Vacations in Guadeloupe

Posted on September 7, 2008
Filed Under Caribbean

Porte d’enfer: the gates of hell

La Porte d’Enfer is a protected cove with calm waters and a small palm-lined beach backed by high limestone cliffs, which give it a uniquely captivating allure. The beach is great for swimming, especially for small children and adventurous travelers can explore the limestone cliffs and surrounding area. This is one of the popular things to do in Guadeloupe.

La Porte d’Enfer is close to Le Moule, so you can tour the town after your visit to the beach. Guadeloupe’s beaches are hardly known for their seclusion, but this beach is a little further from the crowds, making it a perfect spot for some vacationers.

Visit a Rhumerie – Rum distillery

Cabane a rhum Damoiseau is in Le Moule (ph 23 78 23) on your way to Pointe des Chateaux is artisanal where you can visit everything, from the crushing of the sugar cane to the fermentation tub of vesou (sugar cane wine becoming rum). It’s very interesting but all the odors and sounds is a little overwhelming at some point, and you got to watch out for the bubble of goo coming out of those tubs when the wind picks up!

Mangrove Exploration at The reserve of the Grand Cul de Sac Marin

This natural reserve has been protected since 1990 due to intense hunting, which had a detrimental effect on the natural wildlife there. It’s possible to take a tour of the mangroves and learn about this fascinating part of the island.

The Festival of Women Cooks

Aculinary nirvana proclaimed as one of Guadeloupe’s most spectacular events, and usually held in Pointe-б-Pitre in August. The festival features a banquet open to all that lasts for hours, and traditional Creole costume is prevalent. Dancing and parades proceed the event. Belying its dual roots, Creole foods and French foods intermix. Make sure to find in advance the villas to rent for holidays.

Pointe a pitre

Guadeloupe’s largest city is a mix of old and new. The city has had a colourful past with numerous fires, hurricanes and earthquakes, however it stands tall today. It’s a bustling city with a great market where you can buy fresh fish, vegetables, spices and an array of other things on a daily basis. The market is open every morning and is situated in the center of Pointe-a-Pitre.

Also visit the aquarium, which contains a vast array of beautifully coloured fish housed in huge tanks. The staff are extremely visit and it makes a nice break from the Caribbean sun!

Deshaies Botanic Garden

The Botanical Garden is located in the north east of Basse Terre in a beautiful village called Deshaies. You can find over over 200 varieties of native plants along with wildlife and picturesque waterfalls and ponds. A must for lovers of nature.

Basse-Terre (Low Land)

Despite its name, Basse-Terre is in fact the highest and largest island of Guadeloupe located to the east. It’s rich in wildlife and there is an abundance of things to see and do.

National Park of Guadeloupe

One of the main attractions is the National Park of Guadeloupe (Parc Naturel), which provides around 300km (188 miles) of marked trails leading into the rainforest, where visitors can observe many tropical animals and plants. The scenery on these walks often includes waterfalls (such as the Cascade aux Ecrevisses) or lakes (such as the Grand Etang). On Grande-Terre, hiking trails lead through the mangrove or along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast.

La Route de la Traversee is the road that crosses through the middle of Basse-Terre and the National Park (Parc National). It’s a gorgeous region surrounded by mountains and forests with several lagoons for swimming and plenty of places to hike. Notably, there is a Zoo with a suspension bridge where you can walk around the forest 15-20 metres above the ground! Cascade aux Ecrevisses is an intimate, picturesque cascade with lots of lush vegetation and a beautiful warm pond with a waterfall where you can swim. It’s well worth the trip as its quite secluded and there is a place where you can have a picnic with tables and chairs etc.