Traveling to Basse-Terre island

Basse-Terre is located in the western half of Guadeloupe. It is separated from Grande-Terre by a narrow channel which includes the Grand-Cul-de-Sac Nature Reserve dotted with islets and mangroves. Basse-Terre can be considered the "green wing" of the Butterfly. In other words, this is Guadeloupe's most authentic and pristine region—the island at its finest.

Basse-Terre has a chain of volcanic mountains which culminates in Soufrière. Climbing this summit is one of the things you absolutely should not miss during your stay in Basse-Terre.

Basse-Terre features very diversified landscapes —stretches of banana groves, mountainous relief and lush vegetation. The tropical forest, under the auspices of the National Park of Guadeloupe, covers close to 17,000 hectares making Guadeloupe a hikers' paradise! Nature lovers can explore around 300 kms of hiking trails, classified according to difficulty level.

Nestled in this pristine setting, Basse-Terre is brimming with superb waterfalls including the most famous ones of all—the Carbet Falls. Cascade aux Ecrevisses, Saut d’Acomat and Grande Rivière des Vieux-Habitants are also must-see tourist sights. A number of hot springs and sulfur springs like Matouba adds to Guadeloupe's natural wealth. It should be noted that most hot springs can be found in the Bouillante region. Basse-Terre is also a playground for canyoning enthusiasts! There are at least 12 canyons to explore.

But that's not all! Basse-Terre also boasts magnificent beaches featuring black or golden-colored sand or even pebbles. The black sand beach of Malendure is without a doubt the most well-known. It lies just across from the Pigeon Islands of the Cousteau Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is considered the hotspot for scuba diving.

The north of Basse-Terre and particularly the town ofDeshaies provide seaside tourism. Beautiful, pristine beaches with golden-colored sand like Grande Anse or Perleare made for lounging in the sun. This town in Guadeloupe is also known for the Coluche Botanical Garden. If you are travelling with your family, be sure to visit the Parc des Mamelles (Zoological and Botanical Park) during your stay.This zoo in the heart of a tropical forest is home to more than 85 animal species!

Lastly, the city of Basse-Terre, the island's cradle of culture and history, is labelled a "City of Art and History"thanks to its historic neighborhoods and superb multicolored homes. Visiting the Maison du Cacao in Pointe-Noire and Domaine de la Grivelière in Vieux-Habitants will carry you back in time to experience life on a plantation. Basse-Terre is the destination to choose for lovers of nature and authenticity.For a longer stay, why not combine a stay in Basse-Terre with a stop in Grande-Terre. Or how about discovering the diversity of the archipelago by extending your stay and visiting Les Saintes?