shower. A fun place to drink and cool off!

→Read more about Grande-Terre and its must-sees in the article here

Finally, for those who want to explore the west of Grande-Terre, the beach du Souffleur Port-Louis is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the north of the island. We loved this coast and the the Kabana Beach, a very nice seaside restaurant. I recommend that you stop by for the setting and also to try their lobster, which was delicious! The area is perfectly suited to families, and water sports activities are also available.

Port Louis is the starting point for numerous aquatic activities so book them in advance to secure your place. Here you can ride towed buoy, from snorkeling or even diving ! I’d also like to tell you about my test dives in the Cousteau reserve and in Port Louis.

To thank you for your loyalty, I’ve decided to share with you a 10% discount code valid until 31/10/24 on this site only: MANAWA

→ More info here

• La pointe à Cabrit

On the way to Pointe des Châteaux, you can stop off at two typically local spots

• Kreol West Indies museum space

• The Coconut House

• Discover small paradise islands

Grande-Terre is famous for its sandy beaches, but also for its many boat excursions to discover the small islands opposite.

• Gosier islet :Located 10 minutes from Le Gosier, this small island is a true paradise on earth, with translucent waters. Enjoy half a day with your partner or family, sunbathing on the beach and snorkeling. The pier to reach the ilet du Gosier by boat is located on Anse Tabarin beach in the center of Le Gosier. Count on 5€ each way.

• Petite Terre :a protected nature reserve inhabited by dozens of harmless iguanas. Only 180 people are allowed on the island per day. We come here to snorkel with turtles, stingrays and baby lemon sharks. A wonderful experience!
  

• Desirade : a very pretty little wild island, inhabited by just 1,600 inhabitants and iguanas. Time seems to have stood still here. The island of Désirade can be combined with Petite-Terre in the same day, which is what we chose, but beware of the rough seas between the two islands. For those who suffer from seasickness, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
  

→ Read more about Grande-Terre and its must-sees in the article here

for this first stage of your 10-day to 3-week stay in Guadeloupe, I’d recommend putting down your bags in the Gosier area for hotel accommodation, or in Sainte Anne and Saint François for other types of accommodation. Ideal for visiting Grande Terre!

Our best places to stay on Grande-Terre

• La créole Beach & Spa in Gosier

La Créole Beach & Spa is a modern hotel belonging to the Hôtels et des Îles group, which has a total of six establishments in Guadeloupe, all different, but all welcoming, warm and with their own singularity.

This family-run 4* hotel is one of Grande Terre’s top hotels. It is located in Le Gosier, making it a central hotel if you want to visit the island in a star formation. Based by the sea, its strong point is undoubtedly its beautiful outdoor garden and relaxation areas facing the sea but also its small private beach. In fact, the hotel overlooks a small cove-shaped beach, ideal for swimming with children. On site, you can enjoy water sports activities.

A second area, equipped with sunbeds on the garden lawns, lets you soak up the sun away from the hustle and bustle of the beach and swimming pool at the heart of the hotel. The beautiful swimming pool, with 3 different pools including one for children, is also one of the resort’s highlights. We loved the shady tables in the garden. Gabriel and I stopped here several times, in the shade, to enjoy the food from the hotel snack bar.

In terms of service, the hotel has 2 restaurants. We found the catering to be of a very high standard, with copious and varied breakfasts, attractive lunch and dinner buffets, and a lively bar. On the snack side, the homemade juices were delicious and the food very suitable for picnics outside or on deckchairs.

The rooms and suites are spacious and have been recently renovated. They can have sea or garden views. It’s a hotel I’d recommend for couples and families alike.

➡️ Check hotel availability and make a reservation

• Domaine Saint-François

The Saint-François tourist residence is a beautiful hotel residence nestled in the hills above the town of Saint-François, in the east of the island.Halfway between a hotel and a furnished tourist rental, this secure establishment offers 8 beautiful bungalows and 3 apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms, set in a vast tropical garden of mango, papaya, avocado, banana, coconut and maracuja trees.

