Guadeloupe & Les Saintes

Shaped like a graceful butterfly, Guadeloupe is part of an archipelago including the neighboring islands of Les Saintes, Marie Gallante and La Desirade. Besides being one of the most beautiful and diverse islands of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe - the largest island in the Lesser Antilles – is a lively centre of Creole culture, offering an interesting mix of modern cities, rural hamlets, rainforests and secluded beaches. Guadeloupe is actually composed of two islands, separated by a narrow river. Ironically, Grande Terre (Big Land) is in fact the smaller and flatter one. Home of the capital Pointe a Pitre, it is the busiest and the most developed. The westerly “wing” Basse Terre (name for Low Land) is mountainous with lush tropical vegetation. No glamorous resorts or super fancy restaurants here, but the chance to discover a unique blend of France and the tropics in an unspoiled and beautiful setting.

A few miles off Guadeloupe are Les Saintes, one of the Caribbean’s hidden treasures.
No cars, just scooters and a few taxis, no large buildings or big hotels, no golf course, luxury boutique, casino or frantic night life in Les Saintes… Instead, just imagine a miniature St.Barth 30 years ago, before all the hype of a world famous mecca for the rich and famous… then you have Les Saintes. Les Saintes is like a ‘toy’ village, where everything is beautiful, clean, and small. Terre de Haut, the main island, is the only one offering a choice of restaurants and accommodations.