Things to do — Terre-de-Haut

Fort Napoléon is the iconic experience. Built between 1844 and 1867 on Mont Mire (114 m), on the site of a fort destroyed during the Battle of the Saintes (1782). Today a history museum (Franco-English naval battle, Saintois life, temporary exhibitions) and exotic botanical garden (cacti, succulents, 360° panoramic view). €5 entry, 1h30-2h visit, open every day 9 am-12:30 pm. Access from the village: 25-30 min uphill walk or 10 min by scooter. Iconic sunset from the viewpoint.

Pompierre Beach is the most accessible and famous beach. 600 m of golden sand lined with coconut palms, shallow turquoise lagoon, view of Pain de Sucre. Access from village: 15 min walking (easy trail) or 5 min by scooter. Ideal for families. No official surveillance. Some lolos for lunch or drinks.

Pain de Sucre (53 m) is the unmissable ascent. Spectacular rocky dome overlooking Anse Pompierre. Access by marked trail from the beach edge (30 min uphill walk, sometimes steep). At the summit: 360° view of the Saintes bay, the village, Fort Napoléon and the uninhabited islets. Ideal at sunrise or sunset. Walking shoes recommended.

Anse Crawen is the hidden gem. Wild south coast beach, 30 min walking from the village (coastal trail) or 10 min by scooter. Golden sand, crystal water, preserved atmosphere, naturism tolerated. Little visited even in peak season.

The Chameau (309 m, highest point) offers a more demanding hike: 1h30 round-trip from the trailhead (south of the village), 360° view of the entire Saintes archipelago. Reserved for fit walkers.

Diving: centres at Terre-de-Haut (Pisquettes, La Dive Bouteille, Centre Nautique des Saintes) offer try-dives (€60-80) and exploration dives on the Sec Pâté sites (remarkable coral reef, €50-70/dive). For snorkelling, Anse Pompierre and the surroundings of Pain de Sucre.

Don't leave the island without tasting tourments d'amour — small caramelised coconut tartlets, Saintois specialty sold by Saintoises at the landing place.