The seaside resorts of Saint-François and Sainte-Anne, the most famous in Guadeloupe

Saint-François is the island's second-largest seaside resort after Le Gosier. It was developed in the 1970s, at the tip of the south coast of Grande-Terre, facing the Atlantic Ocean. With its many hotel and leisure facilities, Saint-François is a popular resort where you'll want to spend several days.

During your stay, take the time to wander through the streets of Saint-François to admire the small traditional huts that make up the village's charm. Made of wood or concrete, white or coloured, some are very old while others have just been built. In the old port area, the fishing boats moored at the harbour and the little wooden straw huts with palm roofs have retained their charm of yesteryear. On the more modern and dynamic marina side, there is no shortage of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. But it is above all the superb beaches, some fifteen in all, that justify Saint-François' success with tourists and Guadeloupeans alike. A wide range of water sports activities are available all year round. Also worth knowing: Saint-François has the only 18-hole golf course in Guadeloupe, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

Finally, put on your hiking boots and hike to the Pointe des Châteaux Cross, the island's most beautiful viewpoint. Between cliffs, wild creeks and fine sandy beaches, this exceptional site is home to many of Guadeloupe's endemic plant species. Don't hesitate to get up early to avoid the crowds and admire an unforgettable sunrise... Please note that due to the strong currents, swimming is not recommended on the Pointe des Châteaux beach.

Behind Le Gosier and Saint-François, Sainte-Anne is the smallest of Grande-Terre's three seaside resorts. Whether you're here for a day or several weeks, your stay in Sainte-Anne will be marked by its markets. Every morning, the local market gives you the chance to sample rhum arrangé, as well as fresh fish and exotic fruits. Be sure to get up early to see the fishermen returning with their traps and setting up their stalls. A large night market is also held every Thursday in the streets of the town centre.

To keep the family busy and discover Guadeloupe's heritage, visit the Moulin de Surgy, a former sugar mill that has been renovated and turned into a cultural entertainment centre. You can also visit the Karukera Land water and tree park, where you can discover exotic animals and breathtaking slides.

But as with Saint-François, Sainte-Anne is also famous for its beaches. The beaches of Bois Jolan and Sainte-Anne, with their small Creole restaurants and crystal-clear waters, are ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun. At the western entrance to the commune, Caravelle beach is considered to be the most beautiful on Grande-Terre, with its lagoon and coconut palms, warm waters and water sports. Club Med has made no mistake, as its deckchairs and parasols occupy a large part of the beach.

In Guadeloupe, and more specifically in the seaside resorts of Grande-Terre, the most common hotel option is the 3-star hotel. However, some hotels are focusing on charm and quality, and are moving upmarket, like La Toubana in Sainte-Anne, which became the archipelago's first 5-star hotel in 2018.

In the family category, Club Med and the Pierre & Vacances village are among the rare club hotels in the archipelago. Their prices include all leisure and sporting activities, with the exception of motor sports. The more numerous residences, whose rooms and flats are equipped with a kitchenette, generally offer a restaurant service (optional) and sometimes entertainment.