The Best Sight in Guadeloupe

Background Illustration for Sights

To see each "wing" of the butterfly, you'll need to budget at least one day. They are connected by a bridge, and Grande-Terre has pretty villages along its south coast and the spectacular Pointe des Châteaux. You can see the main sights in Pointe-à-Pitre in a half day. Touring the rugged, mountainous Basse-Terre is a challenge. If time is a problem, head straight to the west coast; you could easily spend a day traveling its length, stopping for sightseeing, lunch, and a swim. You can make day trips to the islands, but an overnight or more works best. Leave your heavy luggage in the baggage room of your "mainland" hotel and take a small bag on the ferry.

Les Mamelles

Two mountain peaks—Mamelle de Petit-Bourg, 2,350 feet, and Mamelle de Pigeon, 2,500 feet—rise in the Parc National de la Guadeloupe. Mamelle means "breast"; and when you see the mountains, you'll understand how they got their name. Trails ranging from easy to arduous lace up into the surrounding mountains. There's a glorious view from a lookout point 1,969 feet up Mamelle de Pigeon. If you're a climber, plan to spend several hours exploring this area. If there have been heavy rainfalls, cancel your plans.

06883, Guadeloupe

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