In the heart of the Caribbean, just minutes from Guadeloupe, lies the splendid island of Terre de Haut. This highly coveted destination for travelers is part of the Les Saintes archipelago, which encompasses several Caribbean islands. Terre de Haut and Terre de Bas are the only inhabited islets in this region. It's worth noting that the archipelago was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Terre de Haut concentrates numerous attractive sites and offers a wide range of activities for your stay. You'll be captivated by its palm-lined beaches, turquoise waters teeming with exotic fish, its fishing villages brimming with charm and authenticity…

A brief overview of Terre de Haut

Bathed in the Atlantic Ocean, Terre de Haut is a French island that forms part of Les Saintes in Guadeloupe. The Saintes Channel separates it from mainland Guadeloupe. Spanning some 600 hectares (compared to 680 hectares for Terre de Bas), this pocket of land is the easternmost point of the archipelago. Its name comes from maritime language that refers to windward islands as "high" and leeward islands as "low." When visiting this major tourist destination, you'll notice it's dominated in the north by Morne Mire, which peaks at 107 meters, and Morne Morel at 136 meters. To the south, Chameau hill represents the highest point at 309 meters elevation.

In the northwestern section, you'll see Ilet à Cabrit, located between Pointe Coquelet and the Pain de Sucre. It's an ideal spot for scuba diving. The area has a mooring point. It offers a short hike to reach the ruins of Fort Josephine. The northeastern section is equally rich in points of interest. You'll find the Roches Percées and Pompierre Beach. Inside the island, there are numerous neighborhoods, particularly at the foot of the hills and in the valleys. In the bay, the largest neighborhood is explored—Fond-du-Curé—where administrative buildings are concentrated. In total, there are 20 neighborhoods, which can be divided into two zones: windward and leeward. Fishing and tourism constitute the island's main activities. Local fishermen are even ranked among the best in the Caribbean region.

A brief history of Les Saintes

As mentioned earlier, the archipelago was discovered in 1493. It was Christopher Columbus who gave it the name "îles des Saintes" (Islands of the Saints). Colonists arrived around 1648. Later, French triumph over the British allowed the archipelago to be annexed to Guadeloupe in 1666. However, the two European powers clashed again during the Battle of the Saintes. French and British dominance alternated between 1759 and 1815.

Notable sites on the island

Fort Napoleon

Located at 114 meters elevation, Fort Napoleon is an absolute must-visit during a stay in Terre de Haut. To reach it, you'll take a 15 to 20-minute walk. It's also possible to go by scooter. Once at the summit, you enjoy an unobstructed view, as the site overlooks the entire bay. This monument immerses you in the past of Les Saintes, including the famous naval battles. While visiting the building, you'll admire a lovely botanical garden dedicated to succulents such as cacti. You may spot a few iguanas along the way.

Chameau Peak

For those seeking some sporting activity, a short hike to the highest point of Les Saintes is ideal. When you reach the summit, this location rewards you with an exceptional view of the archipelago's splendid landscapes. You'll also discover a watchtower dating from 1843. This hill, located in the southwestern part of the island, is covered with forest.

Pompierre Beach

A stay in Terre de Haut would be incomplete without venturing onto its idyllic beaches. Among so many others, Pompierre Beach enchants you with its authentic wooden shelters that allow you to relax in the shade and enjoy a picnic with family or friends. Diving enthusiasts will delight in admiring small exotic fish, especially in the rocky right section. The surroundings offer postcard-perfect landscapes that invite you to capture some memorable photos. The path to the beach features small restaurants serving various regional specialties.

Ilet Cabrit or Cabris

If you want to embark on a wonderful excursion during your stay in Terre de Haut, Ilet Cabrit is an excellent choice. To get there, simply take a shuttle or canoe from the shore of Terre de Haut. The cabri (goat) is a culturally significant animal in Guadeloupe. It plays an important role in Creole culture, especially in the Les Saintes heritage. You can find remnants of the past, including penitentiary ruins, as well as wild nature with coconut palms and iguanas marking your path. Numerous water activities await you, including a kayaking session.

To discover Terre de Haut, you must take a boat. You depart either from Pointe-à-Pitre or Trois-Rivières. You purchase a ticket from one of the companies present at the port. It's also possible to buy it online by visiting their website. If you buy your ticket one or a few days before departure, the price is around €18 for a round trip. It can go up to €22 if you purchase your ticket on the day of travel. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.