Overview
Enjoy a beautiful part of Guadeloupe!
My memories of our several visits to Guadeloupe bring back visions that I have always wanted to share. Finding people who arranged a tour that meshes with my own ideas is very exciting. The cemetery in particular was fascinating to me, enough so that I could not take enough photos at the time. You will understand why during your visit.
In the midst of the group of islands called Guadeloupe are the two largest which look like a butterfly. But each half is distinct in both business and pleasures and between the two is the Salée River. The two largest islands are very different from each other. One, Grande-Terre island, has long beaches, sugarcane fields, and incredible colorful cemeteries outside of the main business area. Your arrival into Pointe-à-Pitre, the main city on Grande Terre, will feel distinctly like a port town along the coast of France. It bustles with business and the incredible ocean seems to be everywhere. The other half of this butterfly is called Basse-Terre, a mountainous region where you can find coffee plantations, rapid water running from the top of lush green mountains emptying into the ocean. It is rough and physical which is part of its beauty.
There is lots to tell you as you make your way out of the center of town. Your guide will share information about this area in the Caribbean that few know much about. You will be prepared for the incredible landscapes that are in your future while you learn about Guadeloupe's culture, much of it focused on island life and spirit of food. After all this is a French territory!
Absorb your drive first around Pointe-à-Pitre before heading for the town of Morne-à-l'Eau for its famous two-colored cemetery and its unusual architecture. As you travel the world you may encounter a few sights that may remind you of this vision, but none can compare.
You move past the area and cross fields of sugarcane. Guadeloupe and its sister, Martinique, are both major players in the world of rum and the first sign of that would be a field of sugarcane. The field leads into the town of Le Moule, thought of as a warm city. The views from here are perfect background for a selfie!
We mentioned rum and your stop at the rum distillery Damoiseau will be so informative. This distillery produces one of the four types of agricultural rums that come from this region at family-owned distilleries. It has roots back to the 19th century and was originally founded as an agricultural estate. You will learn about production and taste all the rum you want!
Now, loosened up, you will follow your guide into territory that is not often seen. La Pointe des Châteaux is a peninsula that extends into the Atlantic Ocean from the Eastern coast of the island and from here you can see several of the other islands that make up Guadeloupe. La Désirade, Les Saintes, Marie Galante and Petite Terre are all in front of you. You might even catch a glimpse of Dominica in the far distance.
Move on to the coastal town of Sainte-Anne, which sits on the southern coast of the island. A daily market on the beachfront promenade sells vegetables, clothes and rum cocktails. There is a lovely white sand beach close to the market and for about an hour, you can spend some time as you wish, at either or both of these local sites.
Before you return to Pointe-à-Pitre, take an opportunity to see the famous Fort Fleur d'épée in the commune of Le Gosier. That charming town surrounding the fort is full of culinary specialties, particularly BBQ! The culmination of this experience will give you the sense of the island and what makes it so special.
- Local snacks and beverages are included.
- Gratuities for your guide are not included but appreciated.
- This tour uses 8-passenger vehicles.
- You must be 18 years old to participate in the rum tasting.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 5 hours Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in.
