Official Language:
French
Secondary Language:
English
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Currency:
French Franc
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Population:
Approximately 435,000 people call Guadelupe home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Guadeloupe: The island is a pleasant, tropical island which is tempered by trade winds. The rainy season starts in August and lasts until November. The dry time, which when it is best to go, is from late November through May. Temperature ranges from 72-81°F (22-27°C) and 66-81°F/18-27°C inland. Between summer and winter there is only a slight difference in temperatureWarm weather throughout the year with the main rainy season occurring from June to October. Showers can, however, occur at any time although they are usually brief. The humidity can be exceedingly high at times. Tropical climate with cooling trade winds throughout the year. Rain is common from July through January.
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Port: Centre Saint-John Perse terminal
Guadeloupe part of the Lesser Antilles is approximately 200 miles north of its sister island of Martinique. Made up of two islands and separated by a narrow salt water channel known as the Riviere Salee. Grand Terre is the eastern island with typical Antillian landscaping of rolling hills and sugar plantations. Basse Terre has a rugged mountainous terrain that is dominated by theLa Soufriere volcano along with its beautiful sandy beaches. Boiling water gushes from the top of the 4,800-foot mountain, reminding you that this volcano is still very much alive. Further downstream you can swim in the beautiful falls of Chute de Carbet.
Guadeloupe, shaped like a butterfly was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and declared it Spanish territory. Claiming it was difficult as settlement attempt was repulsed by the determined Caribs who fought fiercely to control their land. The French over one hundred years later succeeded where the Spanish had failed. The permanent settlement was founded in 1635 and the French immediately began the task of farming the land. The Caribs fled to neighboring islands, forcing the French to import slaves to perform the labor of harvesting sugarcane, which happens to be the island's most important crop.
Today, you will be reminded of the French connection. Guadeloupe today uses French currency, French stamps, and flies the French flag. All citizens of the country are by birth, citizens of France with full voting rights.
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Attractions |
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Place De La Victoire
Quaint colonial homes, and shops surround this tree lined square. Some of the trees date back as far as 1794. Planted to celebrate Guadeloupe's victory against the British.
Musee Saint-John Perse
A restored, the 19th century Creole mansion of Saint-John Perse, a noted poet and Nobel laureate.
Cathedral of St. Pierre and St. Paul
Completed in 1871, and the fourth church to stand on this site. The others were destroyed by earthquakes.
Aquarium De La Guadelupe
The island's most visited site. A shark filled 21,000-gallon tank with a glass tunnel that enables visitors to view marine life as they walk through the water. The most popular attraction on the island.
Pigeon Island
Jacques Cousteau claimed this as one of the world's best diving locations. Have you choice of diving, snorkeling, or glass bottom boat rides to view the amazing marine life off this tiny island.
Beaches
Guadeloupe is home to many fine beaches, however some are clothing-optional. The closest beaches to Pointe-à-Pitre are the white sand beaches in the resort areas of Gosier, Sainte-Anne (Club Med), and Saint-François.
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More Information |
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French Government Tourist Office
Phone: 410-286-8310
Web: www.antilles-info-tourisme.com/guadeloupe
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