The Maison de Kassaverie is a traditional cassava bread workshop located in Capesterre-Belle-Eau, south of Basse-Terre. The site is dedicated to artisanal production of this cassava flatbread, a staple of Guadeloupe cuisine, and allows visitors to observe all transformation stages, from root to golden flatbread.

Why Visit Maison de Kassaverie

The main appeal of this place lies in its function as a working workshop rather than a static museum. A kassaverie—also called cassaverie or manioquerie—refers to a place where cassava-derived products are made. Here, every stage of production is carried out using traditional methods, making the visit worthwhile for anyone seeking to understand local craftsmanship rather than purchase industrial souvenirs.

Another draw is the taste experience: kassav is a round cassava flatbread, typically topped with grated coconut. It is also eaten with fruit paste, particularly guava. Usually sweet, it also exists in a savory version, rarer today but common in the past. As a fun fact, the name is also that of a famous Antillean zouk group—the flatbread predates the music.

What You'll See On-Site

The site comprises several small ventilated wooden cottages, organized around a large parking area. The visit combines production, tasting and direct sales.

The Shop

Across from the main parking lot is the first cabin, which serves as a sales point. You can purchase freshly-baked kassav there, in sweetened coconut version or topped with fruit paste. It's also the perfect place to taste before touring the workshop.

The Production Workshop

The most challenging step in preparation is making cassava flour: the root must be peeled, grated, pressed and sifted to extract dry semolina. This flour is then spread and cooked on hot plates to form the round flatbread. On-site, staff work the cassava and coconut by hand, using traditional methods.

The Tasting

Tasting is woven into the experience. You'll sample warm kassav, sometimes straight from the griddle, which differs considerably from the packaged supermarket version.

Practical Information

• Site Type: artisanal production workshop and shop
• Location: near Ilet Pérou roundabout, national road, leaving Capesterre-Belle-Eau toward Pointe-à-Pitre
• Visit Duration: allow 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your interest in production
• Admission: free entry, shop purchases at moderate prices
• Parking: large arranged parking accommodating cars and tour buses
• Audience: family-friendly, including with young children

Opening hours may vary seasonally and by production schedule. It's best to inquire locally or stop by while passing through.

When to Visit

It is recommended to visit in the morning. This is when staff actively work the cassava and coconut, and when you can see flatbreads being cooked. Mid or late afternoon, the workshop often slows down and the visit becomes mainly limited to the shop.

Visitor traffic is moderate: the kassaverie remains more of a stop-along-the-way than a mass-market attraction, allowing easier exchange with the artisans.

How to Get There

Access is almost exclusively by car. Maison de Kassaverie is located directly on the national road that runs along the east coast of Basse-Terre, at the northern exit of Capesterre-Belle-Eau, heading toward Pointe-à-Pitre. The Ilet Pérou roundabout serves as a landmark.

• From Pointe-à-Pitre: approximately 35 to 40 km via N1 then N1/N2
• From Basse-Terre: approximately 25 km northward via national road

The large parking lot facilitates stopping, even for larger rental vehicles. No practical direct public transportation connection exists.

Nearby Attractions to Combine

Capesterre-Belle-Eau and the south coast of Basse-Terre offer several complementary stops to include in the same day:

• Climbing La Grande Soufrière, the active volcano dominating Basse-Terre
• Swimming at Grande Anse Beach on the Caribbean coast
• Visiting Usine Factory to extend the local craftsmanship and heritage experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Include Maison de Kassaverie in Your Trip

This stop fits naturally into a Basse-Terre circuit, between Caribbean coast, volcano and traditional villages. To plan a complete itinerary across the archipelago, consult our Guadeloupe trips.