Guadeloupe : The island paradise of France
January 3, 2008
Guadeloupe is an archipelago of 8 islands in the heart of the Lesser Antilles: Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, La Désirade, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, Petite Terre, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin. Located 7,000 km (4,350 miles) from mainland metropolitan coasts, between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, it was discovered in 1493 per Christopher Columbus. He dubbed it Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Estremadura in homage to a Spanish monastery. It was in 1946 that Guadeloupe attained the French status of Overseas District, then of Overseas Region in 1982.
Guadeloupe itself as most know it is made up of two principal islands, separated by a narrow sea channel called the Salt River and connected by two bridges. These two islands, Basse-Terre (848 km or 527 miles) and Grand-Terre (588 km or 365 miles ) form a pair of butterfly wings on the water. The first is the larger and more mountainous. Located on a volcanic chain crowned by the active “Sulfur mine” volcano (1,467 m or 4,813 feet), it’s covered in very dense tropical vegetation. The second is characterized by a large plateau and is composed of a southwestern plain covered with mangrove, a central irregular succession of areas called great pits and a plateau of dry and lacy rock coasts in north. A favorite tourist destination thanks to its picture-perfect beaches and coral reefs along its coasts, it is also the economic center of the archipelago.
Guadeloupe’s climate is particularly pleasant, with an average temperature of 26°c (78°F). Trade winds, the famous breezes that arrive regularly from the East, keep the atmosphere continuously refreshed. These tropical conditions also make Guadeloupe a richly blessed territory when it comes to diversity of flora and fauna.
Nature celebrates its generosity here in every imaginable shade of green, which gives the island its nickname: Emerald Island. Guadeloupe unveils its natural riches along its many footpaths as well as a national natural reserve that harbors a multitude of species of trees, plants and flowers as well as diverse wildlife. The nature reserve of Grand-Cul-de-Sac reveals a veritable mosaic of coastal terrains: mangroves, rainforests, grassy marshes, meadows, underwater gardens and tiny desert isles, all in a protected area.
This rich bounty of natural treasures makes Guadeloupe ideal for exploration and a visually exquisite backdrop for multiple activities: walking tours along ancient trails in a lush natural setting complete with many spectacular waterfalls, trips on marked-out roads that traverse the tropical forest and lead to the summit of the Sulfur Mine volcano, mountain bike excursions to the sugar cane fields in the footprints of Saint Anne and Saint Francis, canyoning and extreme sports in such picturesque sites as the breathtaking Carbet waterfalls or the Ecrevisse cascade. You’ll be hard pressed to choose a favorite among so many enchanting venues, all amazing places just waiting to be discovered, explored and enjoyed.
Guadeloupe and its islands are also known for its lagoons and its rich and varied ocean life, making it a true paradise for diving and other water sports. With more than 70 km (43.4 miles) of beaches that alternate between bewitching coves and bays, it’s ideal for vacationers in search of relaxation in an exotic setting. With only a mask and snorkel, any visitor can discover an underwater wonderland of mollusks, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and a myriad of multicolored fish. More seasoned divers will want to head for Cousteau Reserve, on the Pigeon islands, famous for its concentration of coral, sponges, angel fish and rainbow colored parrot fish, or to the wrecks of La Côte sous le Vent, the stingrays of south Grand-Terre, the caves of Port-Louis, or the majestic giant tortoises of Marie-Gallant.
Lastly, the rich and varied cultural and historical heritage of the island rewards repeated visits. With its multiracial population and its melting pot of many cultures, Guadeloupe’s character can be savored and appreciated through its Creole language, its craft industry, its traditional festivals and its music, all woven into the colorful fabric of everyday life here.
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