# Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre is the western island of the pair of islands that make up the principal land mass of Guadeloupe. It is full of waterfalls, rivers and streams, thermal springs , beaches of golden or black sand and a tropical rain forest covering its mountain range.

## Understand

"Basse-Terre" means "lowland", but it is in fact mountainous, containing such peaks as Mount Sans Toucher (4,442 feet; 1,354 metres) and Grande Découverte (4,143 feet; 1,263 metres), culminating in the active volcano La Grande Soufrière, the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles with an elevation of 1,467 metres (4,813 ft). The island was named "Basse-Terre" because it is on the leeward south-west side and sheltered from the winds.
In contrast to the rolling hills and flat plains landscape of Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre (the western wing of the island) has a rough volcanic relief. With fertile volcanic soils, heavy rainfall and a warm climate, vegetation on Basse-Terre is lush. The island's forests have mahogany, ironwood and chestnut trees. Mangrove swamps line the Salée River.

## Get in

See Guadeloupe article.

## See

* 15.996944-61.7327781 Basse-Terre city , the administrative capital of Guadeloupe, is home to a range of colonial buildings. Furthermore, there are the 19th century Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, the main square and adjoining Jardin Pichon.
* 16.2675-61.5869442 Baie-Mahault is the industrial and commercial zone of Guadeloupe, nothing special to do or see. It has the biggest shopping mall of the island.
* 16.306944-61.7941673 Death in Paradise filming location. Deshaies is the filming location for the town of Honoré on the fictional British island territory of Saint Marie in the Anglo-French production Death in Paradise. The beautiful scenery often features on the show. (updated Mar 2021)
* 16.083333-61.6833334 Guadeloupe National Park (Parc national de la Guadeloupe). A 74,100-acre protected rainforest with plenty of trails for expert and novice hikers. It's also the only national park in Guadeloupe.
** 16.0438-61.66345 La Soufrière volcano. The park is home to the 1467-m-high peak of the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles.
** 16.0456-61.65226 Carbet Falls. On the lower slopes of La Soufrière volcano is a series of 3 waterfalls on the Carbet River and one of Guadeloupe's main attractions.
** 16.1793-61.75117 Zoo de Guadeloupe, Route de la traversée, D23, Bouillante, ☏ +590 98 83 52. About 85 species of animals are represented in this popular garden and nature reserve. Hiking trails and hanging bridges will give you the feel that you are in the jungle. (updated Feb 2021)

## Eat

* 16.147592-61.6515661 Le Cabana Gril, Allee Saint Sauveur, Capesterre-Belle-Eau, ☏ +590 86 82 34. Caribbean and European cuisines serving both at lunch and dinner. (updated Dec 2021)

## Sleep

* 16.323514-61.7863881 Fleurs des îles, Deshaies (plage de Grande Anse), ☏ +590 590 28 54 44, contact@location-bungalow-guadeloupe.fr. The flowers of the Islands residence offers bungalow rental and rental cottages in Deshaies on the edge of the Caribbean in the middle of a tropical garden with swimming pool. WiFi. €34-55.
* 16.1509-61.76632 Chalets Sous-le-Vent - Réserve Cousteau, Route de Poirier, Pigeon (Basse-Terre Region, 40 km from airport), ☏ +590 590989161. 7 fully equipped cottages located in a 2,300 m² tropical garden with a swimming pool and sea view, facing the "Réserve Cousteau" marine park in Guadeloupe. Diving spots and beach 5 min away by car. One chalet is fully equipped for disabled persons. Swiss owners and alumni of the Lausanne Hotel Management School. Special offers for scuba-divers. Cottages 2–3 people, bungalow with aircon 2-4 people, twin cottages 4–6 people.