6 Best Places to Shop in Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe

The line of fashionable resort wear for women and children sold here is designed by French painter Jean Claude Le Gall. Pieces have hand-painted figures like turtles and dolphins on high-quality cotton knits. Branches of this French favorite are located at Bas-du-Fort Marina and on Les Saintes. A gift from this store is considered prestigious back in mainland France.

Destreland, Grande-Terre's largest, most modern shopping mall, has more than 180 boutiques, restaurants, and stores. This commercial center is a few minutes from the airport, which is a shopping destination in its own right.

Across from the market, Dody is the place to go if you want white eyelet lace blouses, skirts, dresses, even bustiers. A single item can cost up to €300. Madras clothing is both traditional and contemporary, and it looks especially cute in children's clothing. A line of colorful, Carnival-inspired, tropical dresses is a knockout. For men, there are Creole suits and cool madras shirts, and there's a line of Bebe Creole. Many styles have reduced prices, and there are special-occasion "costumes"—wedding, communion, and confirmation dresses, all in white eyelet. Those who love designer ensembles based in Guadeloupean tradition can also shop online.

Housed in a white stucco bungalow with lavender and aqua trim, this is Grand-Terre’s first real art gallery and museum shop. This genuinely unique concept melds an historic exhibition with colonial furnishings, such as planters chairs, with hundreds of high-level sculptures and contemporary paintings. A colorful shop, it also specializes in beach bags from recycled materials and island artifacts.

Bijoux is the French word for jewelry, and Madras Bijoux specializes in replicas of authentic creole jewelry—like multi-strand gold bead necklaces. The shop also creates custom designs and does repairs.

The village has 15 boutiques offering a wide selection of local crafts, including art composed of shells, wood, and stone. One of the outlets sells authentic Panama hats. It is located under a tent across from the waterfront as you first drive into the village.