On this 6,000 m2 estate, you’ll enjoy all the services of a hotel: breakfast served on the terrace by the saltwater swimming pool, evening catering on request, by reservation and served only in your bungalow, and a booking service for excursions and activities. The estate also offers laundry, babysitting and massage services. Last but not least, a weekly Creole dinner by the pool makes for a wonderful evening on the estate.

On the accommodation side, the Balinese-style bungalows are rather large, between 30m2 and 40m2, not overlooked, composed of one or two bedrooms and all equipped with: a kitchen, a beautiful bathroom with outdoor shower and a large terrace with a hanging hammock chair. The apartments are more spacious, in the 80m2 range, and are beautifully decorated. The atmosphere here is very pleasant.. We particularly appreciated the various well-kept outdoor areas, as well as the gardens in front of the bungalows, which make you feel at the heart of lush, green nature. We really feel at home here and could have spent a week doing nothing!

It’s the first time we’ve tried this type of accommodation, which I find very suitable for couples as well as families. It’s an establishment where you can easily enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, the beautiful swimming pool and its long deckchairs, and let yourself be carried away by Aurore and her husband, who manage the estate perfectly and will be there to satisfy your every wish. We really liked the concept and the location, as the Saint-François estate is the ideal base for exploring the Guadeloupe islands of Marie-Galante, Petite-Terre and Désirade. It’s just a ten-minute drive from the marina.

If you arrive late, you can order a lovely, delicious aperitif-dinner platter, prepared by Aurore, with great local produce and homemade specialties. So don’t miss out on this great place to pack your bags. The Domaine Saint-François is very popular with French-speaking guests, who book several nights or even a week, so be sure to book well in advance.

→ To check availability, click here

• The Bwa Chic Hotel & Golf

We spent a few nights inthe charming 3* Bwa Chic hotel in Saint-François, which belongs to the hotels and islands group. The hotel is within walking distance of the marina, where most of the restaurants are located. It offers 43 rooms, including 12 superior rooms and 11 duplexes with kitchenettes on the terrace, spread over 2 floors. With their eco-chic style and driftwood decor, the rooms are simple and uncluttered. They overlook the pool, and some have a view of the golf course. On the whole, the hotel is not too bad, the welcome is warm, the bar offers a small cocktail menu, but on the whole, it deserves renovation to restore its chic, friendly atmosphere. An exhibition and sale takes place here all year round and changes every 3 months!

On Sainte-Anne and Saint-François, I’d also spotted the spots below:

→ Hostellerie des Châteaux

→ Villa Zen

→ Aparthotel with sea view and direct access to the beach

→ The relais du Moulin in Sainte-Anne

→ The Toubana Hotel & Spa

• Where to eat? Good addresses in Grande-Terre

• Restaurants in The Gosier and Pointe-à-Pitre

→ The Yacht Club in Pointe-à-Pitre : to taste Caribbean specialties. It was really very good and the waterfront setting is top-notch!

→ Chez Margaux in Le Gosier (highly recommended, it’s a must in Guadeloupe, but make sure you book in advance as they’re not open every day.

→ Coco Kafe

• Restaurants of Sainte-Anne

There’s one address we particularly liked for the atypical location, the sought-after all-vegan cuisine and the kindness of the owners, and that’s Widy Grego. He’s waiting to welcome you with an all-vegan meal. This gentleman is an incredible character, his companion is full of sweetness on his face and the food is incredibly good! The site is nestled in an immense tropical garden on several levels. I won’t tell you more, but follow the D105 (opposite the tourist office) for 3 km until you see the sign on the left indicating the place. You won’t regret it!

For those who love good artisanal ice cream, I recommend try Fabienne Youyoutte’s ice creams (désirs du palais). You’ll be able to taste the emblematic, even atypical flavors for which it’s famous (cassava, chili, sugar cane, avocado, 3-spice, sweet potato and many others). It’s a pure delight and a great discovery. For your information, she has been awarded Artisan of the Year 2019, and also makes pastries, confectionery and chocolates.

| DAY 10 TO DAY 13: MARIE GALANTE

If you’re looking for a little piece of paradise, a gentle way of life and a certain serenity, don’t miss Marie-Galante on your trip. We spent 4 days there and loved the island and its people. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of Guadeloupe, you’ll enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches and see memorable scenes of life, such as farmers planting sugar cane with their carts.

