The symbol of Guadeloupe, La Soufrière is an active volcano at the south end of the island. The highest point in the Lesser Antilles (1 487m), it is the island’s major tourist attraction. A surge in activity in 2005 (following serious quakes in 1976-..

The most popular and best-marked path for ascending La Soufrière is the Chemin des Dames, starting from the old parking area at La Savane-à-Mulets. This pebbly path leads after 35min to the Faujas landslip (occurred in 1798), then to the Grande Faill..

Splendid beaches, unspoilt nature and of course some of Guadeloupe’s most remarkable underwater scenery… Practically speaking, these are two islands (19km2) an hour’s boat trip from Pointe-à-Pitre: Terre-de-Haut is the busier of the two (perhaps too ..

Part of the Les Saintes archipelago, Terre-de-Haut is a tourist hotspot and with good reason. The island has fine beaches all around its coast (note that bathing is forbidden at Grande-Anse); stunning dive sites, especially around Pain du Sucre; a to..

Built in the mid-19C for defensive purposes, the fort wound up as a jail for political prisoners in the Second World War. It dominates the north of the town, and draws tourists who come to stroll in its botanical garden (with circuit walk), visit the..

This ridge walk starts at the eastern end of Pompierre beach (approximately 1hr walk; water, hat and walking boots essential). The splendid view of the jagged coastline should not distract from exercising great care, especially if children come along..

To enjoy a truly exceptional panoramic view of the Les Saintes archipelago, walk up the tarmac path that heads steeply off the Pain-de-Sucre road and climbs Le Chameau, the highest point in Les Saintes (309m). The site is unfortunately marred by the ..

At the eastern end of Grande-Terre, Pointe des Châteaux juts into the Atlantic with La Désirade and the islands of Petite-Terre and Marie-Galante in the background, a beautiful panorama in which this imposing rocky outcrop seems to stand at the ends ..

These spectacular falls were described in 1493 by Christopher Colombus as “a major water source, drawing water from all sides of the mountain”. Their beauty remains untarnished against a stunning backdrop of wooded mountainside on the southeast slope..

Follow the path of large black stones which zigzags down to the river and continue straight on to reach the falls. Visitors can proceed as far as a suspension footbridge 50m from the third of the Carbet falls, dropping 110m into a large pool. To the ..

Along with sugar cane and bananas, coffee was the core product of this 18C colonial society… which was built on slave labour. In a superb setting, La Grivelière is a quintessential coffee plantation complete with processing buildings, slaves’ quarter..

After donning masks and air tanks on Malendure beach, divers can head off to discover the delights of the Cousteau Reserve, notably around the small Pigeon islands. The sites are numerous: beginners will head for the Aquarium, Swimming Pool, Japanese..

Ferns, palms and cacti each have their own avenue in this polychrome floral extravaganza which also has bougainvillea plus other species, their lively colours embellishing the deep green of the tropical plants. All are watered by rivers, pools and wa..

West of Terre-de-Haut stands Pain de Sucre, its basalt flanks plunging into the crystal waters of the Caribbean. This rounded mountain hides the pretty inlet of Petite Anse… the ideal spot for swimming, chilling out and snorkelling. Do not approach f..

Petite-Terre comprises the two uninhabited islands of Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, classified as a nature reserve under the protection of the French forestry commission. Visitors may be lucky enough to see dolphins here, on a trip that goes as far..

Pointe-à-Pitre is renowned for its numerous markets, but it is the St-Antoine market (mornings, west of Rue Frébault) that eclipses all others. It is the quintessence of all the island markets, its stalls groaning with cinammon, ginger (but note that..

The museum provides a picture of a 19C creole interior (populated by waxworks), and an insight into the life of diplomat and poet Alexis Léger ( alias St-John Perse, 1887-1975). Born on the island, Guadeloupe inspired him to write his Éloges , befo..

A 5min boat trip away from Datcha beach is the little island of Gosier, the perfect spot for divers. Here beginners can safely admire the coral reef’s fauna, while for more experienced divers there are sites further east towards Sainte-Anne (Le Cirqu..

One of Grande-Terre’s finest natural spectacles, Porte d'Enfer comprises two cliffs between which the emerald and azure waters of the sea roll in. The waves are calmed by the rocks at its entrance, making the waters of this sandy inlet perfect for sw..

The deep blue waters of the ocean are plunged into by an 84m-high limestone cliff at Pointe de la Grande Vigie, marking Guadeloupe’s northernmost point. The views are extensive, taking in the islands of Montserrat (to the west), La Désirade (to the e..