The Guadeloupe islands are a fascinating archipelago of five islands made up of Basse Terre, Grand Terre ( these two islands are separated by a narrow river with many bridges) La Desirade, Iles des Saint and Maria Galante. Guadeloupe is a overseas department of France and is thus part of the Eurozone and the European union. The population is mostly of African decent and mixed with Carib Amerindians, Europeans, Indians, and Lebanese. As of the 2012 consensus the population was 403,977 with French being the official language and 80% being Roman Catholic.
Where is Guadeloupe:
Guadeloupe island is located in the Caribbean sea and in the Lesser Antilles and is part of the Lee ward island group. Guadeloupe neighbor islands are Antigua, Nevis, and St Kits to the East, and to the West the island of Dominica.
History:
In 1635 two Frenchmen named Charles Lienard and Lean Ossonville took on the task of settling the island.The first order of business was to wipe out the Carib Indian population and by 1674 the islands where annexed to France. The next century was very profitable for Guadeloupe due to the sugar trade to the Americas and Europe. In 1759 the British
captured the islands from the French and then traded it back for Canada in the treaty at Paris ending the seven year war. 1810 brought another seizure of Guadeloupe by the english and continued until 1814 where at the Treaty of Vienna the islands where given control to Sweden. The Swedish control only lasted 15 months and Guadeloupe again returned to the French. In May of 1848 slavery was abolished on the islands at the behest of Victor Schoelcher. In 1865-66 , 12,000 people lost their lives to the cholera epidemic.
Guadeloupe Tourism:
Tourism to Guadeloupe is by far the largest sector of the economy helped largely by the construction of the Guadeloupe airport. Many cruise ships visit the islands annually spreading word of mouth praises to many countries threw out the world . Tourist can choose from a wide array of activities from below the sea to the mountains, such as spear fishing and scuba to land sports such as Kite surfing and hiking the rainforest. French visitors are by far the most popular visitors at 83% followed by Europeans the US, Canada and south America.
Top five things to do in Guadeloupe.
1) Guadalupe National Park
A wonderful hiking experience. See the many natural wonders such as waterfalls, gardens and streams.
2) Les Saints
Les Saints is eight small islands hugging the southern coast. This is a great place for photography and playing Robinson Crusoe
3) Point a Pitre
Looking to do some shopping French style then Point a Pitre is the place for you. Get the best price on perfumes, clothing, food and wine.
4) Plantation and distillery tours
This includes Rum, Beer, wine, chocolate and coffee, something for every taste.
5) Point des chateaux
A natural wonder of rock into the sea and striking cliff formations caused by the massive power of the Atlantic colliding with the Caribbean.
My View:
For a French, Creole flavored vacation peppered with lovely beaches, beautiful mountains and lovely people Guadalupe should be the first stop on your island quest.
Stephen Kent.
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