Guadeloupe: A Piece of Europe in the Caribbean – Explore its Pristine Beaches and Cultural Treasures
Christopher Columbus and French Territory
Christopher Columbus found Guadeloupe on his second trip to the so-called “Indies” in 1493. In 1835, it became a French territory. In 1946, it became a department, and in 1974, it became a region.
The Archipelago of Guadeloupe
The archipelago of Guadeloupe, or Guadeloupe in French, is in the Windward Islands of the Antilles. This is the northernmost group of the so-called Lesser Antilles, which also includes the islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles), Saint-Barthélemy, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, and Dominica. We are on French soil, so from a purely administrative point of view, Guadeloupe is a piece of Europe in the Caribbean. In fact, the local currency is the euro. The main islands in the archipelago are Grande Terre, Basse Terre, and Marie Galante. The archipelago also includes smaller islands like Les Saintes (which is split into Terre de Haut and Terre de Bas), la Désirade, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. Christopher Columbus named the island “Santa Mara de Guadalupe de Extremadura” when he arrived here in 1493. This is where the name “Guadeloupe” comes from, and it is still used for the archipelago today.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Guadeloupe has many different cultures that you should take the time to learn about. The music is the most important thing on the islands of Guadeloupe. Ancient people will tell you about the quadrille, with its balls and orchestras, where people dance in a circle to the sounds of the clarinet, violin, accordion, and tibwa. They will also tell you about the beguine and the great titles that still make people dance in Guadeloupe (“La rue Zabym,” “Adieu foulards, adieu madras,” “Ami Roro,” etc.). The gwo-ka is about to go through a time of strong renewal, especially among young people who learn a lot about their heritage through this drum made of stretched-out kid skin on a piece of wood.
Creole Architecture and Cities of Art and History
As for Creole architecture, which was shaped by the climate, it can be appreciated by looking at the unique features of a home that is open to the outside: roofs with beautiful wooden structures, balconies with beautifully crafted balustrades, and inner courtyards with flowers arranged in terracotta pots. Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre are both “Cities of Art and History,” and their town halls offer tours of the old parts of the cities.
Two Distinct Islands
The main island is actually made up of two separate islands: Grande Terre and Basse Terre. These two islands are still separated by a narrow channel of seawater called the “salt river.” Basse Terre is much rougher and wilder than Grande Terre. It has mountains that are over 1000m tall and dense forests on its slopes. Grande Terre, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. It is hilly, mostly used for farming, and has a higher population density.
Beautiful Beaches and Coastline
There are some interesting beaches on the south side of Grande Terre, starting from Pointe-à-Pitre and going eastward. There is a choice of beaches, hotels, and resorts from Bas du Fort to Gosier. The coastline becomes rougher as you move further east, with coves, reefs, and rocks up to Saint Anne and Point de la Caravelle.
Water Activities and Marine Life
Water activities are popular here because the islands are surrounded by warm water. You can sunbathe, jet ski, dive, kayak, sail on catamarans, windsurf, go on fishing trips, and even go whale-watching. You will see that the sea is really warm, and there are many bays to visit and lots of fish to see.
Weather and Travel Information
In Guadeloupe, there are two main seasons: the drier season and the rainy season. From December to May, it is drier and sunnier, with the fewest rainy days. From June to November, it is more humid and rainy, with a peak in precipitation during September and October. The temperature varies little throughout the year, with highs ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius (81 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Travel to Guadeloupe is possible by air, with flights available from various locations including Paris Orly, Canada, the United States, and Brazil.