Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France in the Caribbean, shaped like a butterfly formed by two main islands — volcanic Basse-Terre to the west and coral-limestone Grande-Terre to the east — connected by a narrow channel crossed by the Rivière Salée. Together with outer islands Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade, it offers volcanic hikes, world-class snorkeling, rum distillery tours, and sun-drenched beaches, all wrapped in an authentically French Caribbean culture.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Rhum agricole (AOC Guadeloupe)
Price: €15–€45 per bottle (~$16–$49)
Where: Distillerie Bologne, Damoiseau, Longueteau, and supermarkets
Colombo spice mix
Price: €3–€8 per packet (~$3.25–$9)
Where: Marché de Pointe-à-Pitre and supermarkets
Madras fabric
Price: €8–€15/metre (~$9–$16/m)
Where: Marché de Pointe-à-Pitre, fabric shops in Pointe-à-Pitre
Vanilla pods (Guadeloupe vanilla)
Price: €5–€12 for 5–10 pods (~$5.50–$13)
Where: Market stalls and speciality shops
Tourment d'amour (coconut tart)
Price: €3–€5 each (~$3.25–$5.50)
Where: Bakeries and vendors on Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut)
Woodcarvings and crafts
Price: €10–€80 (~$11–$86)
Where: Artisan stalls at Marché de Pointe-à-Pitre and tourist shops in Le Gosier
Rhum arrangé (infused rum)
Price: €15–€35 per bottle (~$16–$38)
Where: Bars and specialty shops throughout the island
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché de Pointe-à-Pitre
Guadeloupe's largest traditional market — spices, tropical fruits, Creole crafts, rum, and fresh produce
Hours: Mon–Sat 06:00–13:00; Sun 06:00–11:00
Marché de Saint-François
Local produce, fresh fish, and small craft stalls
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 06:00–12:00
Marché de Deshaies
Small Saturday village market with fresh fish, tropical fruit, homemade rum infusions
Hours: Sat 06:00–12:00