Marie-Galante, nicknamed l’île aux 100 moulins or la Galette, is renowned the world over for make the best rum in Guadeloupe and we can confirm it! Don’t miss out 3 distilleries whose Bielle distillery our favorite!

Those with few days to spare during their stay in Guadeloupe can still visit this island on a day trip, departing from Pointe-à-Pitre or Saint-François.

➡️ Check availability here and book your excursion to Marie-Galante

For those who want to put down their suitcases, you’ll find some great Airbnb options in selecting the Superhost option or Airbnb luxe which I engage every time. There are no big hotels or resorts, and that’s part of its charm. Here, you’ll find rather charming guest rooms but also detached villas. Look out too for access to beaches and proximity to ports for boats and crossings.

➡️ If you haven’t found what you’re looking for in terms of accommodations on Airbnb, we invite you to check out the best offers and book on booking.

→ Read more about Marie-Galante in the article here

Finally, Marie-Galante is a large island that can be explored in all directions, by car, quad bike or scooter.. Some stretches of road are more rugged or difficult to access with a scooter, so you might prefer a quad bike. Most rental companies are located around the ferry terminal and are usually waiting for you when you get off the boat!

Concerning public transport, there’s a bus that links Grand-Bourg, Saint-Louis and Capesterre for around 2€. The frequency is about every 15-20 minutes in the morning and every hour in the afternoon… when they’re on time. It’s really not practical

I recommend reserve the vehicle in advance because in high season, there is little or no choice when you arrive! Car seats for children are also complicated to find so you can’t improvise too much on transport.

| DAY 13 TO DAY 18: DESHAIES (BASSE-TERRE)

Guadeloupe is an island of contrasts: Grande-Terre has rugged terrain and heavenly white-sand beaches while Basse-Terre enjoys a immense tropical forest home to sublime waterfalls that Guadeloupe is so famous for and so popular with hikers.

In Basse-Terre, you’ll be driving on the route de la Traversée, or RD23, also known as « route des Mamelles ». It’s a beautiful mountainous road surrounded by lush green vegetation, crossing the island from east to west.

• Carbet Falls

At the foot of Soufrière volcano, you can discover the famous Carbet Falls, 3 waterfalls that can only be discovered by hiking and following different, more or less difficult routes. The first waterfall only requires a twenty-minute walk to reach, while the second requires more intense effort. It’s a sublime place that deserves time.

• Acomat jump

Located between Pointe Noire and Malendure beach, we discovered this pretty waterfall, the Acomat jump, nestled in the heart of lush vegetation. The descent takes about 15 minutes, but the terrain is sporty and very slippery, especially if it rained the day before! At the bottom, cross the river to reach the waterfall for a swim. We advise you to wear good shoes (avoid flip-flops as much as possible) to get there, and to bring water and small snacks as there’s nothing around. This waterfall can be done with a baby in a baby carrier, but it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and being crammed onto the rocks.

• The crayfish waterfall

The crayfish waterfall is a waterfall on the Rivière aux écrevisses in Petit-Bourg . This beautiful waterfall is easily accessible on foot from the nearby parking lot. Children and adults can swim in both the large pool and the river. As with the Acomat jump, I advise you to go early, around 9am, to get the feeling of being alone in the world! The cascade aux Écrevisses is very popular with locals, who often bring their families.

→ More details on these hikes in the article here

• The Botanical Garden

Located in Deshaies, the Botanical Garden is a 7-hectare park where visitors can discover the flora of the West Indies, with over 1,000 species of tropical flowers and plants, including bougainvillea, hibiscus, orchids, cacti, porcelain roses and red ginger, as well as a variety of trees such as the Baobab, breadfruit tree, banyan tree and Talipot, the endemic Guadeloupe palm. Impossible to miss, it’s a magnificent place that’s easy to walk around in 1h30 to 2h, and easy to do with a baby in a stroller. Again, we recommend going early in the morning and, if possible, on weekdays to avoid the crowds. You can enjoy lunch in their restaurant, located in an exceptional setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea and serving cuisine based on local produce.

