GUADELOUPE

Discover Pointe-à-Pitre
from 492 €

Formalities

Before leaving, you will need :

a valid identity card
or a valid passport

Information on customs and police formalities is given for guidance only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not in compliance with the authorities.

To prepare for your trip, we recommend contacting the Tourism Committee of the Guadeloupe Islands (CTIG) in Paris at:

8-10 Rue Buffault - 75009 Paris
Hours : Monday to Friday: 10am-5pm.
E-mail : infoeurope@lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
Website : www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com

Worth knowing

No vaccinations are required. However, you should bring sunscreen, sunglasses and mosquito repellent. The average annual temperature is 25°C, with a cooler and drier season from December to May.

On site

Shopping hours

Stores are open between 8am and 6pm, with a break between 12pm and 2pm.

Transport

There are many ways to get around the islands of Guadeloupe. The bus is the most popular way to get around, but you can also choose to rent a car.

Security

Some beaches may experience strong currents, so it is advisable to swim in supervised areas and heed the warnings from local authorities.

Services

Administrative offices are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Holidays and celebrations

Carnival of Guadeloupe
Easter
Ascension
Whit Monday
Labor Day on May 1st
Victory Day on May 8th, 1945
Abolition of Slavery Day on May 27th
Gwoka Festival
National Day on July 14th
La Fête des Cuisinières (Cooks' Festival)
Assumption Day on August 15th
All Saints' Day on November 1st
Armistice of November 11th, 1918
Christmas on December 25th
New Year's celebration

Essentials

Spanned by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Guadeloupe archipelago comprises six islands. With its long beaches - of white sand in Grande-Terre and Marie-Galante, of black sand in the south of Basse-Terre - its National Park in Basse-Terre, its cliffs in the north of Grande-Terre, and its exotic flora and fauna, it offers stunning landscapes. Whether you find yourself in one of the most beautiful bays in the world in Les Saintes or within the geological reserve of La Désirade, you're in for a visual treat.

Don't forget that the archipelago is also part of UNESCO's World Biosphere Reserve. The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin reserve, situated in the north between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, allows you to explore the wealth of the archipelago.

Apart from beach activities, water sports, and diving, you can indulge in hiking, especially through the volcanic landscapes of La Soufrière.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the museums, eco-museums, and historical sites of the Guadeloupe Islands. The most recent addition is the Memorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre, the Caribbean Center for the Expression and Memory of the Slave Trade and Slavery.

White sand, coconut trees, turquoise lagoons... Let yourself be enchanted by the charms of the Fascinating Grande-Terre!

Gastronomy

Guadeloupe is much more than just a tourist destination; it's also a true feast for lovers of Creole cuisine. You'll have the opportunity to savor a myriad of dishes and specialties that reflect the richness of the archipelago. Portions are generous, and the flavors are often spicy!

Creole black pudding, accras, smoked chicken, colombo... these names instantly evoke the captivating flavors of Guadeloupe. These delights are readily available at bustling markets and served in small local eateries.

Along with the iconic ti-punch cocktail, rum is also a source of great pride on the island. Many believe that Guadeloupean rum surpasses 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 West Indies, dance and music are very important on the islands of Guadeloupe. With their great sense of festivity and hospitality, Guadeloupeans will welcome you warmly.

Carnival is the big festival of the year. It begins on Epiphany Sunday (1st Sunday in January) and ends two months later on Ash Wednesday.

Each year, local and international artists perform at Marie-Galante's renowned Terre de Blues Festival, which takes place around Pentecost. Since November 2014, UNESCO, has listed Guadeloupean Gwo Ka as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Whether dance, song or music composed using the drum, called Ka. In the heart of the archipelago, léwoz (dedicated evenings) and festivals are held regularly.

Climate

Mild temperatures year-round

The guadeloupean climate is typically tropical, offering pleasant conditions for visitors throughout the year. Temperatures remain warm with little seasonal variation, averaging around 27°C.

The rainy season extends from June to October, with summer being the logically hottest period, during which temperatures can rise as high as 35°C. However, occasional breezes come to refresh the atmosphere. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the winter months are highly favored by travelers, providing ideal conditions for exploring the beaches, underwater wildlife, and local attractions.