100% customisable travel idea
From volcanoes to coral reefs The essentials of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe - Basse-Terre - Deshaies - Trois-Rivières - Grande-Terre - Sainte-Anne
On either side of the butterfly
Your Guadeloupean retreats
Your first stop is an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of nature in the hills above Deshaies, north of Basse-Terre. A dozen bungalows blend perfectly into the natural surroundings, bearing the sweet Creole names of Doudou a mwen, Bougresse, Mamoun, etc. There is no television, room service or air conditioning here, but you get an authentic experience of a guest house nestled in a preserved environment. The owners concoct their secret recipes and ensure the comfort of their guests. For your well-being, the spa offers treatments and massages with tropical scents. Below lies Grande Anse beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. To reach your second home, you will need to head south of Basse-Terre to Trois-Rivières. The garden stretches out among lemon, mandarin, guava and mango trees, overlooking the Les Saintes archipelago. The rooms are divided between the colonial building of an authentic planter's house and three cottages. Inside, the decor is understated, with a predominance of wood. We also love the infinity pool, surrounded by beautiful tropical vegetation. The location is an excellent starting point for visiting Les Saintes, paradise islets concealing the most beautiful bay in the world. For your third and final stop, in Sainte-Anne, you will need to cross the Rivière Salée to reach Grande-Terre. Your accommodation is organised around an 18th-century mill, surrounded by a two-hectare tropical garden. Inside, a library rich in works on the history of Guadeloupe also hosts exhibitions by local artists. The bungalows around the grounds are designed to let in light, integrating the vegetation as an integral part of the decor. Everything is there: a refreshing swimming pool, a shaded terrace, a cocktail bar and a semi-gourmet restaurant. The spa takes care of your well-being. A final stop to round off your trip in style.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival at the airport, welcome and quick pick-up of the rental car. Drive to Deshaies and stay for two nights at an eco-lodge on the Bois d'Inde hill. It consists of charming and comfortable wooden houses that are highlighted by bright colours. The river-water swimming pool extends the lounge and terrace. The spa benefits from wooded surroundings and the virtues of vigorous chlorophyll. The cuisine contributes to the feast for the senses as the ingredients are impeccable and prepared with light and precise inspiration. The village of Deshaies is also nearby, where the atmosphere of a small Creole village is still preserved.
Included for you - One hour per day access to the spa: : multiple pools, natural waterfall, counter-current swimming, fish pedicure...
See and do - Set off on the hiking trails through the countryside of Basse-Terre; stroll through the alleys of the Deshaies botanical garden, which protects a spectacular concentration of tropical flora, including water lilies, orchids, hibiscus, aristolochia, bougainvillea, kapok trees, banyan trees, tallipots; relax on the red sand beach of Grande Anse; in Sainte-Rose, visit the Creole eco-museum and the rum museum, which tell the story of traditional Guadeloupe; observe the wildlife on the protected islets of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, and so much more
Optional - A private 4x4 tour of the north of Basse-Terre.
Drive south from Basse-Terre to Trois-Rivières and stay for three nights on the slopes of an ancient volcano. Set in the heart of a banana plantation, this authentic colonial house dating from 1927 has been beautifully renovated and transformed into a charming retreat. The rooms feature natural materials - wood covers the walls and ceilings - and soft colours. Outside, the swimming pool blends perfectly into the surrounding garden. Guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and breathtaking views of the Saintes archipelago.
On the southern tip of Basse-Terre, the small town of Trois-Rivières stretches from the slopes of the Citerne volcano to the beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. As you climb up the lush valley of the Grande Rivière des Vieux-Habitants, you come across an old coffee plantation whose buildings smell of Arabica and evoke the Caribbean of yesteryear. The tropical forest and mangrove swamps thrive there. At the summit of the Soufrière volcano, the landscape is shrouded in a romantic and mysterious mist. In the rivers, you'll find ouassou, a giant shrimp that locals sometimes cook in coconut milk - a delicacy not to be missed.
On your itinerary - hiking amidst the Soufrière volcano. The roof of the Lesser Antilles is constantly active. The hike begins at the foot of the volcano, at Bains Jaunes, a warm sulphur pool in the middle of the tropical forest. The climb is not technical and requires only good physical condition. Once at the summit, the smell and rumbling of the southern crater remind you that the volcano is only dormant... Eruptive vents, peaks, scattered rocks and wisps of mist make up a dramatic landscape where the red mountain pineapple stands at the end of a stem with a bright flower.
Drive to Sainte-Anne, on the other wing of the butterfly. Stay for three nights at a charming property surrounded by a tropical garden filled with flowers and trees, covering nearly two hectares. There, the magnificent mill, which is a legacy of the sugar era, is magically illuminated at nightfall. The bungalows are arranged in a semicircle around it and evoke the Caribbean spirit with their tropical woods, lush plants and bright colours. Just 700 metres away, Helleux beach awaits novice surfers, while the peaceful Bois Jolan beach, a little further away, can be reached via a charming shaded coastal path.
In the 18th century, Sainte-Anne's importance lay in sugar, which had an export port there. Time has passed and today the town lives off its beaches, which are protected by a coral reef. The waters are often adorned with emerald hues that are usually associated with Pacific lagoons. The pleasure of seaside activities is enhanced by a relaxed and lazy atmosphere. The more active can perfect their swing at the Saint-François golf course, or head further east to the Pointe des Châteaux, whose eroded relief is one of the island's main geological attractions.
Optional - The islets of Petite-Terre.
See and do - The beaches of Grande-Terre. The island has numerous beaches along its coastline, with palm trees bending over all of them. Some of the best-known beaches are the legendary Bourg beach, Anse des Salines, Bois Jolan - THE family beach on the island - Anse à la Gourde and La Caravelle. But other, less crowded beaches are just as worth visiting: Anse du Souffleur is particularly popular with locals, Datcha beach has a festive atmosphere, and the charming cove of Anse Colas has clear, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Drive to Pointe-à-Pitre, return the rental car and catch your flight home. Spend the night on board and arrive the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
The north of Basse-Terre by 4x4
Put on your adventurer's hat and climb aboard a sturdy 4x4 to explore the north of Basse-Terre. Your driver-guide will take you on an adventure deep into the lush rainforest, where you can admire the breathtaking views of Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin Bay and pass through the charming towns of Pointe-Noire, Deshaies and Sainte-Rose. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich vegetation and fascinating ecosystem of Guadeloupe, while discovering its botanical, cultural and historical heritage from a new perspective.The islets of Petite-Terre
Off the coast of Saint-François, this day of adventure aboard a motorboat takes you to the islets of Petite-Terre. Set sail for Terre-de-Bas, as Terre-de-Haut is a sanctuary to many endemic birds and is closed to visitors. After walking on the pristine sand, we set off to explore this desert island and its lagoon, home to an underwater world teeming with tropical fish and multicoloured corals. When hunger strikes, it's time for lunch on board before taking one last refreshing dip. And to top off the day, playful dolphins may well come and brighten up the return journey by swimming in the wake of the boat.
Why visit Guadeloupe with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Guadeloupe
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
