Guadeloupe is made up of two islands Guadeloupe proper (Basse-Terre), Grande-Terre (separated from Basse-Terre by a narrow sea channel) and five smaller islands, all of which vary quite substantially in scenery. Pointe-à-Pitre, the commercial capital of Guadeloupe, is situated on the island of Grande-Terre. This gracious town has a pleasant square at its centre, the Place de la Victoire, which is surrounded by a busy market and, further out, the docks. It is an active, lively port with many narrow streets to explore. There are a number of excellent markets and shopping streets where you’ll find luxury boutiques, souvenir shops and general stores.
Pointe-à-Pitre has been destroyed a number of times by earthquake and fire resulting in a wide variety of architecture.The Pavillion d’Exposition de Bergevin and the Center Cultural Rémy Nainsouta are two interesting museums in the town. At Fort Fleur d’Épée, there are some fascinating underground caves and to the north of these is the old sugar town of Sainte-Anne.
Things to See & Do
* Place de la Victoire – square and market area
* La Darse Harbour
* Central Market
* Severin Distillery Rum Factory
* Guadeloupe Aquarium
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Euro
Language – French and Creole
Land Area – 1629 sq km
Population - 100,000
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code – 590
Port Location – The ship docks at the Centre Saint-John Perse terminal in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe's main city. The downtown area is only 1 block away.
Transport Links – Pointe-à-Pitre airport is 3km from Pointe-à-Pitre. Guadeloupe’s national airline is Air Caraïbes. Air France operates at least one flight a day to Pointe-à-Pitre from Paris. Other airlines serving Guadeloupe include Air Canada, American Airlines and LIAT.
Guadeloupe is a point of call for the many international cruise operators. Many ships ply between Guadeloupe and Martinique, and also connect with Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico). Ferries and catamarans sail regularly from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dominica, Martinique and St Lucia. Compagnie Générale Maritime has weekly ‘banana boats’ carrying passengers between Guadeloupe and Martinique.
There are domestic airports on the islands of La Désirade, Marie-Galante, St-Barthélemy and St-Martin. Air Caraïbe, Air Guadeloupe, Air Martinique, Air St Barth, Air St Martin and LIAT connect Guadeloupe with the smaller islands in the group. Air France also offers a limited inter-island service. Regular ferry services ply around the islands.
There is a good public bus service which arrives at most towns every 15 minutes. Taxi services and car and van rental is available. Buses depart from Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre to all towns and villages.
