GUADELOUPE

Discover Pointe-à-Pitre from 473 €

Formalities

Before leaving, you will need :

a valid identity card (if you are of French nationality) ;
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-12pm & 2pm-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 April.

On site

Shopping hours

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

Transport

In the city, you have the flexibility to get around in a way that suits you best: by bus, taxi, or leisurely strolls on foot. Additionally, Pointe-à-Pitre boasts excellent connectivity, making it an ideal starting point for exploring other island attractions. Alternatively, consider renting a car for greater independence.

Services

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

Holidays and celebrations

Carnival in Pointe-à-Pitre
Easter
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
Labor Day on May 1st
Victory Day on May 8th, 1945
Abolition of Slavery on May 27th
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

Pointe-à-Pitre is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a range of must-visit sites. The Memorial ACTe is a highly symbolic place, serving as both a museum and exhibition center that delves into the history of slavery in the Caribbean. To witness colonial architecture, take a leisurely stroll through La Darse district. You can also visit the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, constructed in the early 19th century.

Vibrant markets like Saint-Antoine and La Darse immerse you in the local atmosphere. Explore the Jardin de l'État, the city's botanical garden, where a variety of tropical plants awaits.

After a pleasant walk around the city, numerous sandy beaches line its southern shore, providing a well-deserved moment of relaxation.

Le cratère un incontournable à visiter en Guadeloupe

Gastronomy

Pointe-à-Pitre goes beyond being just a tourist destination; it's a veritable culinary delight for lovers of Creole cuisine. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savor a myriad of dishes and specialties that mirror the richness of Guadeloupean culture. Portions tend to be hearty, and spices are often generously used!

Creole black pudding, accras, boucané chicken, colombo... these names instantly conjure the captivating flavors of Guadeloupe. You can find these delights at every street corner, in bustling markets around the city, and in small local restaurants.

With the ti-punch as the iconic island cocktail, rum is also a source of immense pride for the island; many consider it superior to all other Caribbean rums. Paying a visit to a local distillery will give you a deeper appreciation of the art of crafting this exceptional spirit.

Culture

As in all the French Caribbean islands, dance and music hold great significance in Guadeloupe. With a strong sense of celebration and hospitality, Guadeloupeans will warmly welcome you.

Carnival is the major festival of the Antilles. It begins on Epiphany Sunday (the first Sunday in January) and concludes two months later on Ash Wednesday.

Since Guadeloupeans are deeply religious, Easter and Good Friday witness a multitude of processions to the majority of the island's calvaries. In contrast, Easter Monday is particularly festive. Punch flows freely, people take to the waters, music fills the air, and delicious abundant food is enjoyed. This celebration culminates with Easter camping, where families relocate to the island's beaches for a few days of festivities.

Climate

Climatic Mildness All Year Round

Pointe-à-Pitre boasts a typically tropical climate, offering pleasant conditions for visitors throughout the year. Temperatures remain warm with minimal seasonal fluctuations, averaging around 27°C (81°F).

The rainy season spans from June to October, with summer naturally being the hottest period, where temperatures can rise to around 35°C (95°F). However, refreshing breezes provide relief from the heat. The dry season runs from December to April, making the winter months particularly popular among travelers due to the ideal conditions for exploring beaches, marine life, and local attractions.