Guadeloupe Uncovered: The French Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

It may share a name that echoes Guadalajara or Guatemala, but Guadeloupe is something else entirely: a little slice of heaven in the French West Indies that is in a league entirely its own.

As the locals say, let’s get ‘an nou ay’, Creole for on the way, and explore everything Guadeloupe has to offer. 

ABOVE: Local Guadeloupians are very friendly and are happy to share their paradise with visitors. (RIGHT) Beachside in Terres de Hautes.

Long a favourite among French and European travellers, the butterfly-shaped archipelago is now more accessible than ever for Canadians. Year-round direct flights to Pointe-à-Pitre from Montréal’s P.E. Trudeau International Airport, along with newly launched, near-daily seasonal service from Toronto Pearson International Airport, make reaching Guadeloupe remarkably straightforward.

Guadeloupe’s two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, are narrowly connected at the centre before fanning outward, giving the territory its oft-noted, butterfly-like shape.

ABOVE: Hiking through the rainforest of Les Chutes du Carbet is rewarded with the most stunning natural sights.

While Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre are the territory’s only islands linked by land, the experiences they offer could not be more distinct. If you’re seeking a laid-back beach escape, Grande-Terre delivers. Think elegant resort-style stays, standout gastronomy, and a level of hospitality that feels both polished and effortless. For a more adventurous escape, Basse-Terre calls. Jungle hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, a volcano, snorkelling, surfing, sailing, cycling — they even host their very own Tour de Guadeloupe!

View from Langley Resort Fort Royal

If visiting Basse-Terre, consider staying at the Langley Resort Fort Royal, a beautiful beachfront property near the town of Deshaies. The resort offers both standard rooms and bungalows, with access to tennis courts, a pool, a variety of water activities, and an incredible beach from which on a clear day, the island of Montserrat is visible in the distance.

The Langley makes a perfect base for exploring all the island has to offer. Venture to Sainte-Rose or Baie-Mahault to enjoy everything Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin has in store. A boat tour is a must: glide through sprawling mangroves, encounter remarkable wildlife, and snorkel around vibrant coral reefs and even a shipwreck. Of course, don’t forget to ‘hydrate’ yourself with Ti’ punch, Guadeloupe’s iconic aperitif made from agricole white rum, lime, and sugar. Ti’ punch, Creole for “little punch”, originated in Marie-Galante in 1848, when formerly enslaved individuals celebrated the abolition of slavery by mixing rum and sugar in wooden barrels. Today, the drink remains deeply connected to Guadeloupean people and Creole culture; as such, the islands celebrate Ti’ Punch Day every year on March 16.

Grand Cul-de-Sac-Marin

If you’re passionate about Ti’ punch—or rum in general—consider visiting Longueteau Distillery. Situated on the southeast side of the island, Longueteau has been producing agricole rum (rum made from sugar cane) for over 130 years. A fully self-sufficient operation, the distillery grows its own sugar cane, distils, and bottles the rum entirely on-site.

Take a tour, or at the very least enjoy a tasting, and discover the unique character of rum agricole. If straight rum isn’t your thing, ease into it with a planteur, a popular aperitif blending rum with tropical fruit juices.

While exploring Basse-Terre, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the island’s stunning hiking trails and waterfalls. For a gentle introduction to the jungle, visit Cascade aux Écrevisses, a waterfall located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Cascade aux Écrevisses

A short five-minute walk from the parking lot transports you into a lush, verdant world, with a crystal-clear waterfall that makes it feel as though you’re deep in the jungle despite the ease of access.

For the more adventurous, Les Chutes du Carbet—a series of waterfalls near La Soufrière, Basse-Terre’s volcano—are a must. Locals affectionately call La Soufrière the “Old Lady,” aware that they live near an active volcano, though no significant eruptions have occurred in nearly 50 years. The 20-minute walk to the first waterfall rewards visitors with sweeping views of the dense jungle and its dramatic plunging falls, a striking contrast to the tranquil beaches below.

If your adventures work up an appetite, the Jangle Kafe is not to be missed. This unassuming local gem serves authentic Creole specialities and was easily one of the trip's highlights. Located along the route to the Chutes du Carbet, the Jangle Kafe serves breadfruit and plantains plucked from the trees surrounding the property, while the chicken is seasoned and cooked to perfection. Incredibly flavourful and authentically Guadeloupean, enjoying a meal at the Jangle Kafe is an essential part of any visit to Guadeloupe.

ABOVE: Enjoy lunch at Jardin Botanique de Deshaies on the elevated outdoor deck, listening to the waterfall and taking in the flora and fauna.

For your final stop on Basse-Terre, consider visiting the stunning Jardin Botanique de Deshaies. Just a short 10-minute drive from the Langley, the gardens showcase a spectacular array of tropical flora and fauna. The on-site restaurant offers views nearly as impressive as the food- enjoy lunch while watching flamingos wander about below. Be sure to try the chicken colombo, a signature Guadeloupean dish that fuses Indian, French, and African culinary traditions into a single flavorful dish. It’s a true reflection of the island’s rich history, and at the botanical gardens, it’s prepared to perfection.

