Time difference Guadeloupe
It's 5 hours less in Guadeloupe than in mainland France during winter time, and 6 hours less during summer time. In January, when it's 6pm in Paris, it's 1pm in Guadeloupe; in July, when it's 6pm in Paris, it's 12pm in Guadeloupe. An important difference to bear in mind when making calls.
Opening hours Guadeloupe
To see / To do Guadeloupe
In the West Indies, it's customary to get up early, with the sun, and start your working day (especially in construction) before the sun's rays become too strong.
In the cities of Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre, shops are closed on Saturdays from around 1pm, and also on Sundays.
During Easter, the beaches are literally taken over by campers. It's a local tradition for Guadeloupeans to get together with their families all along the coast, but also on the river banks. Campsites are "booked" up to 2 or 3 weeks in advance, in order to secure the best spot. For the Easter weekend, everyone arrives fully equipped (fridge, TV, radio, barbecue, tent, tarpaulin, generators, etc.). If you're looking for serenity, don't plan a day of idleness.
In addition to the eleven public holidays in France, Guadeloupe has nine non-working days: Lundi et Mardi Gras, Wednesday des Cendres, Thursday de la Mi-Carême, Good Friday, Saturday Gloria, May 27, July 21 and November 2, when administrations, schools and banks are closed. May 27 is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe: many shops are only open in the morning.
Enjoying yourself Guadeloupe
Few restaurants in the archipelago offer round-the-clock service. Restaurant opening hours are generally standard (12 and 3pm and 7 and 11pm), with a few variations depending on the liveliness of the commune and the number of tourists on the island. The local population is accustomed to staying out quite late on weekend evenings, so in certain areas such as the Gosier - Pointe-à-Pitre marina, it's possible to dine later.
May 27, the day of the abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe, is the only public holiday on which even some restaurants choose to close.
In the Jarry shopping area, most restaurants are open for lunch. Only a few remain open in the evening.
On the island of Marie-Galante, most restaurants stop serving after 9pm, even in high season.
Take a break Guadeloupe
Bars and restaurants are very popular with the local population at weekends and on public holidays, and this, combined with the number of visitors, means that the area is very busy. Many establishments in the most popular tourist areas remain open 7/7 during the high season.
(To) please yourself Guadeloupe
Stores are generally open from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm. Stores in shopping centers open later (around 9:30 a.m.), but remain open a little later in the evening.
Stores in Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre close around 1pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.
The various markets that liven up the city centers generally open at 6am and close at 2pm at the latest. Night markets (Thursdays in Sainte-Anne, Fridays in Le Gosier, Wednesdays in Le Moule) open around 5pm, but really come alive after 6pm.
Shopping centers are particularly busy on the eve of public holidays, especially the festive season. They are also crowded when people come to stock up during cyclone warnings. If you don't have any pressing needs, don't go shopping at this time, as the atmosphere is quite electric.
May 27 is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe: many shops are only open in the morning.
Get out Guadeloupe
Opening hours are the same as in France. Bars don't really come alive until around 10pm, especially at weekends. Happy hours are generally offered from 6pm to 7pm.
