The essentials

Not to be missed

Though the administrative capital of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre, Pointe-à-Pitre is very much the economic capital. Near the old colonial centre, a modern city is now developing. By day, the city is lively, noisy and filled with the scent of spices and the various market stalls.

Place de la Victoire, Darse, rue Frébault, rue Nozières and rue Schœlcher, the port area and Saint-Antoine market are among the city’s essential landmarks.

How to see Pointe-à-Pitre

The most pleasant way of paying a visit is to come on foot from the centre, which allows you to observe the contrasts between the colonial houses and its more recent structures, the bustle of its markets and shops, as well as the various monuments and museums.

Monuments and museums

Be sure not to miss the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, or the city pavilion. As for museums, Schœlcher Museum and Saint John Perse Museum are worth the trip.

The Guadeloupe aquarium

Located in the Pointe-à-Pitre marina, the Gosier aquarium is one of the biggest in the West Indies. Here you can discover the natural treasures hidden beneath the waters of the archipelago, with hundreds of species. There are also videos and educational activities on offer for younger visitors.

The historical centre

The old centre of Pointe-à-Pitre comprises colonial architecture buildings from the 18th century. Laid out in a grid pattern, the streets cross each other at right angles. The administrative and military apparatus is also concentrated in the centre.

A regularly altered city

Pointe-à-Pitre has been struck by many natural catastrophes. Fires, earthquakes and hurricanes have led to reconstructions, which have altered the morphology of the city several times.

Culture

Picturesque celebrations

A number of beliefs and traditions are combined in Guadeloupe, such as cock fights or religious dances. The island has an anthology of rites and other mystic practices from Africa, still well rooted in local culture, which you can attend, especially in the capital.

Festivals

The festivals are full-on "cultural immersions" featuring music, games and culinary art in close association. The most popular are the All Saints’ festivities, with the illuminated cemeteries, the carnivals, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. Numerous patron saints’ days are also celebrated every year, including on the outskirts of Pointe-à-Pitre

Music

Creole dance and music are omnipresent. Zouk in particular, and even zouk-love, a romantic and intimate zouk, for close-up dancing. The more traditional orchestra dances are still going strong at some balls. There’s also the waltz, mazurka, polka (from the colonial past) and above all the biguine, which is very popular in the city.

The Rum Route

For sports lovers, Pointe-à-Pitre is also the finish for the mythical Rum Route. Every four years in November, you can come to cheer on the heroes of this solo transatlantic race. The city is always buzzing to mark the occasion.

Worth knowing

If you are still in doubt over the dates to book your flight for Pointe à Pitre, think about the local festivals: Grand Carnival (during January, February and March), the anniversary of the abolition of slavery on 27th May or Victor Schœlcher day on 21st July (public holiday) are good opportunities.