Martinique and Guadeloupe are two of the top destinations for anyone looking to soak up some sunshine during the European winter. These two French overseas territories in the middle of the Caribbean are renowned for their extremely mild climate, dreamy beaches, lush green landscapes that invite you to go hiking, not to mention their colorful towns and gastronomic delights. Yet both islands are unique, each with its own history and geographical particularities. Difficult to choose? No problem, we can always plan to visit these two wonders in the course of our travelling lives.
Good reasons to discover Martinique
Island paradise lovers who want to fly to Martinique need to find the accommodation of their dreams once they've booked their plane tickets. To do this, a tour operator specializing in vacation rentals such as Antilles Exception offers villa and hotel rentals, with packages that include accommodation, transfers, car, in-home catering and on-site assistance. Reservations are made quickly with the help of travel advisors who know the island inside out and can help you find the ideal pied-à-terre for a trip for two, with family or friends!
Once you've settled into your rental in Martinique, the adventure begins with a visit to Fort-de-France, a bustling city with restaurants, stores, a Grand Marché and a Marché aux épices, as well as fascinating museums like the Musée départemental d'Archéologie et de Préhistoire. Other communes are well worth a visit, for their charm and idyllic location between the sea and open green spaces. These include Saint-Pierre, Sainte-Anne and Le Carbet.
Martinique also offers boat trips to explore the seabed, as well as lazy mornings or afternoons on dream beaches: Les Salines, one of the most famous, Le Diamant, frequented by bodyboarders, Anses d'Arlet, with its church and pier, and the more intimate Cap Macré, with its translucent waters, are not to be missed.
And don't miss the chance to get your fill of nature, by following the Route de la Trace through the rainforest, which offers breathtaking panoramas, or by climbing Mount Pelée with a guide. Or opt for a canyoning session in the Falaise gorges.
A stay in Martinique is not complete without enjoying its Creole gastronomy, places that tell the story of its turbulent history, such as the Savane des Esclaves, and of course without visiting a few distilleries and tasting some prestigious rums.
Read the article: What to do in Martinique The 22 must-sees
Guadeloupe's assets to delight travelers
Why not rent a place in Guadeloupe to relax and unwind? This other butterfly-shaped island in the West Indies is rich in incredible culture and diverse landscapes. Let's close our eyes for a moment and imagine ourselves in a comfortable hotel with swimming pool, or in a luxurious villa where the pool seems to melt into the sea!
Beaches are king in Guadeloupe. The turquoise waters are a constant invitation to swim and take part in water sports. In Basse-Terre, Plage de la Perle in Deshaies is one of the most beautiful. Access is via a forest. In Grande-Terre, Bois Jolan beach in Sainte-Anne is a favorite, with its coconut palms and wild character. Then there's Plage du Souffleur in Port-Louis, a snorkeling paradise with a splendid view of La Soufrière.
In fact, for hiking enthusiasts, the ascent of La Soufrière, still an active volcano, is a must, with exceptional panoramic views on arrival. Still for walkers, the Parc National de la Guadeloupe, which has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, unveils trails leading to treasures such as the Carbet Falls and the Cascade aux Écrevisses, where you can take a refreshing dip.
Guadeloupe offers a wide range of experiences. From a quad bike ride from Saint-François or a canyoning trip down the Ravine Chaude river, the next day you'll find yourself on a boat exploring the surrounding islands of Marie-Galante, Petite-Terre and the Saintes archipelago.
If you want to come back with as many colorful photos as possible, take a stroll along the black-and-white checkerboard tombs in the hillside cemetery of Morne-à-l'Eau, or stroll through the colonial-architecture alleyways and gourmet markets of Point-à-Pitre.
The article to read: What to do in Guadeloupe The 19 must-sees
Martinique or Guadeloupe, the choice isn't easy, but it's sure to delight.
