Les Saintes Guadeloupe: heavenly bays and beaches
Just a few kilometers south of Guadeloupe, the islands of Les Saintes are magnificent. They are two small volcanic jewels: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas. The islands are bathed in sunshine and surrounded by turquoise waters.
Their dry climate and arid terrain contrast with the tropical vegetation of Basse-Terre. This archipelago is a haven of light and calm. It is often described as a little corner of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Caribbean.
Ranked as one of the world's most beautiful bays, the Baie des Saintes attracts visitors with its scenic beauty. It's known for its rich seabed and charming Creole villages. A visit to Les Saintes is a must on your trip to Guadeloupe.
What to do in Les Saintes What's the best beach in Les Saintes? Here's our guide to adding the Saintes archipelago to your Guadeloupe itinerary.
Terre-de-Haut Guadeloupe: the most beautiful island in Les Saintes
The best-known of the two islands, Terre-de-Haut, is home to most of the local life.
The picturesque port, colorful fishing boats and traditional houses on the seafront create a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere.
What to do in Terre-de-Haut
Stroll through the flower-filled lanes and climb up to Fort Napoléon, a former fortress converted into a museum. From its heights, the panoramic view of the bay and surrounding islets is nothing short of spectacular.
The site is also home to a garden of local plants and iguanas basking in the sun.
Don't leave without tasting the famous Tourment d'Amour. It's a fluffy little tartlet.
It can be made with coconut, banana or guava. It's a speciality of Les Saintes. You'll find it in local bakeries.
Terre-de-Bas: authentic Creole craftsmanship
Less crowded than its neighbor, Terre-de-Bas has an authentic feel.
Here, time seems to stand still: green hills mingle with wild coves and peaceful little villages.
It's also the birthplace of salako, the traditional hat handcrafted by the island's artisans.
What to do in Terre-de-Bas
History buffs can visit the remains of the old pottery, a fascinating testimony to the island's industrial past.
Nature-wise, the Loop de l'Étang is a hike not to be missed. It passes through a typical dry forest. It then offers superb views of the sea and the islets.
Between secluded beaches and sparse forests, Terre-de-Bas is ideal for those seeking a more discreet Guadeloupe, away from the tourist trail.
Baie des Saintes: one of the most beautiful bays in the world
Seen from Fort Napoléon or from the sea, the Bay of Les Saintes shows off its beauty. It's a natural amphitheater. Volcanic rocks, arid vegetation and a crystal-clear sea.
Ranked among the three most beautiful bays in the world, it offers a breathtaking spectacle at sunrise and sunset.
On the island, you can get around by foot, scooter or electric buggy - no stress, just the leisurely pace of the Caribbean.
The most beautiful beaches in Les Saintes : Pain de Sucre, Pompierre, Marigot...
Le Pain de Sucre
An emblematic symbol of Les Saintes, Pain de Sucre beach is a heavenly cove nestled between two verdant mornes. Its golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters make it one of the finest swimming spots in Les Saintes.
Snorkeling enthusiasts in Guadeloupe will discover exceptional marine life: colorful tropical fish, live coral and sea turtles. A perfect place for nature lovers and idyllic Caribbean beaches.
L'Anse Crawen
Away from the center of town, Anse Crawen is an unspoilt beach with gray volcanic sand and very few visitors. Its wild setting makes it a tranquil bathing spot in Les Saintes, ideal for couples and travelers seeking privacy.
The natural beauty of this secret beach in Guadeloupe offers a moment of calm. It's far from the tourist crowds. You can enjoy the sun and the tropical setting.
Pompierre beach
A real postcard, Pompierre beach captivates with its turquoise lagoon and shady coconut grove. Protected by a natural rock barrier, it's the quintessential family beach in Les Saintes.
Picnic tables are set up under the trees, perfect for a refreshing break under the tropical trade winds. Ideal for families, this beach is also ideal for activities such as snorkeling or paddle-boarding in calm, transparent waters.
Marigot Bay
More discreet and wild, Marigot Bay beach is a peaceful beach lined with coconut palms, often deserted. If you follow the Morel coastal path, you'll enjoy a beautiful walk between sea and land. You'll enjoy superb views of the islets.
At the end of the day, it's the perfect place to watch the fishermen returning to Les Saintes. The atmosphere is gentle and authentic. A perfect experience for lovers of tranquil beaches in Guadeloupe.
Grande Anse beach (Terre-de-Bas)
The only sandy beach on Terre-de-Bas, Grande Anse stretches out into the Caribbean Sea, offering a spectacular backdrop. Although swimming is not recommended due to the currents, a stroll along the coast allows you to admire the crashing waves and the island's verdant mountains.
It's the perfect place to watch the sunset over the islet Cabrit. It's an unforgettable moment for photographers and nature lovers in Les Saintes.
Visit Les Saintes: an authentic Guadeloupe experience
The islands of Les Saintes offer a unique experience in Guadeloupe. More intimate and natural than the larger islands, they seduce visitors with their peaceful atmosphere, heavenly landscapes and Creole authenticity. Every alley, every cove and every colorful house tells the story of this small archipelago of idyllic Caribbean islets.
Whether you're visiting Les Saintes for a day trip or a longer stay, the islands lend themselves to all kinds of trips: family getaways to enjoy the beaches and fun activities, honeymoons for a romantic getaway or roadtrips to discover several islands in the Guadeloupe archipelago. Lovers of scuba diving and water sports will find exceptional seabeds here.
Where to sleep in Les Saintes: hotels and charming accommodation
To enjoy this beautiful setting in Les Saintes, stay at Villa RED ROCK.
It is located just outside the village of Terre-de-Haut. This large villa has 4 bedrooms and sleeps 8. It offers every modern comfort. You have direct access to the beach, a private pool and a beautiful view of the bay.
The ideal place to savor the gentle Saint-Etienne way of life in an authentic Creole setting.
For those wishing to discover Guadeloupe's other islands, Le Jardin Malangais strategically located in Trois-Rivières. Just a few minutes from the Trois-Rivières pier, where you can take the boat to Les Saintes. It combines relaxation in a lush green setting with easy excursions to Les Saintes or other must-see sites in Basse-Terre. A perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet while staying close to the wonders of the region.
And to enrich your experience, discover some of the best hotels in Guadeloupe, between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre for a family trip or romantic getaway, and also explore the activities and excursions to enjoy in and around the archipelago to make the most of your stay.
Restaurants in Les Saintes: where to enjoy Creole cuisine and sea views
The islands of Les Saintes, with their peaceful ambience and idyllic scenery, are also a gourmet's paradise. Terre-de-Haut is home to the majority of restaurants, combining Creole cuisine, fresh local produce and enchanting surroundings.
Le Mambo
Located on the seafront, Le Mambo boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a menu rich in local specialties. Seafood, grilled fish and accras are among the must-tries. A perfect spot for lunch overlooking the bay of Les Saintes.
The Swings
This restaurant offers an authentic experience with a panoramic view of the port. Ideal for evening dining, it offers refined and inventive Creole cuisine. Traditional dishes are prepared with local ingredients, highlighting the flavors of the archipelago.
Les Pieds dans l’Eau
As its name suggests, this restaurant is right on the sand, with its feet in the water. A unique experience for enjoying a meal while admiring the sunset over Les Saintes. The menu features fresh fish, lobster and local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
For a successful stay in Les Saintes, be sure to combine these addresses with the discovery of local beaches and activities. Each restaurant offers not only unique flavors, but also a setting that fully captures the charm of this archipelago.
