Terre-de-Haut

Terre-de-Haut Review

With 5 square mi (13 square km) and a population of about 1,500, Terre-de-Haut is the largest and most developed of Les Saintes. Its "big city" is Bourg, with one main street lined with bistros, cafés, and shops. Clutching the hillside are trim white houses with bright red or blue doors, balconies, and gingerbread frills.

Terre-de-Haut's ragged coastline is scalloped with lovely coves and beaches, including Anse Crawen. The beautiful bay, complete with a "sugarloaf" mountain, has been called a mini Rio. There are precious few vehicles or taxis on island, so you'll often find yourself walking, despite the hilly terrain. Or you can add to the din and rent a motor scooter or an electric bike. Take your time on these rutted roads, as around any bend there might be a herd of goats chomping on a fallen palm frond. When aggressively soliciting you, the scooter agencies will not tell you that it is prohibited to use a scooter in town from 9 to noon and from 2 to 4.

This island makes a great day trip, but you can really get a feel for Les Saintes if you stay overnight. It's not unlike St. Barth, but for a fraction of the price. Note: most shops and restaurants close for two hours in the afternoon. The coffee-table book Carnet de Route-Les Saintes, on sale in shops for €20, makes a wonderful introduction to the island as well as a travel keepsake.