Grande-Terre Island
Grande Terre Island
Grande-Terre Island is the East part of the biggest island in Guadeloupe Archipelago and includes 10 townships. This right side of the butterfly-shaped island has a drier microclimate and a less tick vegetation than Basse-Terre Island.
The Island sits on a vast limestone plateau bordered with stunning white and gold sand beaches, as well as featuring turquoise lagoons.
Grande-Terre Island – Main economic driver of Guadeloupe Archipelago
Grande-Terre Island plays a big part in Guadeloupe Archipelago‘s economy. For instance, the 740 acres retail park in Jarry (Baie-Mahault township) is one of the biggest of France offering the population over 5000 jobs.
Also, there is a wide range of sports/cultural attractions and activities, hotels, as well as multiple restaurants. In Pointe-à-Pitre Township, there is a colourful market where you can find tropical fruits and vegetables, array of spices, tropical fruits liqueur and souvenirs.
When it comes to agriculture, the sugar cane is the masterpiece.
Grande Terre Island – A variety of activities
The South coast is the most popular area for resorts, holiday villages and marinas in Le Gosier, Saint-Anne, and Saint-François townships.
The East coast is a quite flat region and is particularly attractive with sugar cane plantations. The sugar cane factory Gardel and the rum distillery Damoiseau are both located in Le Moule township.
In conclusion, Grande-Terre Island is a lively island with a wide variety of activities available. With its small farms, gorgeous beaches, numerous sugar cane plantations and touristic places, you will definitely enjoy yourself.
Interesting sites to discover
Here are some unforgettable places not to be missed when visiting Grande-Terre Island:
- Bois Jolan beach in Saint-Anne township
- Gosier Islet a miniature paradise with beaches, turquoise waters and translucent seabed
- Guadeloupe aquarium in Le Gosier township with more than 70 species of fish and 50 species of corals
- La Pointe des châteaux a rocky spur continuously undergoing the assaults of the sea and wind, situated in front of La Désirade Island.
- Musée Schœlcher, which is a museum in Pointe-à-Pitre township. Victor Schœlcher played a big role in the abolition of slavery.
- Canal des Rotours a unique waterway tucked away among the mangroves in Morne-à-l’Eau township
- Souffleur beautiful stretch of golden sand with translucent waters
- La Pointe de la Grande Vigie and Porte d’Enfer, monumental cliffs with unforgettable views
- Fort Fleur d’épée, a fort located in Le Gosier township