• Mamelles Park and its canopy

We hesitated for a long time before making the Mamelles Park, because you have to pay for access to Guadeloupe zoo to enjoy them. We don’t endorse zoos and don’t see the point, but we were mainly interested in the canopy walk. Unfortunately, this ride is forbidden to children under the age of 3.

From what I’ve heard, The walk takes place on suspension bridges over the trees and lasts about 30 minutes.. The feeling of being above the trees is quite magical, as I’ve experienced in Laos, in the United States and in Europe. Gibbon Experience.

• Diving in the Cousteau reserve

The Réserve Cousteau is a must-see in Guadeloupe for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. We were able to make two dives and the corals are incredibly beautiful and very well preserved.

Several diving clubs are based in Bouillante, where strict regulations are in place for access to the reserve. Accreditations are given to each club so as not to overload the site with divers and to ensure that the site is not overloaded « snorkelers ». (yes, because it is also possible to snorkeling in the Cousteau reserve, check availability here)

To thank you for your loyalty, I’ve decided to share with you a 10% discount code valid until 31/10/24 on this site only: MANAWA

We have chosen the club healthy hours, a modern club with experienced French-speaking instructors. I tell you more about it here in this article

• Caraib’bay hotel in Deshaies

Located a 300-metre walk from the plage de Grande-Anse, we discovered a most pleasant green setting for our suitcases in the north of Basse-Terre. The Caraib’bay hotelis a charming 3-star establishment, with 14 carefully manicured accommodations nestled among lush vegetation in an 8,000 m2 area. The establishment, run by two Frenchmen, Catherine and Christophe, is made up of six fully-equipped villas, which can be grouped into 2 adjoining duplexes with a large terrace for travelling with family or friends. There are also two Eco-lodges for 2 to 4 people complete the offer of this establishment that we were able to enjoy.

Villa Ti Kaz Bwa is a spacious, air-conditioned, all-wood 30m2 chalet surrounded by palm trees, breadfruit trees and flowers. It’s perfect for a couple or a small family, as we had a cot for Gabriel and two mosquito nets. The bedroom, with its 160cm four-poster bed, opens onto a beautiful bathroom juxtaposing a terrace with a small kitchen, a dining room and a relaxation area overlooking the garden. It was our little ecolodge, a cozy cocoon where we could see birds and a few hummingbirds in the mornings. If you’re looking for the great outdoors, or a Robinson-style cabin tucked away among the trees, this is the accommodation for you!

Villa Kariakou is a little higher up on the site, and is aimed at those who want more space with family or friends. This lodge boasts panoramic views over the tropical garden. There are 2 air-conditioned bedrooms and a huge 60 m 2 terrace with a large fully-equipped kitchen and living room.

The 55 m2 duplex suites can accommodate up to five people, and are simply decorated by local artists. On the first floor, there’s a master bedroom, and on the first floor, a number of single beds, a lounge area with a fully-equipped kitchenette and a shaded terrace.

On the common areas side, you can enjoy a beautiful, large swimming pool for sunbathing or shading in the park’s vegetation. Every morning, our gourmet, home-made breakfast features delicious local produce, juices and soft cakes. It is served on the restaurant terrace overlooking the pool and garden. A library has been designed in a small space adjoining the terrace. It invites you to take your time and enjoy the calm of the hotel. So many little things make this familial hotel excellent value for money.

Another strong point is that the Caraib’bay hotel is committed to a environmental and eco-tourism approach. It has been awarded the European EcoLabel for good management of waste, water and energy, including the installation of solar water heaters, regulated air conditioning and a solar flower to produce part of the hotel’s consumption.

If you’re looking for a hotel that knows how to welcome, you’ll be delighted by the location and the owners who do their utmost to satisfy you. A lovely family-run hotel that I recommend at a very affordable price – you won’t regret it! Be aware that it’s quite popular in the area and that customers book several nights or even a week in advance, so be sure to book well in advance.

→ To check availability, click here

For accommodation in Deshaies, I had also spotted the places below:

→ Au jardin des Colibris Ecolodge

→ Mabouya Ecolodges

→ Lodge Coco

• Where to eat? The best addresses in Basse-Terre

→ restaurant du Domaine du rocher noirin Pointe Noire

→ Sinners’ corner in Deshaies

→ Chez Lelette in Deshaies, an institution

→ Chez Francine in Sainte Rose

→ Karacoli Beach in Deshaies: a toes-in-the-sand beach club restaurant where you can rent a bed and party.

