Dreaming of true communion with nature? Picture yourself immersed in unspoiled wilderness, surrounded by iguanas and idyllic scenery! Escape to the island of La Désirade, a corner of paradise just 10 km from Grande-Terre. A world away under the tropical sun!

A Touch of History

Called the "island so desired," La Désirade was the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 after a grueling 21-day ocean crossing. Originally inhabited by indigenous Amerindians, it quickly became an essential waypoint for Europeans traveling to the Americas. Its history is woven with battles, privateers and the presence of a leper colony. Over the centuries, it distinguished itself through the cultivation of cotton, sugar and coffee. It also served as a place of exile for political figures and criminals.

Today, a Land of Adventure for Renewal

Today, this paradisiacal destination captivates through its natural beauty, pristine beaches and preserved environment. It has become a National Nature Reserve and a true haven of peace. With its wild landscapes, Creole villages and 1,700 inhabitants, it offers an idyllic setting for travelers seeking calm, relaxation, scuba diving and hiking.

Discovering La Désirade

La Désirade is a French island in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It forms part of Guadeloupe's administrative dependencies. Just 10 km east of Grande-Terre, it comprises its own municipality and includes the Petite-Terre islands. The inhabitants are called Désiradiens.

Where is the island located?

Find it in the eastern Lesser Antilles arc, in the Caribbean, off the coast of Saint-François in Guadeloupe. With its 11 km length and 2 km width, it belongs to the islands dependent on Guadeloupe, alongside Marie-Galante and Les Saintes.

Flora

Discover the island's flora, where heat and drought-resistant plants predominate. Admire the candlestick cacti like Pilosocereus royenii, prickly pear cacti and the "English-head" cactus. Explore the wind-sheltered ravines where courbaril, kapok trees and guava grow. Mangroves have nearly disappeared from the island.

Fauna

Admire the seabirds populating the island such as frigatebirds, pelicans and tropicbirds. Experience a delightful encounter with the Lesser Antilles iguanas and agoutis. Spot cetaceans gliding along La Désirade's coastline.

What to Do and See?

A Stop at Notre-Dame du Calvaire Chapel

The Notre-Dame du Calvaire chapel dates to 1905 and sits in the heights of Beauséjour. At 200 m elevation, it offers an exceptional panorama of the island. The path climbing the hillside can be quite steep.

Stroll Along Pointe des Colibris

Head to the island's southernmost point, Pointe des Colibris. Admire the cliffs battered by waves. This is where iguanas bask. Let yourself be seduced by tropical flowers, abandoned seashells, and the butterflies and birds that add splashes of colour to this wild landscape.

Spotting Iguanas at Anse des Galets

Make your way to Anse des Galets. Discover a variety of landscapes, with verdant areas giving way to more arid spaces.

Swimming at Plage à Fanfan

Head to Fanfan beach, located just behind a coconut plantation, steps away from Beauséjour town centre. Access it easily on foot. Enjoy pleasant swimming in calm waters, with spectacular marine life and crystal-clear water. Visibility is ideal for admiring exceptional fauna and flora. Watch fishermen too, as they moor their boats, repair nets and traps before heading back to sea.

Visiting the Jardin Botanique du Désert

Take the road toward Souffleur beach and stop at the Jardin Botanique du Désert. Marvel at a diversity of cacti in an exceptional setting.

Exploring the Leper Colony Ruins – A Historical Site of Guadeloupe

Head east to reach Baie-Mahault. This area reveals the remnants of the former leper colony. Imagine the extremely difficult living conditions of that era.

Water Sports Await

Explore the magnificent diving and kitesurfing spots of La Désirade. These are perfect places for water sports enthusiasts. Regular Atlantic winds create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing year-round. If you're already comfortable with these disciplines, prepare yourself for thrilling experiences. As for diving, most sites suit beginners. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the exceptional marine depths of this Nature Reserve.

Practical Information

What's the Weather Like?

La Désirade enjoys a tropical climate with a long dry season. The dry season generally runs from January to May, though it can begin as early as December and last until July. The shorter rainy season runs from August to November.

When Should You Visit?

The best time to discover this island spans January to June, with fine weather returning in December. March remains the most pleasant month, with ideal conditions. Year-round, the sea maintains the perfect temperature for swimming.

Board a ferry from Saint-François to reach the island in 45 minutes. The sea can be rough, so bring seasickness medication if you're prone to it.

Ferry schedules :

• Saint-François → La Désirade **: departures at 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
• La Désirade → Saint-François **: departures at 6:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Check schedules before departure as they may change.

Rent a vehicle or book an excursion with driver to explore the island at your own pace. Find rental agencies right across from Beauséjour's maritime station.

Allow 30 minutes by car to cross La Désirade, or three hours on foot for a slower discovery. A 4x4 remains the best option for reaching the heights and enjoying the panoramas.

For a more athletic alternative, choose a mountain bike, keeping in mind that some climbs are challenging.