From Basse-Terre, a short 30-minute ferry ride brings you to Les Saintes, an archipelago made up of two islands: the larger Terre-de-Haut and its neighbour, Terre-de-Bas. Les Saintes provide an idyllic escape, with quiet streets, pristine beaches, and a rich history and culture. On Terre-de-Haut, you can spend a few hours touring Fort Napoléon, learning about Guadeloupe’s past, and taking in the jaw-dropping views of the bay and beyond. Seriously, the views from Fort Napoléon were the best of the trip. It is well worth the visit. 

ABOVE: The views from Fort Napoléon.

Don’t miss Pain de Sucre, one of the island’s most popular beaches in Les Saintes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sea turtles gliding through the turquoise waters.

If you want to linger and soak in the tranquillity of Les Saintes, consider staying at Le Kanaoa, a charming waterfront hotel with an on-site restaurant. It’s the perfect retreat for a few nights before returning to the main islands.

If you’re seeking a slower, laid-back vacation filled with rest and relaxation and without compromising on beauty or gastronomy, look no further than Grand-Terre. Basse-Terre’s less mountainous next-door neighbour, Grand-Terre, offers a variety of resort-style getaways. Visitors will find everything from understated retreats to full-service escapes.

For family-friendly fun, La Créole Beach Hotel and Spa is an accessible, family-friendly resort with an abundance of on-site amenities. Locals often visit on nights out, drawn by the live music and lively atmosphere of the hotel’s jazz club. Conveniently located in Pointe-à-Pitre, La Créole also puts you close to the city centre. When you need a break from sea and sand, venture into town to visit The Factory Gwadloup, a small but mighty shop showcasing local products and serving as a launching point for guided tuk-tuk tours of the island. The Factory offers experiences ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, whether you want to explore Pointe-à-Pitre’s landmarks or dive into Guadeloupean history and culture, each tour is immersive, educational, and fun for everyone.

ABOVE: Touring Pointe-à-Pitre with Karib-Tuk.

For an intimate, elevated experience, head east of Pointe-à-Pitre to La Toubana Hotel and Spa. There’s a reason it is the French Caribbean’s only five-star resort: it is simply exceptional. Nestled into the cliffside, La Toubana’s elevated atmosphere makes it easy to forget the world around you. From the infinity pool, the view stretches seamlessly into the deep blue Caribbean Sea, inviting you to get completely lost in the horizon. The beachfront is effortlessly chic, with lounge beds that rival those of a high-end beach club in St. Tropez.

ABOVE: La Toubana Hotel and Spa.

Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, a day pass at La Toubana’s pool is not to be missed. It’s an option that feels almost too good to be true and is absolutely a must-do experience to add to your Guadeloupe itinerary.

Les Voiles Bleues

If you value privacy, sophistication, and a full-service experience—or simply need accommodations spacious enough for extended family and friends—look no further than Les Voiles Bleues. These luxury, full-service villas are designed to fulfill every desire. Imagine having a private chef prepare an exquisite dinner for you one evening, or arranging personalized excursions tailored to your interests—the concierge team makes it all possible. Each villa features contemporary bedrooms with private en-suites, a private swimming pool, and a fully equipped modern kitchen. Once you’ve experienced Les Voiles Bleues, you’ll quickly realize how rare an experience of this calibre truly is.

Just down the road from Les Voiles Bleues, you’ll find Restaurant 619, a French eatery with a playful story behind its name. The owner, Éric Pereiro, affectionately named the restaurant after his friends from San Diego (area code 619) who helped him establish the business. Marketed as a wine bar, Restaurant 619 offers some of France’s finest selections, while Éric also crafts his own rum, earning him the title of Best White Rum in 2023, bottled at an impressive 61.9%.

Savouring a meal here is a true delight: think foie gras, freshly baked baguettes, and the warm, attentive service that makes you feel instantly at home. Add a glass of French wine and the relaxed Caribbean backdrop, and it’s nothing short of magical. Éric’s passion for his restaurant and for Guadeloupe shines through in every detail, making it the perfect way to cap off a spectacular week on the island.

ABOVE: Pointes des Chateaux

Guadeloupe is a destination that defies expectations. From the lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic peaks of Basse-Terre, to the sun-drenched beaches, chic resorts, and vibrant culinary scene of Grand-Terre, and the serene charm of Les Saintes, the islands offer a wealth of experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking adventure, indulgence, or simply a moment of quiet reflection surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, Guadeloupe delivers at every turn.

This French Caribbean gem remains delightfully under the radar, inviting travellers to expand their horizons, savour authentic culture, and discover a paradise that feels both timeless and uniquely its own.