→ Chill restaurant Bar in Deshaies It’s a little beach shack located not far from La Perle beach, you eat well and it’s not very expensive.

→ Restaurant l’authentique and restaurant la paillote in Grande Anse

→ The Mahina Wednesday to Saturday (at lunchtime, a beautiful view of the bay of Deshaies), French cuisine, tapas and pizzeri.

→ The kaz du customs officer, traditional cuisine with fresh produce, open Tuesday to Saturday.

→ Cacao café : mixed cuisine, including Portuguese (giant brochettes ). Open every day (except Wednesdays and Thursdays) and for lunch only

→ In the tropics for their bokits and grills. Open every evening at 6pm and Sunday lunchtime on La Perle beach. Closed on Sunday evenings.

→ A very local place run by quite a character, and well known for its delicious lobsters from Thursday to Sunday. ( I’ll give you the name in your travel diary)

| DAY 18 TO DAY 20: THE SAINTS

The islands of Les Saintes, or Les Saintes, are islands attached to Guadeloupe, 20 minutes by boat from Trois-Rivières. Here, you can only get around by golf cart, scooter or bicycle. The main island, Terre-de-Haut, is the island most visited by day-trippers. It is famous for its beautiful Pain de Sucre beach lined with palm trees and its coral-rich waters, ideal for snorkelling, sound Fort Napoleon, overlooking the bay. An exceptional 360-degree panorama from above.

The secondary island, Terre-de-Bas, meanwhile, is less well-known and frequented by visitors. It is renowned for its hiking trails across the island’s volcanic landscape, to Grande Anse, its peaceful beach and a local institution which I mention in the article dedicated to Les Saintes.

It’s a must-see on any trip to Guadeloupe, and obviously our second favorite along with Marie-Galante. We highly recommend staying at least one night to get a feel for the island’s atmosphere once all the travelers have left! In high season, remember to book the boat and golf cart in advance, as most shipping companies and rental companies were fully booked the day we arrived.

→ Read more about Les Saintes in the article here

| DAY 20 TO DAY 24: THREE RIVERS (BASSE-TERRE)

Trois Rivières was the last stop on our 24-day trip to Guadeloupe. On the heights of the city, we put down our suitcases for two nights in this beautiful place, the Malanga Garden. This charming superior hotel is also part of the chain of hotels and islands.

This intimate, authentic hotel offers two types of accommodation: three semi-detached cottages, each housing two units and nestled in the vegetation of the garden, and an old colonial house near the swimming pool and restaurant, with a family suite for 4 people and bedrooms upstairs. The highlights of this establishment are undoubtedly its exteriors, with a beautiful tropical garden, large cottages, the magnificent colonial house and a breathtaking view of the Saintes archipelago and even Dominica on a clear day.

We stayed in one of the spacious, air-conditioned cottages with very comfortable bedding and a lovely terrace offering 180-degree views over the entire estate and bay.

Le Jardin Malanga remains a safe bet for accommodation in Guadeloupe, thanks in particular to its quality services. The restaurant the Panga, welcomes you in beautiful surroundings and has just a few tables. You can enjoy a hearty à la carte breakfast overlooking the pool, or treat your taste buds to a table d’hôte dinner by reservation only. The chef, who has worked in a number of Michelin-starred establishments in France and Polynesia, offers a unique menu of modern gourmet cuisine, combining Creole and French dishes. Local and seasonal products are given pride of place, much to our delight. As for drinks, I invite you to try their very good cocktails, and try their fine selection of wines. We really enjoyed ourselves and had a great time here.

We loved relaxing in this place that seems cut off from the world. An enchanted interlude to round off our stay in this infinity pool with a splendid view of Les Saintes. A very happy ending to our stay in the French West Indies.

→ Check hotel availability here

| WHEN TO GO TO GUADELOUPE

You can visit Guadeloupe all year round, but as in all the Caribbean, there are 2 seasons:

• The dry season stretching from December to April which is also the high season. Temperatures are pleasant, around 25°C.
• The wet season stretching from June to October with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The end of August, but especially September, is a cyclone-prone period. This humidity and rain is felt more on Basse-Terre than on Grande-Terre.

