Practical Information
Before departure, you must have:
a valid ID card.
or a valid passport.
Information regarding customs and police formalities is provided for reference only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not compliant with local regulations.
To prepare your trip, we recommend contacting the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Committee (CTIG) in Paris at:
8–10 rue Buffault – 75009 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Email: infoeurope@lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
Website: www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
Good to Know
No vaccinations are required for travel to Guadeloupe (from mainland France). However, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.

Flight to Guadeloupe with Corsair
To reach Guadeloupe in the heart of the Caribbean Sea with Corsair, round-trip flights arrive and depart from Pointe-à-Pitre. Guadeloupe Pôle Caraïbes Airport (PTP), now called Guadeloupe Maryse Condé Airport, is the leading overseas airport in terms of passenger traffic.
To get to Guadeloupe, Corsair offers departures from several French cities thanks to the Train + Air service: depart from your TGV station and easily connect to your flight at Paris Orly.
If you live in Lille, take your train from Lille Flandres station for a 1-hour 15-minute trip to Massy station. Then, board a Corsair shuttle that takes you to the airport in just 20 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Guadeloupe?
The best time to book a flight to Guadeloupe depends on your preferences and your budget. For better prices, it’s generally recommended to book 3 to 6 months in advance. The months of September to November often offer lower fares and greater availability. However, if you want to enjoy ideal weather and local festivities, the period from December to April is the most popular—though more expensive. To avoid crowds and high prices, May and June can be a good alternative.
How long is a flight to Guadeloupe?
A direct flight from Paris to Guadeloupe takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes. On board Corsair’s latest-generation A330neo aircraft, you’ll enjoy optimal comfort and optional Wi-Fi connectivity.
While You're There
Store Hours
Shops are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., usually with a break between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Transportation
There are many ways to get around the islands of Guadeloupe. Buses are the most common means of transport, but you can also choose to rent a car. Taxis and water taxis allow you to reach nearby islands. For a unique experience, try scooters or electric bikes. Ferries connect the different islands of the archipelago, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Safety
Some beaches may have strong currents, so it is recommended to swim in supervised areas and follow local authority warnings.
Services
Government offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Holidays and Festivals
- Guadeloupe Carnival
- Easter
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
- Labor Day – May 1st
- Victory Day – May 8th, 1945
- Abolition of Slavery Day – May 27th
- Gwoka Festival
- Bastille Day – July 14th
- Cooks’ Festival
- Assumption Day – August 15th
- All Saints’ Day – November 1st
- Armistice Day – November 11th, 1918
- Christmas – December 25th
- New Year’s Eve – December 31st

Not to Be Missed
The archipelago, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, consists of six islands with diverse landscapes. From its white sand beaches (in Grande-Terre and Marie-Galante) to black sand beaches (in the south of Basse-Terre), its national park, the cliffs in the north of Grande-Terre, and its exotic fauna and flora, Guadeloupe offers exceptional panoramas—from the crystal-clear waters of Les Saintes to the geological reserve of La Désirade.
The archipelago is also part of UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserve. The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Reserve, located to the north between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, showcases the richness of this region.
In addition to beach activities, water sports, and diving, you can also enjoy hiking. We particularly recommend walks through the volcanic landscapes of La Soufrière.
Finally, history lovers will enjoy the museums, eco-museums, and other historical sites across the islands of Guadeloupe. The most recent is the Memorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre, a Caribbean center for expression and remembrance of the slave trade and slavery.
White sand, coconut palms, turquoise lagoons… Let yourself be swept away by the charms of this archipelago.

Gastronomy
Guadeloupe is much more than a tourist destination—it's a true feast for lovers of Creole cuisine. You'll have the chance to taste a myriad of dishes and specialties that reflect the richness of the archipelago. Portions are generous and often spicy!
Creole blood sausage, acras, smoked chicken, colombo… these names instantly evoke the tantalizing flavors of Guadeloupe. These delights can be found in lively markets and are served in small local restaurants.
With ti-punch as the island’s iconic cocktail, rum is also a great source of pride in Guadeloupe: many consider it to be superior to all other Caribbean rums. Visiting a local distillery will help you better understand the art of crafting this exceptional spirit.

Culture
As in all the French Caribbean islands, dance and music play a major role in the Guadeloupe Islands. With a strong sense of celebration and hospitality, Guadeloupeans will give you a warm welcome.
Carnival is the biggest celebration of the year. It begins on Epiphany Sunday (the first Sunday in January) and ends two months later on Ash Wednesday.
Music is everywhere in the archipelago. Local and international artists regularly perform at the renowned Terre de Blues Festival in Marie-Galante, which takes place around Pentecost. Since November 2014, UNESCO has included Guadeloupean Gwo Ka in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Climate
Mild All Year Round
The climate is tropical and tempered by the trade winds. The dry season lasts from December to May, and the wet season runs from June to December.
The average annual temperature is 27°C, and the hottest season usually spans from June to August, when temperatures can easily reach 35°C. However, gentle breezes help cool the air. The average water temperature is around 26°C.
The period from August to October can be affected by cyclones of varying intensity. To best prepare for your trip, it's recommended to check the specific weather conditions during that time.
