Guadeloupe Travel Guide - Overview

Guadeloupe was among the islands charted by Columbus in 1493. French colonies were established in 1635 and, in 1946, the islands were given the status of Overseas Departments.

Guadeloupe still retains that enchanting mixture of French and Creole influence, apparent even down to the mix of flavours and ingredients in its cuisine. This Caribbean paradise comprises Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre and five smaller islands, all of which vary quite substantially in scenery.

Those considering Guadeloupe to merely possess a few pretty beaches may be surprised to learn that it also boats a wildlife-infested rainforest and the highest waterfall in the Caribbean. Basse-Terre has a rough volcanic relief whilst Grande Terre features rolling hills and flat plains. There are also many lush mountainous areas with stunning and unspoiled tropical scenery. The beautiful beaches vary too, from the white palm-fringed to the volcanic-created black sand.

As might be deemed more typical of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe boasts plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, with displays of local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the biguine, where colourful and ornate Creole costumes are still worn. Biguine is a form of clarinet and trombone music with nasal vocals and improvised instrumental solos, and roots in West African dance. It has long since evolved into embracing more wide-reaching genres such as jazz and pop.

If you do not feel your toes tapping, then rest assured that one or two of Guadeloupe's renowned rum punch cocktails (a brew of rum, lime, bitter and syrup) will almost certainly get you up and dancing beneath the stars.

Yet Guadeloupe is a fantastic destination because there is also extreme quietude available, from St Barthélemy to the outlying islands of Marie-Galante, La Désirade and Les Saintes, undeveloped and attractive, with old and crumbling mills offering frequent reminders of Guadeloupe's historical connections as a major sugar plantation. And snorkellers and divers won't be disappointed - Jacques Cousteau considered Guadeloupe to be among the top 10 dive sites in the world.