10 Days in Guadeloupe: Ultimate Travel Itinerary
We’re off to Guadaloupe for our annual family vacation. This year, the kids picked the destination. It wasn’t my first choice, but I went along with their decision. Here’s our 11-day itinerary.
Day 1
To get there, fly into Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP), which is the main airport in Guadeloupe.
We decided to rent a car for maximum flexibility to explore the island. Renting a car at the airport is the best choice, and the route across Grande-Terre to Saint-François is very straightforward.
The driving distance from Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) to Saint-François is approximately 34 to 39 kilometres (about 21 to 24 miles). Under normal traffic conditions, the drive typically takes around 40 to 45 minutes.
Taxi fares in Guadeloupe are zone-based, and a ride to Saint-François generally costs between €60 and €90.
My sons found a cozy little house in St. Francois with a pool, which made our stay really comfortable.
The owner left us some bread and two jars of jam for breakfast the next morning. It was a nice touch.
The house was just a 10-minute walk from the beach and close to a bakery and a convenience store, so we had everything we needed for a relaxing trip.
Why Saint-François?
Saint-François is less crowded than many of Guadeloupe’s busy coastal areas, making it feel more authentic and perfect for travellers seeking peace.
Here, French cafés sit next to rum shacks, and life moves to the rhythm of the tides instead of the clock.
Saint-François is a great starting point for exploring Grande-Terre’s stunning scenery, top reefs, and nearby nature reserves, all without crowds.
Day 2: Visiting Deshaies
Our first stop this morning
Jardin Botanique de Deshaies: A Tropical Paradise in Guadeloupe.
Located in the Guadeloupe Islands, the Deshaies Botanical Garden has peaceful paths lined with unique plants from the Antilles.
The garden is located in the beautiful coastal village of Deshaies on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre. Visitors are welcome to explore its lush landscapes.
The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies takes you through the diversity of tropical ecosystems. It is both a lesson in conservation and a celebration of Caribbean natural beauty, with something magical and special around every corner.
It welcomes photographers, curious families, and those seeking peaceful moments alike.
Explore 15 different tropical worlds, each with its own unique atmosphere. The park has many interesting plants and trees, making it a sensory experience for visitors of all ages.
The garden has over 1,000 plant species and is divided into different sections. Each section lets you experience a different part of the tropics.
You should plan to spend at least two hours exploring this botanical wonderland. Many visitors end up wanting to stay even longer.
Don’t forget to buy some food for the fish, birds and goats. Everybody loves it.
Entry Fees:
Adult18.00€
people with reduced mobility 14.50€
Student11.00€
Child 5-12 years old 12.00€
Adult resident pass 18.00€
Child resident pass 12.00€
Location: Villers, 97126 Deshaies, Guadeloupe
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (park closes at 5:30 PM)
After leaving the Botanical Garden, we made a stop at another place on our way home.
We got to visit the actual paradise featured in “Death in Paradise.”
I watch this show all the time, so it was incredible to walk around and see where they filmed it.
Death in Paradise is filmed in Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island that stands in for the fictional Saint Marie.
The Honoré Police Station in Deshaies is used for filming and also serves as a gift shop. Profits from the shop often help support the local church.
- Sometimes, the Honoré Police Station opens as an interactive museum from about 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, but the hours can change.
Catherine’s Bar:
The beach shack bar is located right in Deshaies.
DI’s Beach House: The shacks used by Humphrey Goodman and the other inspectors are set up on Anse la Perle beach, which is another popular filming spot.
Fans can also join special Death in Paradise-themed tours.
If you want the best chance of seeing filming or visiting the set, try to go between October and April. Parts of the set are taken down when they’re not filming.
Please visit before 3 PM; otherwise, we’ll close.
We also got caught in a lovely tropical downpour.
Day 3: Pointe des Châteaux/Plage des Raisins Clairs
On the way to Pointe des Châteaux, we stopped at a few craft and artisan shops.
At Pointe des Châteaux in Guadeloupe, hike up to the well-known cross for views of the coast and nearby islands, swim at Salines beach, explore the rocky cliffs, and try coconut sorbet from local vendors.
The walk to La Croix is a straightforward 20-minute trek from the main parking lot.
In the afternoon, we went to Plage des Raisins Clairs, a popular beach on the west side of Saint-François, Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe.
This beach is known for its white sand, clear turquoise water, and shady seagrape trees. It’s a great place for swimming and snorkelling.
Just behind the beach, there are food trucks, snack stands, and restaurants serving local specialties. Most places have fair prices, and snacks usually start at just a few euros.
Across the street, you can check out a market with spices, clothes, and other local goods.
The barrier reef keeps the water calm, making it safe for swimming. You can often see fish close to the shore.
We also spent some time walking around town.
**When we got back to the house, a surprise four-legged visitor showed up. He stayed with us for the whole vacation, so we bought him some food and toys.
Day 4: Canyon Moustique
Okay, we’re about to head into the jungle.
Don’t worry, Mom. You’ll be fine. He said we’re taking the longer trail because it’s easier.
But honestly, both trails are pretty tough.
So here’s what you should know before you go.
Canyon Moustique, or Canyon de la Moustique, is a beautiful and quiet canyoning spot in Petit-Bourg, Basse-Terre. You’ll see stone walls covered in ferns, clear green water, tropical flowers, and a small waterfall. To get there, you’ll take a short but sometimes muddy walk that takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Key Details
Location: Near the Duquerry / Bain à Colo area in Petit-Bourg, Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe.
Access: The hike is fairly easy, but the trail markings are not clear. Make sure to plan so you can find the path.
