Fodor's Expert Review Anse Corps de Garde

On the southern Caribbean coast, this is one of the island's best long stretches of white sand. The public beach has picnic tables, restrooms, sea grape trees (which offer some shade), and crowds on weekends, when you'll also usually find plenty of wandering food vendors and the litter that follows them. During the week, the beach is much less busy, usually just with a few tourists and some local kids after school. The water is calm, with just enough wave action to remind you that it's the sea. There are no beach-chair rentals. From Fort-de-France, exit to the right before you get to the town of Ste-Luce. You first see signs for the Karibea Hotels and then one for Corps de Garde, which is on the right. At the stop sign take a left. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.