Smash Up Of Urban Pointe-A-Pitre And Rural Beach

Smash Up Of Urban Pointe-A-Pitre And Rural Beach Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

What is Guadeloupe all about? A mix of history and culture that wow!

While you walk the market you might find a local treat called tourment d'amour, or agony of love. Traditionally, fishermen's wives would entice their men to come home with these petite round pastries with irresistible, rum-soaked coconut centers sometimes flavored with guava, pineapple, banana, and passion fruit. Yummy!

Pointe-à-Pitre hits you right away as a bustling port. This city sits in front of a busy harbour and has been referred to as the New Orleans of Guadeloupe. The reference is plausible as you will find the old colonial architecture mixed in with newer construction in somewhat the same way. This is a French-governed group of islands with lots of Creole culture influence and the two largest of the bunch form the shape of a butterfly. Almost in the middle, where they just about touch, is Pointe-à-Pitre, where the history that dates back to the mid 1600s. As you begin your tour on foot, you can still see fishermen bring in their catch and also get a great view of a beautiful marina.

Your walk will begin at the port and take you along the road to the famous 'Spice Market' which carries the scent of Caribbean spices. This covered market offers the city's best shopping for handmade crafts and it leads right into the Place de la Victoire, a large grassy park where locals come together. Here your guide will point out the bust of the well-known Adolphe Sylvestre Félix Eboué. You will see the location of the Saint John Perse Museum, which focuses on the discovery and history of the island. You may choose to return after the tour and explore the exhibits inside. You cannot miss locating the exterior of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church with its colorful Caribbean colors.

All around you, you will find interesting museums, busy markets, and the sounds and colors that you find all over the Caribbean, but with a twist. Everything is quite condensed yet you have a sense of worldliness, most likely from the fact that the island is a connecting point for many different places.

Your walk is informative through the narration of your guide and also with your own observations. The combustion of French and Caribbean has a special result, which is apparent in the shops and cafes, restaurants and bars which speak to the lifestyle here. Finally you will visit the site of the 'Memorial Act; which is the most significant expression of the memory of the slave trade and slavery throughout the Caribbean.

With a history dating back to the mid 1600's, Pointe-a-Pitre encompasses the cultural blend that characterizes Guadeloupe, with 19th-century architecture, interesting museums, bustling markets and the sounds, colours and flavours of a vibrant Creole society. The downtown area, just to the south of the airport and right next to the cruise port terminal, is home to Place de la Victoire, the main square and heart of urban life, as well as the city's best shopping in the covered spice market and its surrounding commercial streets. To the south lies the district of Le Gosier, which bubbles with life in the many restaurants, cafes and bars that surround the marina.

Throughout your walk you will be quite aware of the gorgeous waters in the distance. Now we will bring you over to a white sand beach called Datcha au Gosier. Enjoy the water if you wish or just relax and dig your toes in the sand. Your stay of one hour of beach time can be very reflective after you have absorbed so much information.

- Please dress comfortably for the walking portion of the tour. If you plan on swimming, please bring a towel and we suggest you wear your swimsuit under your clothing.
- There is not enough time for you to tour the Memoriale ActE during the tour but you can visit afterwards on your own. There is an admission cost.
- Local snack included.
- Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated.

- Minimum 4 required.
- This tour uses 8-passenger vehicles.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 3.5 hours
• 01:00 PM, duration: 3.5 hours