Things to do — Les Saintes

Les Saintes are discovered on foot, by bike or scooter — the absence of cars in the Terre-de-Haut village is part of the charm.

Visiting Fort Napoléon is the iconic experience of Terre-de-Haut. Built between 1844 and 1867 on the remains of a fort destroyed during the Battle of the Saintes (1782), it now houses a history museum (Battle of the Saintes, Saintois life, maritime heritage) and an exotic botanical garden (cacti, succulent plants, endemic succulents). But the highlight of the visit is the 360° panoramic view of the bay from its 114 metres altitude — at sunset, the spectacle is unforgettable. Allow 1h30-2h for the visit (€5 entry), 25-30 minutes uphill walking from the village.

Enjoying Pompierre beach is the second must-do. 15 minutes walking from the village (or 5 minutes by scooter), this long 600 m beach of golden sand lined with coconut palms offers ideal swimming (shallow water) with a view of Pain de Sucre — one of the most beautiful postcards of the French Antilles. Avoid the 11 am-3 pm slot in peak season (cruises), prefer early morning or late afternoon for the calm.

Climbing Pain de Sucre is the photo adventure of Les Saintes. Access by marked trail from Anse Pompierre (30 minutes uphill walking, sometimes steep). At the summit (53 m), 360° view of the Saintes bay, the village, Fort Napoléon and the uninhabited islets. Ideal at sunrise or sunset. Walking shoes recommended.

Discovering Anse Crawen is the hidden gem. 30 minutes walking from the village by a coastal trail (or 10 minutes by scooter), this wild south coast beach offers golden sand, crystal water, preserved atmosphere and tolerated naturism. Little visited even in peak season.