g Experience Caribbean g Contents

Guadeloupe

t The lovely scenery

Introduction

Area Map

Experience More

Practical Information

Experience Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a French archipelago whose two largest islands are hinged together like an open oyster shell. Grande-Terre, the eastern half, is flat, covered in sugar cane, dotted with resort towns, and has Guadeloupe’s main commercial hub, Pointe-à-Pitre. Basse-Terre, the western half, is mountainous, rainforested, and home to La Grande Soufrière, an active volcano that is the Lesser Antilles’ highest peak. The two halves are joined by bridges over the Rivière Salée (Salt River). Smaller outer islands float nearby like spilled pearls. On Marie-Galante, sugar cane and rum production are still important. Les Saintes comprise a cluster of nine islands, just two of which are inhabited. La Désirade (The Desired), so-named by Columbus for being the first sight of land on his second voyage in 1493, has minimal tourist facilities but great natural appeal.

Guadeloupe was much sought after by colonial powers. It was first settled by the French in 1635. At times during the 1700s and early 1800s the British occupied the land, but it finally ended up in French hands in 1816. In 1946, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, a status which, despite several independence movements, remains today. In its cuisine, music, and language, Guadeloupe displays a blend of French and creole traditions. Though French is the official language, French creole is used by many locals in everyday conversation.