Exploring the islands of the Guadeloupean Archipelago: The hidden treasures of Les Saintes

Guadeloupe is an archipelago made up of 5 main islands: The two largest, Grande Terre and Basse-Terre, then the southern islands, Les Saintes, La Désirade and Marie-Galante. If you dream of an exotic getaway, schedule an exploration trip to discover the exceptional beauty of Les Saintes.

The Saintes archipelago, a breathtaking discovery

Les Saintes is a small archipelago with two main islands called Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas. They also have several rocky islands. They were discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and only the two main islands are inhabited.

Terre-de-Haut: The Small Paradise of the Antilles

You can admire the turquoise and clear waters of the third most beautiful bay in the world in Terre-de-Haut. This fishing village is distinguished by its multiple colorful houses and the warm welcome that its inhabitants give to visitors.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of its streets lined with flowers. You can lounge on its beautiful intimate beaches or go on the hiking trails to better discover its picturesque landscapes. Culinary specialties will also make your taste buds travel: you can enjoy dishes made from fresh seafood.

Terre-de-Bas: Calm and Serenity between Sea and Mountains

If you want to recharge your batteries in a quiet place, with less crowds, but with the same welcome as in Terre-de-Haut, with the locals, you will be more at ease in Terre-de-Bas. Head to the village of Petite-Anse to discover local traditions and Caribbean folklore.

You can visit the island on hikes or excursions. The hiking trails crisscross the lush vegetation and all the discoveries will give you incomparable happiness and peace.

Stay in Les Saintes in Guadeloupe: what are the main activities to do?

If you are considering spending time in Les Saintes in Guadeloupe, here are the main activities that await you.

Swim, observe fish and corals at Loaf de Sucre

Pain de Sucre Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes. Its small bank of fine sand and its clear and transparent waters resemble those that can be seen on postcards. You can snorkel to admire the beauty of marine wildlife. Indeed, you will have very good visibility in its transparent waters to see multitudes of fish and coral reefs.

The essentials in Terre-de-Haut

After visiting Fort Napoleon, head to Pompierre Beach to have a picnic and admire nature. The water is shallow and allows you to swim to a small island that is not far away.

Move on to Anse de Mire, a small village where you can also snorkel from the beach to see fish, corals and the wreck of Lynndy, a boat that went back and forth between Basse-Terre and Haut-de-Terre and that a storm sank in 2009.

Also pass by Grande-Anse to admire the landscape. You can dip your feet, but avoid swimming because the currents are dangerous. On the other hand, swimming is allowed nearby, at Rodrigue Beach where you can observe turtles.

Don't forget to climb to the summit of Le Chameau, the highest point in Terre-de-Haut (309 m) for a breathtaking 360° view of the Saintes archipelago. You can also see the other islands in the area.

Other nautical activities are offered on site: sailing, kayaking, paddling, boat trips, etc. It is also possible to visit the four corners of these islands by mountain bike or scooter.

Join Les Saintes

The main port to reach Les Saintes is located in Trois-Rivières. Three companies offer crossing services: CTM DEHER, VAL'FERRY and KARU'FERRY. L'Express des Îles also offers connections to Les Saintes from Pointe-à-Pitre, but these only take place two days a week.

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