French Antilles

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Overview

The French Antilles (St-Martin/Sint Maarten, St-Barthélemy, Guadeloupe and Martinique) form a fascinating quartet, with each offering travelers something different while retaining their rich Franco-Caribbean culture and identity. Tiny St-Barth is a fabulous mix of sophistication, elegance and barefoot luxury, while Guadeloupe and Martinique have an alluring Creole and French heritage. With its dual Dutch-French personality, St-Martin/Sint Maarten is sure to captivate you. What they have in common is a full roster of mind-blowing beaches, from deserted to packed, from calm to rough. For those looking for more than a suntan, these islands offer a number of high-energy distractions. There are jungle and coastal walks, boat excursions, windsurfing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling to keep you buzzing. Oh, yes – and if food (and wine, and rum) is your true love, you'll also find your bliss here.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plage de Colombier

St-Barthélemy

This is the tropical paradise you've daydreamed about: a dazzling, secluded white-sand carpet lapped by turquoise waters and backed by undulating hills…

Snorkeler surveys coral reef, Guadeloupe, French West Indies, Caribbean Sea

Réserve Cousteau

Basse-Terre Island

Jacques Cousteau brought Pigeon Island to international attention by declaring it to be one of the world’s top dive areas, and the waters surrounding the…

Remote and private Gouverneur Beach on the French Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy (St Barts.).

Plage de Gouverneur

St-Barthélemy

Cradled by high cliffs and untouched nature, Gouverneur is a gorgeous, broad, secluded sandy beach fringing a U-shaped bay. It’s splendid for sunbathing…

Mémorial ACTe

Pointe-à-Pitre

Top billing in the French Antilles goes to this huge museum of slavery, opened by President Hollande in 2015. Housed in a spectacular silver-latticework…

Îlet Pinel

St-Martin & Sint Maarten

This petite offshore islet is fab for a sun-soaked afternoon. Refreshingly undeveloped (it’s part of the Reserve Naturelle Saint Martin or St-Martin…

Fort St-Louis

Fort-de-France

The hulking fortress that gave the city its name lies on the far side of La Savane and dates from 1640, although most of what stands today is the result…

Loterie Farm

St-Martin & Sint Maarten

Loterie Farm is the brainchild of former actor Bill 'BJ' Welch who left the Hollywood rat race to turn a former plantation into a private nature reserve…

Maison du Cacao

Basse-Terre Island

One of Basse-Terre's most enjoyable attractions, the Maison du Cacao is for anyone who loves their chocolate. Presentations in English take place at 10am,…

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