Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a French Caribbean archipelago where Creole culture, tropical nature and European infrastructure come together. The butterfly-shaped main islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, together with several smaller islands, offer a mix of beaches, rainforest, historic towns and a distinctive French-influenced lifestyle.

Basse-Terre, the capital, lies on the mountainous western island and is close to Guadeloupe National Park and the La Soufrière volcano. Pointe-à-Pitre is the main commercial centre and gateway to the archipelago, while resort towns such as Le Gosier, Sainte-Anne and Saint-François line the southern coast of Grande-Terre.

Grande-Terre is known for its beaches, sugarcane fields and coastal landscapes, while Basse-Terre offers rainforest, waterfalls and volcanic terrain. The smaller islands of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Désirade add quieter beaches, rum distilleries, fishing villages and a slower pace of life.

Guadeloupe's culture blends French and Creole traditions through music, festivals, cuisine and rum production, and tourism is an important part of the economy alongside agriculture and services. The archipelago also holds strong connections with mainland France, other Caribbean islands and North America.

Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport links Guadeloupe with mainland France, North America and the Caribbean, while a network of roads and ferries makes it practical to travel between the islands, beaches, towns, hotels and local attractions.