We visited Guadeloupe in August, just as we had done for our trip to Cuba, and we haven’t regretted our choice. Admittedly, we had a little more rain on Basse-Terre, but that didn’t stop us from discovering the butterfly island. You need to be flexible, adaptable and change your plans if necessary.

| WELCOME TO GUADELOUPE

It’s very funny, but it’s a question I’m often asked, and it comes up again and again! Guadeloupeans are often criticized for their welcome, even described as racist, but I can tell you that we felt absolutely nothing of the sort during our trip.

We were made to feel so welcome in all the establishments where we stayed, and the Guadeloupeans are very welcoming, rather funny, smiling people who love children! I believe that your attitude and behavior play an essential role in your welcome. You’re on French soil, of course, but the customs and culture are different from your own. Respect them and take an interest in them without patronizing them. Don’t forget that this is their home.

Like many islanders, Guadeloupeans are very “cool” and never stress! There’s always a solution to every problem. In the end, maybe they’re right?

| VISITING GUADELOUPE WITH CHILDREN

Guadeloupe is a French territory, so as far as administrative formalities are concerned, there are no constraints, as you remain in France. A valid identity document is all you need to board. You don’t need a passport or visa, though, your baby’s identity card is mandatory.

The flight takes about 8.40 hours and the time difference is 6 a.m. in summer, and 5 a.m. in winter, which means your baby may wake up early, but in the end it’s not so bad for making the most of your day and avoiding the heat. Our little Gabriel easily adapted to the rhythm, and after 2 or 3 days of early mornings, he slept quite well in the mornings.

Guadeloupe is a very easy destination to do with babies and older children. Here you’ll find a range of adapted hotels, usually with fully-equipped kitchens and swimming pools, or hotels with the necessary infrastructure to cater for children. The restaurants are very “Kids friendly”, so children are always welcome and much appreciated by the locals.

We were on a trip with Gabriel, who was 12 months old at the time, and we were able to do as many activities as we could without feeling constrained. Incidentally, I’d suggest you call on an occasional basis if you wish, a babysitter extraordinaire who looked after Gabriel on several of our excursions to Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. She is a smiling, generous woman who takes such good care of the children that I can only recommend her to you during your stay in Guadeloupe. Gabriel was so happy to see her again over several days that we were sad to leave her. She lives in Sainte-Anne but has moved as far as Saint-François and Deshaies. I’ll be happy to e-mail you her contact details. Come from me, because it only works via word of mouth.

Most activities can be enjoyed with children, but some require a minimum age, such as waterfall hikes, kayaking, climbing the Soufrière volcano (although some travelers have ventured there with a baby in a baby carrier and flip-flops!) and some 4×4 rides.

| GETTING AROUND GUADELOUPE

In my opinion, it’s essential to rent a car in Guadeloupe as there’s little public transport and the island is quite spread out. It’s quite complicated to use buses to get from point A to point B because they’re rarely on time, they don’t go everywhere and the journeys are rather long.

If you choose ” economy class”, you’ll still enjoy a wide range of services, including a comfort kit comprising a sleep mask, headphones and a pair of socks (very few airlines still offer this!), as well as a cushion, blanket and HD touch screens showing a varied range of entertainment, the latest film releases and their magazines, which can be consulted on their Izipress ipads. On the practical side, their aircraft feature power sockets (except on board the A350-900), USB sockets, and audio sockets compatible with your personal headphones or earphones. Wifi is not available everywhere, but it is available as an option on board their fleet of A350-1000s and A350-900s, and one of their A330-300s.

Finally, we clearly felt that Air Caraïbes wanted to promote the local products of the French overseas regions, which are part of their DNA. That’s why you’ll have a choice of hot dishes served generously, and drinks such as the house Ti’punch, which won’t taste the same!

Before leaving, I invite you to read my must-sees for a first visit to butterfly island andFeel free to consult all our articles on Guadeloupeto prepare for your trip:

• What to do in 4 days in Marie-Galante
• Basse-Terre must-sees
• 7 things not to miss on Grande-Terre
• A two-day visit to Les Saintes