Destination attractions things to do in guadeloupe

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Guadeloupe, a small and beautiful country in the Caribbean that is still officially held by France, holds many wonders for the travelers who reach her shores. The warm climate, welcoming beaches and parks, and cultural festivals make Guadeloupe an excellent family destination. A fine culinary tradition complemented by an exciting and varied music scene make this island nation a fascinating place to explore for those who like a bit of adventure after the sun sets.

While the temperatures do remain warm all year, peak tourist season is in February, March and April. December and January are also nice, with cooler C never cold -- evening temperatures. July, October and November are hurricane season and are when the most rain falls.

With such pleasant weather, it is no wonder that outdoor recreation is a great favorite of travelers to this part of the world. Throughout Guadeloupe there are many trails of various types, sure to satisfy most endurance levels. The Parc National de la Guadeloupe is a remarkable national park that is home to trails that are sure to delight the serious hiker, including one that leads to the bottom of one of the highest waterfalls to be found in the Eastern Caribbean. In this park there is also a hiking trail leads to a volcanic peak, La Soufrire. Shorter jaunts will lead the hiker through fragrant botanical gardens and ancient rainforests.

Naturally, theres plenty of action to be found on the beach and in the water. Sunning, swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and surfing are all a part of the outdoor activities in this part of the world. Depending on which part of Guadeloupe that is visited, theres good surfing to be found for most of the year. Le Moule, Port-Louis and Anse Bertrand are the best places for surfers from October through April. Petit-Havre, Sainte-Anne, and Saint-Francois attract surfers from June through August, when conditions are ripe for exhilarating surfing experiences.

Some refer to Guadeloupe as the center of Creole culture, due to its rich cultural heritage, which includes influences from native traditions, as well as from African, French, East Indian and West Indian cultures. These combine to create a vibrant culture that is reflected in its cuisine, architecture, music and the local way of life.

Cultural festivals are an important part of local life. With the Mardi Gras season comes carnival celebrations. Catholic religious holidays are publicly celebrated with island flavor and are a joy to behold, even for the nonreligious. Other interesting festivals include the August festival of women cooks, which includes excellent food, parades and women in bright colored Creole dress. Also in August is a 10-day international bicycle race.

There are numerous art galleries to visit, including the Galerie dArt Christian Mas in Pointe-a-Pitre, and the Galerie dArtiste Gabriel Baptiste, in Pigeon. There is an aquarium and, in the national park, a zoo. In many of the small towns and villages, the architecture demonstrates the gradual progress of Guadeloupe from the colonial era to the present. Restaurants and nightclubs offer the tastes, scents and sounds of an eclectic and beautifully blended culture.

Seafood, naturally, plays a great role in local cuisine, as do the spices of Africa and India, touched by the style of the French. Local vegetables and fruits, only in recent years becoming common in grocery stores outside of the Caribbean, add a touch of the exotic in addition to being very healthy.

Chez Joselyne, a seaside restaurant in Port Louis on the Plage du Sonfleur, and Restaurant Pipirite, located in the jungle of Basse Terre, are just two of many delightful establishments that showcase the finest qualities of the local cuisines.

Guadeloupe has much to offer the Caribbean traveler. The blending of cultures represented here in combination with its forests, beaches and other natural wonders provides countless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.