Guadeloupe family trip: an unforgettable roadtrip
Guadeloupe is part of the Lesser Antilles. When you think of this butterfly-shaped island, you immediately think of sublime seascapes.
The Caribbean Sea, the Antilles, the picture postcard. The fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and colorful, mixed-race West Indian culture are the stuff of dreams for freedom-loving vacationers. A family trip to Guadeloupe is sure to delight young and old alike.
Yet Guadeloupe is full of surprises. The archipelago is made up of two islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. The French overseas department is also a great place for families to get away from it all, on majestic roads that beckon adventure. This trip to Guadeloupe will allow you to explore these roads while enjoying hotels with unique amenities, to make your stay unforgettable.
Discover Guadeloupe, an archipelago of multicolored accents
Guadeloupe is both a region and a department of France, several thousand kilometers from mainland France. These links make it a unique territory. Thanks to its mixed heritage, rich history and roots blending Caribbean and European influences, Guadeloupe has a unique and strong identity.
This historic land with a French accent is located 2,200 km from Florida and 600 km from the South American coast.
A trip to Guadeloupe wouldn't be complete without a visit to Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, the Petite-Terre nature reserve and Désirade. Also well worth a visit is Pointe des Châteaux, a peninsula famous for its panoramic views over the Atlantic.
Guadeloupe, like all its paradise islands with enchanting names, offers a range of activities that can't be missed. Enjoy an unforgettable stopover in the sun. Discover its palm-fringed coastline, abundant nature and local flora and fauna.
As a family in Guadeloupe, you'll enjoy the gentle pace of life and varied landscapes of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. Among the many sites to explore, the Deshaies Botanical Garden is a must for admiring the tropical flora. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent to make the most of your nature walks, especially around the wetlands.
Exploring Basse-Terre on a family roadtrip
Tourists flock here in droves to discover an island well worth stopping off for a few days. Rent a car or take a guide and explore this legendary island. A family trip to Guadeloupe allows you to discover Basse-Terre, which is greener than Grande-Terre and enjoys a tropical climate.
The north of Basse-Terre is a treasure trove to explore, with its varied landscapes and picturesque villages such as Sainte-Rose.
La Soufrière volcano, lost in the clouds at 1,467 meters, enjoys a certain coolness due to more frequent rainfall. However, visiting "the old lady" is a memorable experience. You'll treasure the images of this family hike and your dive into the famous yellow baths on the way back.
Don't miss the Réserve Cousteau, located off the coast of Basse-Terre, ideal for discovering marine fauna during unforgettable dives. This protected site is one of Guadeloupe's most famous natural treasures. Explore the seabed by glass-bottomed boat, ideal for families who prefer to stay dry and admire the reefs.
After this bubbling escapade, head south to explore the Carbet Falls, the highest in the Lesser Antilles. This awe-inspiring spectacle is set in a lush tropical forest worthy of the greatest adventure films. Once refreshed, take the D23 road that crosses the island from east to west. It takes you to the family-friendly Crayfish Waterfall, ideal for a picnic in a natural setting.
The Langley Resort Fort Royal for an unforgettable stay
If you want to relax with your family after all that excitement, the ideal choice is a hotel that's as comfortable as it is welcoming. The Langley Resort Fort Royal**** in Deshaies is renowned for satisfying all its guests. Situated on the shores of Guadeloupe's turquoise waters, it enjoys a privileged location, immersed in breathtaking scenery.
The Langley Resort Fort Royal features a main building with bright rooms, all with ocean views. Several room categories are available, ideal for families, offering comfort and space for a relaxing vacation.
Book your stay and discover all the hotel's activities. Tennis, pétanque, beach volleyball, everything is done to make your vacation unforgettable.
On the roads of Grande-Terre with your family
Continue your visit to the butterfly island by heading for Grande-Terre, formerly known as "Cibuqueira" or "l'île aux gommiers" in the Caribbean language. Moving from Basse-Terre to Grande-Terre is already a touch new. The two islands are separated by the Rivière Salée, an arm of the sea, and a mangrove swamp near the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.
Perhaps this explains Grande-Terre's nickname of "Little Brittany of the West Indies". It certainly doesn't come from the cooler climate at the tip of Brittany. Grande-Terre, bathed in sunshine all year round, offers a wide range of water sports and water activities. You can relax on its white sandy beaches and explore other beautiful beaches during your stay in Guadeloupe.
Grande-Terre, an island paradise
On your drive to Grande-Terre, take time to stop off along its superb coastline. Enjoy Saint-François and its superb Raisins Clairs beach. Its lagoon is bordered by a coral reef with crystal-clear waters.
In the south of the island, stop off at Sainte-Anne for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Then get back on the road and stop off at the Pointe de la Grande Vigie, the most northerly point on Grande-Terre. Here you'll discover the Rocher de la Tortue (Turtle Rock), and you might even spot a whale.
A trip to Grande-Terre can't do without a visit to Pointe-à-Pitre. Starting point for the famous Route du Rhum, this city, developed in the 18ᵉ century, is well worth exploring on foot.
Place de la Victoire, the heart of the city, is surrounded by historic houses and inviting restaurants. Take a stroll down Rue Frébault, one of the main shopping streets, and you'll discover a lively atmosphere where jewelry shops and street vendors rub shoulders in a Creole setting.
Visit must-see sites such as the Cathédrale de Fer and the Musée Saint-John Perse, and immerse yourself in the island's history at the Mémorial ACTe. Don't miss the lively markets of La Darse or Saint-Antoine, where local crafts and Guadeloupean flavors are on offer.
Pointe-à-Pitre, often regarded as a city of transients, hides a wealth of culture and history well worth discovering.
La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa for a memorable stay
Just a short drive from Pointe-à-Pitre is Le Gosier, in the south of Grande-Terre. This renowned seaside resort takes its name from the large-gilled pelicans that inhabit the region. It's the island's favorite place to relax, eat, party and find quality accommodation.
La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa**** is located in La Pointe de la Verdure, at the entrance to the village of Le Gosier. Boasting an exceptional setting, in the heart of a magnificent tropical park, this hotel with its Creole ambience has everything to seduce you.
The rooms and Junior Suites, with their elegant decor subtly blending white, turquoise and wood, invite you to relax in a modern, refined setting.
There are two restaurants to choose from: La Route des Epices, a buffet restaurant, and Le Zawag, an à la carte restaurant overlooking the sea. For a relaxed break, a snack bar on the beach welcomes you, while the hotel bar offers jazz evenings several nights a week, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
So don't hesitate! Set off on an exceptional vacation in Guadeloupe. Between dream beaches, cultural riches and breathtaking nature, Guadeloupe has everything to delight young and old alike.
A family roadtrip to Guadeloupe offers an unforgettable experience through its seascapes, exceptional natural sites and comfortable hotels, allowing you to discover the riches of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre between adventure, relaxation and culture.
