The 10 most beautiful villages in Guadeloupe

Are you planning to stay in the Caribbean? Here is our selection of the 10 most beautiful villages in Guadeloupe, in the French Antilles!

Nothing like living at the rhythm of the villages of Guadeloupe to plunge into the heart of the Caribbean! Composed of seven beautiful islands, the French archipelago of Guadeloupe seduces by its preserved nature and its vibrant creole atmospheres.

It also comes to lezardize on the hot sand, to leave on the assault of the Soufrière volcano but also to enjoy the tropical and lively atmosphere of the small Caribbean towns. Follow our selection of the most beautiful villages and prepare for a wonderful stay in the Caribbean!

1. Deshaies

Start your tour of the villages of Guadeloupe with that of Deshaies. A small fishing village on the edge of the Caribbean Sea in Basse-Terre, it alone concentrates all the charm of the French Antilles. We admire the colorful wood houses, we taste coconut and old rum on the terrace, and we enjoy the proximity of paradise beaches.

One of the main points of interest in the village is its botanical garden. Located in the former domain of Coluche , a little before the beach of Grande-Anse, this must-see park of Guadeloupe allows you to approach the fauna and flora of the archipelago.

On 7 hectares, it offers visitors different collections, including a palm grove, a pond with nenuphars, exotic birds and a beautiful 10-metre high waterfall. You will learn a lot about local biodiversity! Deshaies is also an excellent starting point to get to the famous beach of Grande-Anse, or to make a sailing trip in search of dolphins.

2. Sainte-Anne

Browse 21 km from Pointe-à-Pitre to the east and to reach one of the busiest villages in Guadeloupe! Sainte-Anne is perfect to enjoy the most beautiful beaches the archipelago. Indeed, the turquoise lagoon closed by a coral barrier, fine sand and coconut trees are faithful to the postcard image of the Antilles. The beaches of Bois-Jolan and Caravelle are the most beautiful.

If you're more of the kind you don't stay in place, head to the Bourg beach! It is a great place of practice for water sports, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing or sea kayaking. In the evening, the village of Sainte-Anne flies as soon as its night market opens. Take advantage of it to buy some memories when you get back to the beach and sip a rum!

Note that Sainte-Anne is very popular with tourists. Also, it is best to discover its beaches early in the morning or at the end of the day, not to suffer the crowds.

3. The Gosier

Its name comes from the pelican called in the 17th century grand gurus, because of its large beak and its pocket. The commune Le Gosier is another great tourist destination of Guadeloupe. Beach resort close to Pointe-à-Pitre, the town is perfect if you love lively and warm atmospheres.

In addition bars , casinos and discotheques, you can practice many water sports. For the farniente, you just have to put your towel on the beach Datcha, and for the swim, direction the pretty cove located in Anse Tabarin.

The small island of Gosier is also a good option to swim in the lagoon. With beautiful reefs and protected by the Conservatoire Côtier in addition to the Office National des Forêts, it takes no more than 5 minutes by boat to get there.

4. Bourg de Terre-de-Haut

Get out of the beaten paths, go for the Holy ! In Terre-de-Haut, one of the two inhabited islands of the small Guadalupian archipelago, cars are not allowed. We therefore travel by bicycle or on foot, starting with the Bourg de Terre-de-Haut. It is the ideal point to admire the splendid bay of the Saintes, considered one of the most beautiful in the world by Unesco.

The village is both relaxing and lively. The rhythm is nonchalant, the welcoming inhabitants. You are advised to explore its streets in the air, in the face of the colourful facades of the Creole boxes or large colonial houses. The church built in volcanic rock also deserves a visit.

Finally, stop to taste the love torments, these tasty cakes, the speciality of the island!

5. Saint-François

The small Saint-Tropez of Guadeloupe is above all an old fishing port to discover. Founded in 1683 by a Franciscan mission, this highly tourist village combines all the attractions of a holiday destination. Church, placette and cute creole boxes on one side, marina, golf, bars and casino on the other.

Saint-François is also a very good spot for nautical activities or sea trips to Marie-Galante, the Saintes or the Désirade. Curiosity of the village: its important Hindu cemetery, all white, attests to the presence of the Indians on the island.

Saint-François concentrates the largest Indian community in Guadeloupe. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach in the immediate vicinity, it’s the Raisins-Clairs that you have to go, or the Anse in the Gourde.

6. Trois-Rivières

Are you planning to visit Guadeloupe through the Saintes? Your departure will certainly be from Trois-Rivières. In the south of Basse-Terre, the commune holds its name from the three rivers that cross it: Grande Anse, the Petit Carbet river and the Chien hole river. Its small port is pleasant, you can see old cases and Creole houses.

The village also houses the Archaeological Park of the engraved rocks, which includes 230 Arawak engravings dating from the pre-Columbian era. The cultivation of sugar cane has been prospering for a long time in Trois-Rivières (the famous rum of the same name) but banana has also become an important local production. There is even a banana-museum dedicated to this tropical fruit. Miam!

7. Bass-Terre

If you visit the villages of Guadeloupe, you must go through the administrative capital of the island. Ranked “City of Art and History” since 1995, Basse-Terre has some cultural treasures like its cathedral – Our Lady of Guadeloupe – one of the oldest in the archipelago. In the centre of the town, the Corsair House deserves a visit.

The large market, which extends to the seafront, offers the opportunity to immerse itself in the Caribbean atmosphere of the islands. The botanical garden allows you to familiarize yourself with more than 130 species of trees and plants of various origins. Basse-Terre is also a good starting point for several diving spots from the surrounding area.

8. Goyave

The goyaves, these delicious fruits gave the name to this small village turned towards fishing and banana cultivation. If you are looking for a preserved place of mass tourism, you will enjoy discovering this small town. A few superb hikes are to be done, like the jump of the Fort Bras or that of the Moreau Falls. Easy rides with a bath at the key.

In Goyave, the Jardin d’Eau de Blonzac is a playful and sporting place that will appeal to the whole family. The Fruity Garden is an arboretum that also makes it possible to know more about the plants and fruit of the rain. Everywhere in Guadeloupe, there are beautiful beaches and Goyave does not escape the rule: here, it is Sainte-Claire and its grey sand that have the favor of the inhabitants and the travellers.

9. Port-Louis

The small fishing village of Port-Louis is a must for its Beach du Souffleur. Like many other communes, its charm also lies in its Creole architecture. This ancient sugar town has kept some interesting vestiges to see, like the Godet home.

Its windmills were used to crush the sugar cane at the time of slavery. Close to Port-Louis, Pointe de la Grande Vigie – the northern point of Guadeloupe – has a breathtaking view of the ocean and the nearby islands.

10. Boiler

Founded in the 17th century, Bouillante is one of the oldest villages in Guadeloupe. Its name comes from the many hot water sources in the region, like the Bains Thomas. This natural bath has long attracted the guadeloupéans who care about this hot and sulphur water.

Ask yourself, however, before leaving, because the site is sometimes closed to the public. Another point of interest in Bouillante, the beach of Malendure will seduce water sports enthusiasts. All black sand, it is known for its diving trips to the Jacques Cousteau reserve. Snorkeling, a boat full of glass and kayak complete the offer of activities.

If you travel with children, take them to the Mamelles Park. This zoo is populated by Caribbean species: spider monkeys, iguanas, ocelots, colourful parrots... Finally, finish your visit to Bouillante by the Memorial of Freedom. This place bears witness to slavery deeply rooted in the history of the French Antilles.