Itineraries — Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre is the wild, tropical half of Guadeloupe — the western wing of the butterfly island, dominated by the active Soufrière volcano and carpeted with primary forest that covers almost a third of its territory. For travellers in search of authenticity, nature and adventure, this is where the true heart of the archipelago beats.

The organisation of the visit naturally follows the two coasts and the central traverse. The leeward coast (Caribbean coast to the west, from Deshaies to Vieux-Habitants) concentrates the finest beaches, the Cousteau Reserve and the most animated Creole beach villages — the zone to stay in for a first visit. The windward coast (Atlantic coast to the east, from Sainte-Rose to Trois-Rivières) is wilder, wetter, kingdom of the Capesterre Belle-Eau banana plantations and the Carbet Falls. In the centre, the Route de la Traversée (D23) crosses the National Park in 30 minutes from east to west, opening access to the Bains Jaunes, the Cascade aux Écrevisses and the Maison de la Forêt trails.

For a short trip (3-4 days), base yourself in Deshaies: day 1 botanical garden and beaches, day 2 diving at the Cousteau Reserve, day 3 crossing the Park and Cascade aux Écrevisses. For a full week, add a night in Saint-Claude to climb the Soufrière at sunrise and a day at the Carbet Falls from Capesterre Belle-Eau. With 10 to 14 days, explore the south coast (Fort Delgrès, Trois-Rivières and its departures to Les Saintes), spend a night in a primary forest eco-lodge, and combine with a 2-3 day excursion to Les Saintes or Marie-Galante.