Safety: Parts of the trail are steep and can get slippery. It’s best not to go during or right after heavy rain due to the risk of flash floods.
Activities: Hiking, swimming in natural pools, and canyoning.
Gear: Wear sturdy hiking or water shoes. Since you’ll walk through water and mud, having good shoes really matters.
The morning was sunny, so the hike was really enjoyable. But by the end, it started pouring rain. It just goes to show how quickly the weather can change here.
On our way home, we stopped at a big shopping center to buy dry clothes because we were soaked. The distance between home and the jungle was about ten kilometres.
Day 5 -St Francois
The town is a short 10 to 15-minute walk from where we’re staying.
Today we’re going to St Francois to visit the beach, explore the market and marina, and do some shopping.
The local souvenir markets are nice, and you can find all kinds of spices there.
There are also many shops close by.
By the marina, you’ll find a restaurant, a beach, and a small fishing harbour where they sell fresh fish early in the morning.
Day 6: The Zoo and Cascade aux ecrevisses
The Guadeloupe Zoo sits right in the middle of the Basse-Terre forest in Bouillante, Guadeloupe.
This zoo is amazing, with over 450 animals from 80 species living here, along a 1.5 km walking trail that passes through botanical gardens and canopy rope bridges 65 feet (20 meters) above the ground in the tropical forest.
The zoo features wildlife from the Caribbean and Guyana, such as jaguars, red pandas, monkeys, and tortoises.
Highlights:
The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM.
Admission: Individual tickets are approximately €17.50 for adults and €12 for children (ages 3–12). Shop and restaurant purchases are not included in the admission price and may be charged separately.
Facilities include an insectarium, a “Tarzan house” playground, and a nearby restaurant.
On the way back, we make a stop at Cascade aux Écrevisses, which is about 10 minutes from the Zoo.
This 10-meter-high waterfall is easy to reach and surrounded by a tropical rainforest. It’s only a five-minute walk from the parking lot. The clear natural pool makes it a great place for families and nature lovers.
If you prefer not to walk the path or have limited mobility, you can still see the waterfall from the accessible viewing platform close to the parking lot.
Walk along the short, easy 200-meter trail and check out the signs with facts about the local plants and animals.
As you explore, be sure to take some photos of the waterfall, the Corossol River, and all the greenery around you.
The path is flat, so it’s easy for strollers and accessible for people with limited mobility.
There are no lifeguards at the swimming area, and the rocks can be slippery, so please be careful.
Parking is free, but the lot is small and can fill up quickly.
Day 7: Many things we did today and visited
Today, the kids are going scuba diving at St Francois Marina.
They’ll get their beginner diplomas today.
While they enjoyed their morning, we walked around town and did some laundry.
Later, we visited Le Moule in the late afternoon.
When we got to Le Moule, we learned it is a coastal town on the northeast side of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe is a French overseas department.
Le Moule is known as a historic sugar port with a relaxed Caribbean feel, with Creole-style buildings, popular surf spots, and rum distilleries that add to its lively atmosphere.
Founded in the 17th century and once called ‘Portland,’ Le Moule was the largest sugar port in Guadeloupe, reflecting its rich history.
The beaches here are famous for their surf spots, especially ‘l’Autre Bord,’ which is popular among families and swimmers for its big waves and salty ocean air.
In the town center, there is a colourful town hall and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church.
Le Moule
Day 8: A day trip
We are heading to Pointe-a-Pitre, Grande-Terre.
Explore the city on foot and discover museums, markets, quays, wall art, and historic buildings. The city is lively and busy, especially as a cruise port.
Things to do
*Visit museums, explore street art, take a harbour cruise, browse night markets, or enjoy live concerts for a varied visit.
*Creole houses
The colourful jewels of Pointe-à-Pitre, these houses tell the story of Creole history at every corner.
*Another highlight is the ACTe Memorial, a museum dedicated to the history of slavery. This striking building by the sea tells the story of the colonial past and the African diaspora.
*Saint-Antoine market.
The soul of Pointe-à-Pitre—spicy flavours, lively sounds, tropical fruits, arranged rums, spices, and local crafts.
Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church.
*Known as “the iron cathedral,” this church, with its metal arches, has survived cyclones and stands in the city center.
The port and its quays are bustling. Whether catching a boat to Les Saintes or Marie-Galante, you will find boats and music.
We stop at the Factory, where you can find souvenirs, chocolate, rum, and more. You can also try some treats.
Day 9: Trace du Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
La Trace du Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin est un sentier côtier de 7 km (aller simple) à Grande-Terre, entre Port-Louis et Anse-Bertrand. C’est une belle façon de découvrir la mangrove et de marcher le long de plages sauvages.
En résumé : le sentier côtier
- Vous pouvez commencer au cimetière de Port-Louis ou à l’Office de Tourisme.
- La distance est d’environ 7 km.
- Prévoyez entre 1 h 30 et 2 h de marche pour l’aller.
- Le sentier est très facile et plat, mais il peut être sablonneux ou boueux selon la saison.
- Vous pourrez observer différentes espèces de palétuviers dans la mangrove, de nombreux oiseaux et accéder à des plages comme l’Anse Lavolaine, très appréciée des surfeurs.
The kids put on sunscreen, but they forgot their backs. If you go snorkelling, don’t forget to protect your back or you’ll get sunburnt—ouch.
We had lunch at Chez Frantz Grill.
The service was quite slow, but the food was delicious.
Conclusion:
Don’t always trust the weather forecast. Even if it says “sunny,” bring an umbrella—rain can come in the form of a quick shower or a heavy downpour.
Pack some good bug spray, since the little insects here can leave you itchy for days or weeks.
We will miss our little uninvited guest, LOL.
