LA DESIRADE

La Désirade is an island of the Guadeloupe archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the Grande Terre off the Pointe des Châteaux. 11km long and 2km broad the island appears as a rocky plateau bordered by cliffs and rocks on the north side while the south coast is more accessible with coves, sandy beaches protected by a coral reef. Exposed to high winds, always natural and unspoilt, the Désirade is a natural reserve through its geological character.

Peopled by some 1800 inhabitants Désirade is a commune with a main town, Beauséjour set on the South West of the island. The island was so named  because in November 1493, during the second voyage of Christopher Columbus, it emerged as a relief to the sailors after 28 days of sea.

One asphalt road on the south side, more or less steep trails leading to higher ground. On the top a road accessible solely to true crossovers allows you to discover sumptuous panoramas.
Locals mostly lived from fishing yet La Désirade is expanding its tourism business oriented toward leisure, nature. Great opportunities for accommodation, catering and several providers that offer tours of the island. Daily sea links are handled by various companies from Saint François.

USE THE TOOLBAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GALLERIES, RIGHT SIDE, TO VIEW THE PICTURES FULL SIDE AND TO MAKE THEM SCROLL

Departing from Saint François you sail along the "Pointe des Chateaux before crossing eastbound towards La Désirade

When you arrive you will land in beauséjour, the main town of the island. The small harbour is used for fishermen or tourists, located in the middle of the town.

The town of Beausejour, on the south coast of the island, has a priori no particular appeal. But it exudes calm, gentle way of life.
The Town Hall square is notable, shaded and cool. It contains several memorials for veterans of the two wars but also, bearing witness to the maritime character of the island, for the missing at sea, seamen and rescuers.

Facing the Town Hall Square, Notre Dame de Bon Secours was erected in 1754. It has since been repeatedly embellished especially review after the cyclone passes. The streets have nothing fancy but they are characteristic of those places where reigns the calm, the pleasure of living, with traditional houses and some shops. One wanders there gladly, strolling aimless ...

TO VISIT THE ISLAND, GO TO THE SECOND PAGE BY CLICKING LA DESIRADE - LANDSCAPES