Discover
the activities of the island
The Guadeloupe archipelago is part of the Lesser Antilles arc, in the southern Caribbean Sea. Shaped like a butterfly, it pairs the gently rolling island of Grande-Terre, with its long beaches and sugar-cane fields, and the island of Basse-Terre, where the Guadeloupe National Park is home to the Carbet Falls and La Soufrière volcano. The smaller islands include Marie-Galante and La Désirade. Bouillante lies on Basse-Terre, between Pointe-Noire and Vieux-Habitants. It is best known for the Cousteau Reserve at Malendure, where local operators offer superb snorkelling and diving trips, and where, if you are lucky, you can swim alongside turtles. Bouillante is also famous for its natural hot springs, both on land and in the sea. Nearby you will find the Parc des Mamelles (Guadeloupe’s zoo), the Deshaies Botanical Garden (once owned by the French comedian Coluche), the Maison du Cacao (a cocoa museum in Pointe-Noire), the Domaine de Vanibel (a coffee and vanilla estate in Vieux-Habitants), the famous Bologne rum distillery in Basse-Terre, and the national park’s rainforest, perfect for hiking, abseiling and canyoning. There is plenty to do all around Bouillante.
The weather
Guadeloupe has a tropical climate.
There are two seasons:
A dry season, called “carême”, which runs roughly from December to May;
A wet season, called “hivernage”, which runs roughly from June to November.
The sea temperature averages 27°C and rises to 30°C in August and September.
Guadeloupe enjoys a wonderful climate all year round: it is always summer here!
Carnival
Carnival starts on the first Sunday of January and ends, in red and black, on Ash Wednesday (the day after Mardi Gras).
Route du Rhum
Every four years, we have the pleasure of watching the skippers of the Route du Rhum transatlantic race arrive.
Our suggestions
Grande Anse beach – Deshaies
25 minutes from the villa, near Deshaies, this is one of Guadeloupe’s best-known beaches: coconut palms and golden sand, especially lovely in the evening when the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. An unforgettable sight.
Trou à Diable
The Trou à Diable waterfall is close to Bouillante. You will be enchanted by its lush vegetation and tropical plants. A magnificent spot, best visited in fine weather.
Malendure beach
5 minutes from the villa, this black-sand beach faces the Pigeon Islands. Famous for its underwater life thanks to the Cousteau Reserve, it is the place to swim with turtles, and a paradise for divers. Grab a mask, snorkel and fins to explore the “Japanese garden” reef.
Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
This nature reserve lies between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Discover its turquoise waters, its coral reef and its beautiful white-sand beaches, by boat or, for the more adventurous, by microlight. A true natural wonder.
Petit-Canal
The old prison stands near the Slave Steps in Petit-Canal. A huge fig tree grows in front of the ruined building. A place heavy with history.
Pointe-à-Pitre
Spice market: the Saint-Antoine market is in the heart of Pointe-à-Pitre. You will find all the local spices there (cinnamon, vanilla, colombo, chilli, nutmeg…). A friendly, colourful experience, with stallholders dressed in madras.
Bois Jolan beach
Bois Jolan beach is in Sainte-Anne. With its white sand, coconut palms and turquoise water, it is a dream. The shallow water makes it ideal for young children, which is why it is popular at weekends with local families who come to picnic for the day.
Souffleur beach – Port-Louis
This charming beach in Port-Louis is one of the most beautiful in Guadeloupe: golden sand, shade and a large picnic area. Beyond the beach, you can visit the Port-Louis seaside cemetery and its shell-decorated tombs.
Sainte-Anne
Sainte-Anne is a seaside town on Grande-Terre. Stop at its waterfront market to find all kinds of local produce.
Mangrove
You can explore it on foot, by canoe or by small boat. Lush vegetation, dominated by its signature tree, the mangrove. Best visited with a guide.
Marie-Galante
An hour by boat from Pointe-à-Pitre, the peaceful island of Marie-Galante awaits you with its beautiful white-sand beaches.
Les Saintes
A thirty-minute crossing from Trois-Rivières takes you to one of the most beautiful bays in the world and the charming Les Saintes islands.