Guadeloupe

Situated in the Lesser Antilles between Antigua and Dominica, Guadeloupe comprises two main islands — Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre — connected by a short bridge over the Salt River, alongside several smaller dependencies including Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. The capital is Basse-Terre, though Pointe-à-Pitre serves as the commercial hub. French is the official language, Antillean Creole is widely spoken, and the currency is the euro. Culturally, Guadeloupe sits at the intersection of African, French, and Caribbean influences, reflected in its cuisine, music, and festivals.

As an integral part of France and therefore the European Union, Guadeloupe follows Schengen-area entry rules for third-country nationals. Many nationalities from the Americas, Europe, and elsewhere may enter visa-free for short stays. Travellers who require a visa should apply through French consular channels. No separate eVisa system exists for Guadeloupe specifically.

La Soufrière, an active stratovolcano rising to 1,467 metres on Basse-Terre, is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles and draws hikers through sulphurous fumaroles. The Cousteau Marine Reserve off Pigeon Island offers some of the Caribbean's most accessible coral diving. Marie-Galante, 30 kilometres south, retains working rum distilleries and largely undeveloped beaches. The Parc National de Guadeloupe protects old-growth rainforest, waterfalls including Chutes du Carbet, and significant biodiversity across its interior.

Guadeloupe has a tropical maritime climate with two broad seasons. The dry season (carême) runs roughly January through May, with temperatures between 23 °C and 30 °C and lower humidity — the most comfortable period for most visitors. The wet season (hivernage) spans June to November, bringing temperatures of 25 °C to 32 °C and heightened hurricane risk, particularly August through October. Trade winds moderate heat year-round. Basse-Terre's mountainous interior receives significantly more rainfall than the flat eastern plains of Grande-Terre; lightweight rain gear is advisable whenever visiting the interior.

• Guadeloupe is an official EU territory in the Caribbean.
• Jacques Cousteau declared its waters a protected marine reserve.
• The archipelago has produced Nobel laureate author Saint-John Perse.
• Sugarcane cultivation shaped the islands for over three centuries.
• Locals celebrate Carnival with weeks-long street processions annually.

• guadeloupe.fr — official website of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe
• guadeloupe-islands.com — Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board official portal
• meteo.gp — Météo-France local service for Guadeloupe weather forecasts
• pole-emploi.gp — official public employment and administrative services portal