The Guadeloupe Islands – Gems of the French Caribbean.

Excerpt from ADDICTED Magazine.

Between the calm turquoise Caribbean Sea and the fierce and powerful Atlantic Ocean lies a beautiful, butterfly shaped group of islands called Guadeloupe. A tropical paradise that flies the French Flag, Guadeloupe is a beautiful destination for North American travelers seeking warm weather options for winter vacations.

Language and Culture…

The 2 main languages spoken in Guadeloupe are French, the official language and Guadeloupean Creole known as “Kréyòl Gwadloup“.  French is spoken by 84% of the population, and many people, especially in the touristic areas, speak English.

A cornucopia of people and cultures come together to make Guadeloupe as diverse and eclectic as it is warm and welcoming.  Guadeloupe was originally populated by Indigenous peoples of the Americas going as far back as 3000 BC, beginning with the Arawak, who were later displaced by the Kalina-Carib peoples.  Various European countries attempted colonization of the resource-rich islands, beginning with the Spanish lead by Christopher Columbus, who gave Guadeloupe her name in 1493.  The French came next, and brought with them the plantation economy, fueled by slavery beginning in the late 17th century. Over the following years England, France and even Sweden would  attempt to control Guadeloupe and its lush resources, even abolishing and reinstating slavery twice before the French abolished it permanently in 1848. People from Asia and India were brought to the island to expand the labour force, bringing their own cultures and flavours to the expanding islands. And of course French and other European expats have taken up residence in Guadeloupe, especially thanks to its status as a Department of France and part of the European Union.

Thanks to its rich history and ever developing culture, Guadeloupe has a beautifully multicultural population that’s bursting with pride, making it an engaging and exciting place to visit.

Stay at….

Depending on how you like to travel, be it in the lap of luxury or off the beaten path, the more adventurous Basse Terre, or the more cosmopolitan Grand Terre may suit your stay needs.  My style trended towards Grand Terre, so here are a few options from comfort to luxury on the west wing of Guadeloupe:

Eat at…

Guadeloupian cuisine is a decadent and delicious mix of African, Indian, Indigenous and French flavours, elements and traditions.  From rich sauces and curries like Colombo chicken, to an abundance of seafood cooked in a myriad of ways, and French cheeses and pastries galore, when it comes to food Guadeloupe, every taste and craving can be accommodated.