Terre-de-Haut, Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

A Slice of Southern France in the Middle of the Caribbean

Oh la la there is just a certain je ne sais quoi about Terre-de-Haut. Laid back and off the beaten path, the eight idyllic tropical islands of Les Saintes are part of a volcanic archipelago fully encircled by shallow reefs. Only two are inhabited, of which picturesque Terre-de-Haut is one. Belonging to Guadeloupe which is a French protectorate, a visit here is like taking a trip to the South of France—but with more palm trees and white sand beaches.

Speaking of beaches, there are lots to choose from. Enjoy les pieds dans le sable—that’s toes in the sand—on your choice of Pompierre, Marigot beach, and the sweetly named Pain de Sucre just to name a few. Wander to Fort Napoléon to learn more about the history and culture of the Îles des Saintes, and get to know the local flora and fauna at the botanical gardens also located at the fort.

And if all that history has left you feeling a little peckish, no trip to Terre-de-Haut would be complete without trying the island’s signature dish, le tourment d’amour—a small tart filled with coconut jam and covered in sponge cake. C’est magnifique!