Discover the capital Pointe-à-Pitre

When you arrive in Guadeloupe, or before you leave the archipelago, take a day out to explore the city centre of Pointe-à-Pitre. After breakfast in one of the many cafés in the city centre, take advantage of the cool morning air to visit the Bas-du-Fort marina. Ideally located, this cruise port hosts the finish of the famous single-handed transatlantic race, the Route du Rhum, which departs from Saint-Malo every four years.

The more sporty among you may prefer to head to one of the local beaches for diving, snorkelling or water-skiing. Depending on the season, you might spot a turtle, a lemon shark or a manta ray. At lunchtime, head to the famous Saint-Antoine spice market to stroll through the aisles and buy something to eat. An explosion of colours and scents awaits you: fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, bottles of rum... And don't leave without tasting and choosing some of the local spices, such as Caribbean salt, caramel-grillade, vanilla and colombo. The shop assistants, often dressed in traditional costumes, will be happy to pour a pinch of a spice into your hand and give you valuable tips on how to cook them.

In the afternoon, make your way to Place de la Victoire, where you'll discover typical military and colonial architecture, notably as you pass the Sous-préfecture building and the Creole houses. The square regularly hosts shows, concerts and jazz festivals, and if the heat gets too much, take refuge in the Musée Saint-John Perse, dedicated (as its name suggests) to Alexis Léger, aka Saint-John Perse, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1960. Temporary exhibitions are regularly organised. You can also take advantage of your stay to discover the neo-classical Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, with its 19th-century marble mansion.

To make the most of your stay in Pointe-à-Pitre, opt for accommodation in the heart of the city centre. The Abymes district, a little further out but just as charming, also offers great opportunities for low-cost accommodation. Finally, couples or people looking for peace and quiet will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of the marina district.

Conversely, some areas of Pointe-à-Pitre have a bad reputation. For your safety, especially at night, we advise you to avoid outlying areas such as La Croix, Vieux-Bourg, Mortenol, Carénage and Grand Baie.

Tip: Guadeloupe's main airport is just ten minutes from the centre of Pointe-à-Pitre. Many taxis are available to take you there at reasonable prices, at any time of the day or night. So don't hesitate to book an overnight stay in this city when you arrive and/or the day before you leave.

If you're a fan of spicy, tangy cuisine, Guadeloupe is the place for you! For a taste of Caribbean culinary specialities, head to the popular La Kaz a soup (An Chodyè La) restaurant in the centre of Pointe-à-Pitre. For fish, try the finely spiced cod or manioc accras, and other seafood. Fish colombo is also a very popular dish, and is also cooked with chicken. The dishes are generally served with rice and a sauce. Try the inevitable dog sauce, made with onions, tomatoes, garlic and chilli.