About
Guadeloupe is an overseas region and department of France, set in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Though it lies far from metropolitan France, it is part of the country and of Europe, and its geography is easy to picture once you know it: two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, joined to form a shape often compared to a butterfly's wings.
What the landscape offers
The islands are known for their contrasts. Basse-Terre is mountainous and green, with tropical rainforest and volcanic peaks, among them La Soufrière, an active volcano. Grande-Terre is flatter and is where many of the sandy, pristine beaches are found. A visit can move between high forest trails and the coast within a short drive.
Why visit
- Hiking through tropical rainforest and around volcanic terrain
- Beach time on the coasts of both main islands
- A taste of Creole culture, which blends French, African and Caribbean influences
The Creole culture is visible in daily life, in its language, music and food, and it gives the islands a character that is distinct from both France and its neighbours in the Caribbean.
Visitors who enjoy combining nature with a relaxed pace will find Guadeloupe a rewarding choice. Plan for the outdoors, pack for a tropical climate, and allow time to move between the two islands, since the contrast between them is part of what makes the trip worth taking.
