Grande-Terre, landscapes and lively atmosphere
To the east, Grande-Terre, where the city of Pointe-à-Pitre serves as the "capital", covers 590 km². Grande-Terre is home to fine sandy beaches ideal for lovers of relaxation or water sports. You will also find there sublime landscapes (Pointe des Châteaux, Porte d'Enfer, Pointe de la Vigie...). Almost all of the large-capacity hotels are located there.
It is also the place of predilection of the night owls with casinos (Gosier and Saint-François), discotheques and bars in abundance, without forgetting many museums of which the ACTe Memorial, centre of expression dedicated to the slave trade and slavery. The northern part, dominated by the volcanic plateau and almost occupied by sugar cane cultivation, is bordered by a cut-out coast and high cliffs. In the south, the relief descends in hills on immense white sand beaches, bordered by palm trees. The Grands Fonds, more rural and with a characteristic topography, offers a multitude of dreary hills and deep gullies.
Its southern coast, bordered by a calmer coastline, shelters the most touristic part. In Saint-François there is an 18-hole international golf course (5,990 m course).Basse-Terre, diving in nature
Another main island of the archipelago, Basse-Terre, to the west, covers 848 km². It is separated from Grande-Terre by an arm of the sea. It is home to the eponymous prefecture. Wilder and steeper, it is dominated by the living presence of the Soufrière, a volcano and the highest point of the archipelago (1,467 m above sea level).
In the centre is the Guadeloupe National Park
, a true paradise for hikers and the perfect playground for nature lovers, with its 300 km of footpaths (called traces in Guadeloupe) in the heart of the forest. These are punctuated with waterfalls, basins, springs (sometimes hot). La Cascade aux écrevisses, a small waterfall about 10 meters high, is accessible to people with reduced mobility.The Carbet Falls and the ascent of the volcano are common themes of day hikes. The Côte-sous-le-vent (leeward coast) is home to creeks, coves and large stretches of beach.
