Welcome to Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, a French overseas region, is an island group in the southern Caribbean Sea. Resembling a butterfly, its 2 largest islands are separated by the Salée River. Hilly Grande-Terre Island has long beaches and sugarcane fields. On Basse-Terre Island, Parc National de la Guadeloupe encompasses Carbet Falls and the volcano La Grande Soufrière. Smaller islands include Marie-Galante and La Désirade.
Islands Hopping In The Guadeloupe Islands
Do you know why no other journey is like a stay in the Guadeloupe islands?
Because there is not ONE Guadeloupe, but an entire archipelago of contrasts formed by FIVE ISLANDS.
All five islands are located within 20-45 min of each other, allowing for a premier island hopping experience. The two larger islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre are connected by modern, smooth roads reminiscent of highways in France and the outer islands Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La desirade are connected by efficient ferry service, the furthest being 45 minutes.
Getting Married in the Guadeloupe Islands
Tying the knot is the most precious and exciting adventure for you and your beloved partner. Choose the Guadeloupe Islands, The French Caribbean archipelago, for its Art de Vivre and Simplicty. Let us help you plan the best day of your life and build the greatest memories. Guadeloupe Islands, So French, Undeniably Caribbean!
Why the Guadeloupe Islands?
It’s easy to see why the Caribbean are always appealing for destination weddings. However the romantic appeal of the Guadeloupe Islands is made of wonderful beaches, misty mountains, picturesque waterfalls, and French Savoir Faire. Here is why you should get married in the Guadeloupe Islands:
– The archipelago is very accessible from the US with 3 non-stop flights a week from New York (JFK) with JetBlue (beginning in February 2020), and 1 non-stop flight a week from Miami with American Airlines.
– Budget friendly destination thanks to JetBlue’s highly affordable air fares enabling family and friends getaways.
– A riche palette of properties for you to pick from for your special day.
– The islands beneficiate from modern infrastructures and cherish an authentic culture guaranteeing a unique Caribbean experience.
– The islands beneficiate from modern infrastructures and cherish an authentic culture guaranteeing a unique Caribbean experience.
– Our team of wedding design experts is ready to help you plan your dream wedding.
– US travelers only need a valid US passport to travel to the Guadeloupe Islands.
Getting Married & Formalities
Civil Ceremony
All couples who are willing to get married in the Guadeloupe Islands should be civilly married in their country of residence first and able to present a marriage certificate. No legal wedding can be planned unless the couple has been living on the archipelago for at least 3 months.
Ceremony
Marriage officiants and minister-in-a-can are available in the language of your choice to perform the ceremony and solemnize the marriage to make this day perfect for you and your beloved ones.
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Renewing your vows with your partner whether it is just the two of you or your closest friends and family, is it as meaningful as your wedding day. Commemorating a milestone or making up for the wedding you have never had.
Entry formality
The Guadeloupe Islands are an integral part of France and therefore, part of the European Union. A U.S. valid passport is sufficient. For non-us citizens please check the website of the French Consulate near you to know if you need a visa or not.
Cruise in Guadeloupe
Pointe-à-Pitre is the second French Harbour in home porting. There are 5 operational harbors welcoming cruise ships in the Guadeloupe Islands: Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre, Deshaies, Marie-Galante and Iles des Saintes. Pointe-à-Pitre‘s harbor was awarded in 2014 “THE MOST FLEXIBLE AND RELIABLE CARIBBEAN HARBOUR” by the Caribbean Shipping Association. Pointe-à- Pître is the port of call for many cruise ships. Only located 10 min away from the international airport, the cruise terminal has a VIP lounge, a bar and a local arts and crafts village.
During your stopover in Pointe-à-Pitre, admire the colonial buildings such as the Place de la Victoire or the Marché Saint-Antoine where you will be taken away by the aroma of spices, fruits and vegetables. Discover the story of the city by visiting St-Pierre and St-Paul Church, the colorful district of La Darse with the beautiful Creole houses which will remind you of New Orleans. Step back in time and visit the Memorial ACTe, a cultural center dedicated to the Memory and History of Slavery Trade.
The Memorial ACTe is part of UNESCO’s Slave Route Project, a global initiative to promote the rapprochement of people through the shared legacy of Slave Trade. If you are on board a smaller ship you will get the chance to stop in Les Saintes, the most prized possessions of the Guadeloupe archipelago or in Deshaies, the cutest fisherman village located in the North West of Basse Terre.
Guadeloupe's Archipelago
Basse-Terre
Majestic
Basse-Terre is set on a volcano range, topped by La Soufrière at the heart of dense tropical vegetation. The 17,000 hectares of rainforest that cover the mountain range form part of the National Park, which inlcudes many signposted hiking trail.
Follow one of the many waymarked hiking trails – some of which are easily accessible – and discover a rich ecosystem with an impressive number of endemic species. In this lush setting with breathtaking waterfalls, a thousand and one friendly species begging for your attention, Basse-Terre has a wealth of natural charm.
It is also bordered by pebbled and sandy beaches in shades of ochre brown, black and pink.
Grande-Terre
Fascinating
From the north to the south, everything is about enchantment and exploration. At the centre of the sugar cane production, Grande-Terre offers a rich heritage.
Do you enjoy relaxing? Tranquil and delicately shaded white sand beaches await you. Grande-Terre is set on a vast limestone plateau bordered by perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons which share the coastline with amazing surfing spots and unforgettable landscapes. This plateau is ideally suited to sugar cane plantations, which cover most of the island. It has many restaurants and hotels hat line the Riviera bear witness to the Art of French-Creole Cuisine and is famous for its warm Caribbean nights.
La Desirade
Surprising
“The Forgotten”, La Desirade, which is the oldest island in the Lesser Antilles, and as such a geological Natural Reserve, seems away from time.
Tranquility and simplicity are the characteristics of this island. Superb white sand beaches, protected by long coral reefs attract snorkelers and swimmers.
A stone throw away, discover the untouched Petite-Terre Islands, also listed as Natural Reserves.
Les Saintes
Mind Blowing
Les Saintes is formed by nine unspoiled islands, two of which are inhabited.
Terre de Haut with its bistro lined streets and the turquoise waters of its bay, a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. And Terre de Bas also has plenty to offer: the golden sand of Grande-Anse beach is well worth the detour.
The culinary specialties are the products of passion: do not leave without having savoured the traditional “Tourment d’Amour” cake. Perfect for romantics.
Marie-Galante
Authentic
Plantations, ox carts pass by. Climb aboard…Make your way to the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Caribbean.
Stop off at one of the exquisite restaurants run by incredibly talented chefs.
In the “Land of the best rums in the world” outings are intoxicating…Welcome to Marie-Galante, the DNA of Guadeloupe Islands!
Ecotourism in Guadeloupe
With 77% of its territories classified as a Natural Reserve, the Guadeloupe Islands are definitely an Eco-Tourism destination. Environmental interests have always been at the heart of the concerns of Guadeloupe’s authorities, who set up the protection of the ecological heritage as a priority: over 30 years of protecting sea turtles, national days dedicated to cleaning sea beds, the coastline and rivers. The Guadeloupe archipelago is also a proud UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE since 1992.
Diving
Deep beneath the sea into a silent world, you are at one with the aquatic environment and are able to explore unforgettable landscapes, particularly in the Cousteau Reserve: coral garden, angelfish and more.
Over twenty diving clubs offer an introduction to diving, courses and certificates.
Not be missed: wrecks on the Côte sous le vent, stingrays in the south of Grande-Terre, submarine canyons in la Desirade, and whales passing in the Canal des Saintes from March to April.
