The Beaches of Grande-Terre

Guadeloupe is shaped like a butterfly, its two wings joined by a narrow channel, and while mountainous Basse-Terre holds the volcano and rainforest, the flatter, drier eastern wing of Grande-Terre is the island's sunny beach heart. Here, along the sheltered southern coast, calm turquoise waters lapped by coral reefs meet lovely golden and white-sand beaches, from the popular, family-friendly sands of Sainte-Anne and Le Gosier to quieter coves. Lively French-Caribbean seaside towns with their markets, cafes and beach bars, along with superb swimming, snorkelling and water sports, make Grande-Terre a classic and idyllic French Caribbean sun-and-sea destination.

What you actually see

• Sainte-Anne - the popular, family-friendly white-sand beach.
• The southern coast - the calm turquoise beaches and coves.
• The snorkelling - the coral reefs and marine life.
• The seaside towns - the lively French-Caribbean beach towns.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest, driest weather and calmest seas, the peak season; the summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk from June to November. Grande-Terre's sheltered southern beaches offer warm, calm swimming and snorkelling year-round when conditions allow, and are the sunniest part of the island.

Honest expectations

As a French overseas region, Guadeloupe is a developed and relatively pricey destination, and its popular beaches can get busy, especially at weekends and in the peak season; the wilder Atlantic-facing coasts have rougher water. For a superb blend of calm, beautiful French-Caribbean beaches, warm turquoise swimming, coral snorkelling and lively seaside towns, all with French flair, though, and easily combined with Basse-Terre's volcano and rainforest, Grande-Terre is a classic and delightful beach destination.

Nearby

Basse-Terre, the islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante are within reach.