Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is the centre of the Caribbean's Creole culture, boasting a spirited blend of French and African influences. As well known for its sugar and rum as for its beaches and resorts, the archipelago offers an interesting mix of modern cities, rural hamlets, rainforests and secluded beaches.

Attractions

• Parc National de la Guadeloupe is at the heart of Basse-Terre, this national park makes for a great drive and/or hike through orchid-filled rainforests and fern-covered hillsides. The large forest reserve is bisected by the Route de la Traversee, a lovely mountain drive that passes thick bamboo stands, enormous mahogany and gum trees, heliconia and ginger. Cascade aux Ecrevisses, a jungle waterfall in the centre of the park, is worth a visit.


• Musee St-John Perse occupies an attractive 19th-century colonial building with ornate wrought-iron balconies. The museum is dedicated to the renowned poet and Nobel laureate Alexis Leger (1887-1975), better known as St. John Perse. The house offers both a glimpse of a period Creole home and displays on Perse's life and work.


• Dedicated to the history of sugar and rum production this museum is at the site of the former Reimonenq Distillery in the village of Bellevue. Exhibits include an old distillery, cane-extraction gears and a vapor machine dating from 1707. The collection also includes model ships and a fascinating collection of giant insects from around the globe.

Activities

Guadeloupe´s two land masses are joined by a drawbridge and dominated by a 4,800-foot volcano, pristine beaches and sugarcane fields. Visit an 18th-century fortress, look for bargains on French goods along Rue Frebault, or sample French wines and the local Creole cuisine.

Currency

The Euro (€), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of the Guadeloupe.

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