It may share a name that echoes Guadalajara or Guatemala, but Guadeloupe is something else entirely: a little slice of heaven in the French West Indies that is in a league entirely its own.
As the locals say, let’s get ‘an nou ay’, Creole for on the way, and explore everything Guadeloupe has to offer.
ABOVE: Local Guadeloupians are very friendly and are happy to share their paradise with visitors. (RIGHT) Beachside in Terres de Hautes.
Long a favourite among French and European travellers, the butterfly-shaped archipelago is now more accessible than ever for Canadians. Year-round direct flights to Pointe-à-Pitre from Montréal’s P.E. Trudeau International Airport, along with newly launched, near-daily seasonal service from Toronto Pearson International Airport, make reaching Guadeloupe remarkably straightforward.
Guadeloupe’s two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, are narrowly connected at the centre before fanning outward, giving the territory its oft-noted, butterfly-like shape.
ABOVE: Hiking through the rainforest of Les Chutes du Carbet is rewarded with the most stunning natural sights.
While Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre are the territory’s only islands linked by land, the experiences they offer could not be more distinct. If you’re seeking a laid-back beach escape, Grande-Terre delivers. Think elegant resort-style stays, standout gastronomy, and a level of hospitality that feels both polished and effortless. For a more adventurous escape, Basse-Terre calls. Jungle hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, a volcano, snorkelling, surfing, sailing, cycling — they even host their very own Tour de Guadeloupe!
If visiting Basse-Terre, consider staying at the Langley Resort Fort Royal, a beautiful beachfront property near the town of Deshaies. The resort offers both standard rooms and bungalows, with access to tennis courts, a pool, a variety of water activities, and an incredible beach from which, on a clear day, the island of Montserrat is visible in the distance.
The Langley makes a perfect base for exploring all the island has to offer. Venture to Sainte-Rose or Baie-Mahault to enjoy everything Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin has in store. A boat tour is a must: glide through sprawling mangroves, encounter remarkable wildlife, and snorkel around vibrant coral reefs and even a shipwreck . . . .
Find out all you need to know about travel to Guadeloupe on our travel site here: Guadeloupe Uncovered: The French Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret – Travel Trek and Tour
