A Taste of France

Guadeloupe is a center for Francophone culture in the Caribbean, but unlike the island of Haiti, it is not subject to social and political unrest. Compared to the more modern and metropolitan Martinique, the island is more in touch with its Caribbean roots.

This Caribbean archipelago consists of nine islands, all of which are inhabited. The main islands are Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, which are divided by a narrow channel called the Rivière Salée. Smaller islands provide a glimpse into the culture of the West Indies, but Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre provide the best tourist resources. For more information, check out the CIA World Factbook for Guadeloupe.

Getting There

Visitors normally arrive in Les Abymes (near Pointe-à-Pitre) at La Raizet Airport. There are no direct flights from the North American mainland, and most visitors connect through regional Caribbean air carriers in San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), or St. Johns (Antigua and Barbuda).

Taxis are available at the airport, and can provide transportation to your final island destination. Taxis are government regulated, but the meter is frequently "broken," so be sure to agree on a fare and currency before taking a ride. Service across the island may cost as much as $40(USD), but keep in mind that the local currency is the Euro.

Entry Requirements

For French citizens, a valid ID or passport is required for entry into Guadeloupe. All other individuals, even those traveling from neighboring Caribbean countries, must have a valid passport and return or on-going ticket.

Climate

Guadeloupe is a very tropical country, experiencing 70 inches of rainfall annually across its nine islands. Temperatures here are slightly cooler than other Caribbean locales, due to an Atlantic breeze; January temperatures range from 67 to 84 degrees, and July temperatures from 74 to 88 degrees (all Fahrenheit). The rainiest months of the year coincide with the warmest: June through October.

Geography

Guadeloupe is part of the Lesser Antilles, about 200 miles north of Martinique. The main body of the country is made up of two islands separated by a narrow sea channel called the Rivière Salée. The eastern island, Grande-Terre, is made of limestone and is home to gentle hills and former sugar plantations. Basse-Terre to the west is home to rugged mountains and an active 4,800 foot high volcano called La Soufrière. The mountains, which are encircled by white sand Caribbean beaches, are spotted with banana plantations and covered in tropical foliage. 

Health and Safety

Guadeloupe is home to five modern hospitals and 23 clinics. A 24-hour emergency room is available at Le Centre Hôpitalier Universitaire de Pointe-à-Pitre. It is best to stick to bottled water on Guadeloupe to avoid stomach issues. The islands are free of any major or serious crime, but streets get deserted very quickly at night, so use common sense when going out after dark. In most cases, following common safety rules in any circumstances will prevent many problems. Ladies should keep a firm grasp on their handbags, as purse snatching by speeding motorcyclists has been reported on occasion.

People

As a people, Guadeloupians are generally satisfied with their national status as a territory of France. In fact, only a very small percentage of Guadeloupians feel the need for independence. Notably, Guadeloupe is economically reliant on France in the same way individual states are reliant on the U.S. federal government; Guadeloupe could not meet the needs of its population without help from the French national government in such areas as health care and education. In fact, unlike many poorer Caribbean nations, Guadeloupe advocates for education, and children between the age of 6 and 17 are required to attend school. Many students pursue higher education opportunities in France, which is economically feasible solely due to Guadeloupe's national status. Guadeloupe is home to a College of Education, a law school, and a science school, and has a 90 percent literacy rate.

Seventy-five percent of Guadeloupians are Creole – native islanders with African, Indian, and European ancestry. Even though only 10 percent of the population is of pure African ancestry, Guadeloupe's customs bear the mark of African culture. Additionally, Catholicism is a way of life for most islanders.