Pointe-à-Pitre

Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe

The butterfly-shaped islands of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory in the Lesser Antilles, are one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets. Travellers in the know have caught on and begun visiting this mesmerizing archipelago and the city of Pointe-à-Pitre to enjoy the fascinating mix of French tradition and Creole culture, the overwhelming natural beauty found in these islands, and the relative scarcity of tourists. With a burgeoning hotel infrastructure and an important cruise port welcoming seafarers, there has never been a better time to visit.

Population:

Pointe-à-Pitre: 16,343 (2015)
Guadeloupe: 395,700 (2016)

Currency:

1 Euro, € = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency services: 112
Fire brigade: 18
Police: 17
Medical service: 15

Opening Hours:

Shops usually open from 8am to 12pm and then again from 2pm-6pm. Most businesses and establishments are closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, holidays, and occasionally also on Wednesday afternoons.

Newspapers:

Caribbean News Now (in English)
St. Barth Weekly (in English)
France-Antilles
Le Journal De St. Barth

The City

The French overseas territory of Guadeloupe is composed of a small group of enchanting and fascinating islands in the Caribbean, where French tradition meets Creole culture in surroundings of absolutely stunning natural beauty. The main island, charmingly shaped like a butterfly, is divided into two parts: Basse-Terre, where the Grand Soufrière volcano towers over the Guadeloupe National Park, and Grande-Terre, home to idyllic beaches and the major urban settlement of Pointe-a-Pitre.

With a history dating back to the mid 1600's, Pointe-a-Pitre encompasses the cultural blend that characterizes Guadeloupe, with 19th-century architecture, interesting museums, bustling markets and the sounds, colours and flavours of a vibrant Creole society. The downtown area, just to the south of the airport and right next to the cruise port terminal, is home to Place de la Victoire, the main square and heart of urban life, as well as the city's best shopping in the covered spice market and its surrounding commercial streets. To the south lies the district of Le Gosier, which bubbles with life in the many restaurants, cafes and bars that surround the marina.

Guadeloupe's smaller islands are all easily accessible from Pointe-a-Pitre by air and sea, and are well worth exploring, boasting mezmerizing beauty both in lush tropical landscapes and picture-perfect beaches.

Do & See

Pointe-a-Pitre is compact and easily navigable, offering nicely-preserved 19th-century architecture, vibrant marketplaces, excellent museums and the lively Place de la Victoire, the central square around which much of urban life revolves. The city also serves as a great home base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the islands, with easy access to the imposing volcano La Grande Soufrière, the Guadeloupe National Park on Basse-Terre, and the other idyllic islands that make up Guadeloupe.

Dining

Guadeloupian cuisine, like much of the island's culture, is the result of a mix of influences. Creole specialities have strong French characteristics and use local spices and flavours to give dishes their unique character. Seafood features heavily on most menus, but local specialities are diverse, including things like goat and many exotic fruits. Many of the city's best restaurants are located around the Marina at Le Gosier, offering expertly prepared dishes and stunning harbour views.

Cafes

Guadeloupe has one of the oldest coffee-growing traditions in America, producing delicious beans as far back as the 1720s. Guadeloupe boasts many patisseries and cafés serving excellent local coffee, as well as traditional French pastries with a Creole twist. Many cafes boast great, breezy locations by the water, including many at the Gosier Marina.