Explore Basse-Terre: Guadeloupe’s Mountainous Paradise
Basse-Terre is one of the wings that make up the profile of the island of Guadeloupe, which overall resembles a butterfly. It is dominated by the imposing profile of its great lady, the Soufriere mountain, which stands at an astounding height of 1467 m.
Geographical Contrasts: Basse-Terre vs. Grande-Terre
The two wings are actually very different from one another: from a purely geographical perspective, Basse-Terre has more complex and raised reliefs, making it a more difficult territory to explore; on the other hand, Grande-Terre, with its flat characteristics, becomes an ideal place for those seeking complete relaxation among the many breathtaking beaches available.
This part of the island is named after its main town, Basse-Terre, which is the second-most populous city in Guadeloupe after Pointe-à-Pitre. Despite this, Basse-Terre is still the capital.
Beaches Around Basse-Terre
There are several fascinating beaches around the capital that draw a lot of visitors: Slightly to the south is Anse Turlet, a beach featuring dark colored sands interspersed with stones. Beyond the Ville Fort lighthouse and to the south lies the Plage de la Grande Anse, which is surrounded by thick vegetation and features dark volcanic sands.
The Commander Cousteau Reserve
Along with rocky beaches with sand that is ocher, brown, black, or pink, the remainder of the island is home to the incredible Commander Cousteau Reserve, an underwater preserve that is well-known across the world (and where his bust is submerged).
Other lovely beaches may be found north of Basse-Terre; the Plage de Petite Anse, which is still around 12 kilometers from the city, is one example. Its hue is softer this time. The beaches of Plage de Malendure and Plage de l’Anse à Sable are located even further north.
But the most breathtaking beaches are located in Basse-Terre’s northernmost point, where the sea offers striking hues ranging from green to turquoise and the sands take on a warm golden hue. Also referred to as Plage de la Perle, Plage de Deshaies is regarded as one of the Antilles’ most stunning beaches. The beaches at Fort Royal and Plage de Cluny are close by. And they are also quite lovely.
The Natural Beauty of Basse-Terre National Park
Basse-Terre is a hilly massif that has been designated a National Park since 1989. It is covered in a gorgeous tropical forest that spans 170 square kilometers. This has a variety of routes with clearly marked paths that range in difficulty. Without any toxic animals, its luxuriant vegetation—more than 3000 different species of trees—is home to unique biodiversity. Its waterfalls, basins, parks, and various plantations allow you to see it in all of its raw beauty!
Numerous examples of the island’s cultural diversity may be seen in Basse-Terre, including military fortifications from the 17th century, Hindu and Catholic temples, and prehistoric archaeological relics. The region’s capital, the city with the same name, is a veritable history book.
Activities and Attractions in Basse-Terre
Activities in Basse-Terre include visiting the breathtaking rainforest of the Guadeloupe National Park, visiting the Pointe des Chateaux, Sainte-Anne Beach, and the Porte d’enfer. Don’t miss the renowned Fête des Cuisinières festival.
