The island of Guadeloupe lies between Antigua and Dominica and at 550 sq. mi. is one of the larger islands in the Lesser Antilles. Guadeloupe, along with the surrounding islands of Marie-Galante,Les Saintes, and La Desirade are actually a colonial extension of the country of France. All of the inhabitants of these islands are French citizens and carry French passports. The 4-lane highway coming from the airport is packed with French cars and most of the larger supermarkets and furniture stores are the same as those you would find in France. These islands are actually supported by France which gives them a higher standard of living than most of the other Caribbean islands.

The island looks like a giant butterfly from the air. The pinched waist of the island is formed by the river Salee that separates the two wings named Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. At the southern end of this river is the major city of Pointe-a-Pitre which is nestled in a quiet harbor on the southern side of the island.

Activities on Guadeloupe are as different and varied as are the two distinctly unique sides of this island. Grande-Terre is mostly dry, scrubby, and rocky while Basse-Terre is mountainous and lush and green with numerous waterfalls and rivers. Eco-tourists will have a hay-day as this island offers everything from volcanoes to plunging waterfalls to winding whitewater rapid rivers. The islands are surrounded by turquoise water and are ringed by sandy beaches in every shade from blinding white to volcanic black.

In the cities you will immediately notice the French influence in everything from its architecture to its cuisine. There are hundreds of top-notch restaurants, bistros, and bakeries which is why Guadeloupe is considered one of the culinary capitals of the Caribbean. Nightlife is plentiful throughout the island with many discos and piano and jazz bars.

This island with its beautiful rolling hills and panoramic vistas will have you bringing home a camera full of pictures and memories. Day trips to some of the surrounding islands is encouraged and will yield an excursion you will not forget. French is the official language, but English is spoken just about everywhere.

Guadeloupe is further south in the Caribbean archipelago and offers warm weather and water year round. This island is a gentle fusion of Caribbean and French and once you get involved in this islands culture it will be difficult to believe you are only a 3-hour plane flight from Miami.