Deshaies, an authentic village and gateway to Grande Anse

Deshaies is a charming little fishing village, typical of Guadeloupe. People come here mainly to relax and discover West Indian culture. With its Creole houses and sun-drenched beaches (Grande Anse, La Perle, Anse Tillet and Anse du Petit Bas Vent), the village is a photographer's paradise. The picturesque Deshaies church is also a monument not to be missed if you're passing through the village.

But thanks to its privileged geographical location, Deshaies is above all the departure point for a number of excursions. Most hotels and local tourist agencies offer one-day mini-cruises to discover the island of Marie-Galante. If you prefer to stay on dry land, 4X4 excursions are also available, focusing on nature. Located in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park you'll be able to visit to a rum distillery and a banana plantation.

The busiest beach in Basse-Terre, Grande Anse is easily accessible by car from the centre of Deshaies. Visitors can park their cars as close as possible to the beach, for added convenience.

This 2-kilometre-long beach, which forms a crescent shape overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is very popular with tourists, who find it the perfect postcard landscape. Numerous fish restaurants and lolos (small West Indian convenience stores) have set up shop here, so it's easy to find something to eat on the spot, even without a reservation. In the evening, the terraces with sunset views invite couples to share a romantic moment, with their feet in the water.

The only drawback is that Grande Anse beach is often overcrowded. To make the most of it, we advise you to come in the morning, when temperatures are still mild.

Visiting a botanical garden may not be everyone's favourite pastime, but the one in Deshaies is truly fantastic and well worth the trip. Ideal for a family outing, it brings together most of Guadeloupe's tropical flora in a 7-hectare park that once belonged to the comedian Coluche. It is also home to the island's emblematic birds and fish, and even a few goats at the end of the visit.

A playground and an artificial waterfall topped by a restaurant now complete the park's diversity. Depending on your mood of the day, you can follow the trail using a tablet, or take a more leisurely stroll along a maze of colourful paths.

For nature lovers who want to extend the experience, three small bungalows can be rented in the heart of the Deshaies botanical garden. But the best accommodation is undoubtedly Coluche's house, a superb villa with incredible sea views and day and night access to the Botanical Gardens.

The Deshaies botanical garden is open every day from 9am to 4.30pm. Admission costs €16.70 for adults and €11.40 for children under 12. A large free car park is available for visitors.

Less touristy and wilder than neighbouring Grande-Terre, the Basse-Terre region is not without its own accommodation options. Located in the north of the island, Deshaies is one of the most popular tourist destinations, with its gites and rental houses nestling in the countryside.

For a seaside and relaxing break, opt for accommodation along the Grande Anse beach. Conversely, the more out-of-the-way gîtes are an ideal base for exploring the Guadeloupe National Park. Bouillante, around twenty kilometres away, also offers a wide range of reasonably priced accommodation.