Trying to decide between a visit to Paris to experience top cuisine or a beach holiday for full-blown relaxation? If you’re torn between your love of Parisian chic and your need for casual Caribbean vibes, consider the Islands of Guadeloupe – where you’ll experience a joie de vivre unlike any other.
The Islands of Guadeloupe are framed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the French overseas department of Guadeloupe Islands is located at the heart of the Lesser Antilles between Antigua and Dominica in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, is actually a cluster of six French islands that are officially part of the EU. Think France, but tropical – a destination that enables sating your appetite for both palm trees and pain au chocolat.
Each island in Guadeloupe has its own unique culture and cuisine.
1. Grande-Terre: coastal cool and culinary heat
Endless sun, surf and vibrant towns define one of the largest island of the archipelago, not to mention the friendly, flavour-filled energy of the place. Must-tries include accras (cod fritters), the abundant fresh fish (especially when served with passionfruit sauce) and some seriously irresistible beignets which are synonymous with the renowned annual Carnival.
Take a stroll, day or night, through the islands’ spice markets. There the scents of Massalé, paprika, achiote, cinnamon, allspice, star anise and vanilla perfume the air where local vendors sell their aromatic wares. Discover markets in Le Moule, Pointe-à-Pitre, Saint-François and Le Gosier.
For festival enthusiasts
- Carnival: The two-month, everyone-welcome, festival kicks off early January and embodies Guadeloupean culture with vivid dance, drum music, colour and unbridled creativity.
- The Crab Festival (Easter Weekend) in Guadeloupe Island’s city of Morne-à-l’Eau: a regional highlight celebrating the archipelago’s culinary heritage.
- BBQ Fest (July): An ode to island grilling, with spicy meats and tropical marinades.
2. Basse-Terre: earthy elegance and rainforest richness
Guadeloupe Island’s Basse-Terre is a photographer’s dream, where breathtaking waterfalls and the Soufriere volcano provide endless inspiration. For the epicurean-minded traveller, it’s the island’s culinary spirit, rooted in both French technique and Caribbean heart, that thrills.
Make sure to sample the Colombo curry, just-picked tropical fruit and coconut-based desserts. They’re even more enjoyable when savoured against the grooving backdrop of traditional Gwo Ka, a musical style that was officially inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in 2014.
For food lovers:
- Coconut Sorbet: This creamy, vegan dessert is found roadside and on beaches, so you know it’s a must-try.
- Coffee lovers can make a day of it with a tour of any one of three local coffee plantations, all renowned for their 100% Arabica java: Man Lisa, Café Chaulet and Vanibel.
3. La Désirade: slow island, strong flavours
If R&R is your travel objective, this quiet, lesser-travelled island is guaranteed to check all of your soul-soothing boxes. Here, the laid-back vibe takes a more traditional turn, and you’ll notice it in the culinary offerings too: They’re simple, authentic and terroir-focused.
For festival enthusiasts:
- The Goat Festival (Easter Weekend): Sample local goat dishes, music, craft markets and open-air festivities.
4 & 5. Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut & Terre-de-Bas): chic seaside plus soul
Refined bistro meets Creole kitchen: If that culinary hybrid piques your curiosity, these twin islands should not be missed. Picturesque Terre-de-Haut is a popular tourist spot while Terre-de-Bas leans more island-style art de vivre. Patisserie culture is a thing here so make sure your highlight reel includes the Tourment d’Amour pastry. On the savoury side, dine well and often on the fresh seafood; it deserves all the likes.
6. Marie-Galante: Rum, rhythm and rural charm
Experience this “Island of 100 mills” by bike. Four cycling loops circle through sugarcane fields, rum distilleries, myriad historic landmarks and yes, miles of sandy beaches. You can also work up an appetite by kayaking through awe-inspiring mangroves before indulging in locally made rum (there are 13 distilleries in the Islands of Guadeloupe!) and a lunch of sea bream with chili peppers or foie gras cooked in rum – how’s that for rustic meets refined!
Must-do in July
- Mango season: The famed Julie and Marie-Galante mangoes are in peak form. Enjoy them straight from the tree or sample the quenettes: so sweet, juicy, fleshy and delicious!
The Guadeloupe Islands are your culinary passport to the French Caribbean
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute getaway (Air Canada flies to the archipelago direct from Montreal, and a straight-shot from Toronto, starting this December) or are researching a winter escape to experience the senses-exhilarating Carnival, this six-islands destination is a foodie playground. Touted by global gourmands for its one-of-a-kind Nouvelle Creole Cuisine, this is a truly unique locale where each island adds its own spice to the culinary pot all year round.
Calendar of food festivals in the Guadeloupe Islands
A look at key food-focused events to plan your Guadeloupe trip around:
- January to February: Street treats: A two-month celebration with parades, music, choreographed dance, and iconic beignets de Carnaval on Mardi Gras
- March to April: surf and turf, island-style. Crab Fest (Grande-Terre) and Goat Fest (La Désirade)
- May to July: tropical fruit season. Enjoy Malaka (rose) apples, mangoes, and quenettes from local markets, roadside vendors and stands
- July: Curry Fest, BBQ Fest, Coconut Sorbet Day. A celebration of the islands’ boldest flavours and sweetest endings
- August: Women’s Cook Festival (La Fête des Cuisinières). Colorful processions and a grand banquet honoring female chefs
- December: Christmas & New Year’s Feasts. Roast pork, boudins, coconut tarts, and the unique sorrel drink and festive spiced orange rum Schrubb liqueur
