Recommendations for accommodation in Guadeloupe

I’m replying to myself. We’ve found our accommodations for our trip. For getting around, we’re not too comfortable driving there. Aside from taxis, which are pretty expensive, we’ve seen the Kar Iles bus service for longer distances. Has anyone here used this transport before? Thanks!

Public transport in Guadeloupe is a real experience! Music blasting and stops made on a whim, depending on the driver’s mood. And as for schedules, it’s all totally random! But it’s a great experience if you’ve got the time.

Thanks Mitch. We’ll be notified!

For getting around, we’re not too comfortable driving there

Hi, Why not? There aren’t any particular difficulties with driving in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe or Martinique).

Hi Djalma! Why? Simply because my wife and I get stressed out driving in a foreign country, and less stress equals a better vacation! We live in the countryside, and just getting to Montréal-Trudeau Airport is an achievement!

I get it, but it’s nothing like Montreal Airport, where I’d stress a little trying to find the right parking lot or exit. Pointe-à-Pitre’s airport is a bit like being in the countryside! A long time ago (1973), since I couldn’t afford to rent a car, I used the local transport, which was called the "TAG" back then. There were a few official stops, but you could also get on or off pretty much wherever you wanted by just waving at the driver . Don’t miss out on visiting the Saintes archipelago on Terre-de-Haut! You can take a ferry from Trois-Rivières, south of Deshaies.

https://voyageforum.com/guides/terre_de_haut/

Hi Djalma! Why? Because my wife and I get stressed out just driving in a foreign country, plain and simple, and less stress means a better vacation! We live in the countryside, and just getting to Montréal-Trudeau Airport is quite the feat!

I can confirm the trip to get to Trudeau and even to leave is a nightmare for a province like Quebec.

For Guadeloupe, let's just say that leaving the airport isn't that much of a problem, but the locals' driving under normal circumstances is pretty wild. Speeding, overtaking however they please, scooters going crazy, constant honking, and massive traffic jams on Grande-Terre when entering or leaving Pointe-à-Pitre. In short, it's the Caribbean!

And most importantly, don't miss the Memorial ACTe Museum—it's an amazing discovery.

And if you're in Guadeloupe during Carnival... well, then it's no longer just wild—it's sweet madness! But at least you'll laugh and get to try some rums!

If you want a taxi, remember to negotiate anyway. Or check with your local neighbor to see if they know a cousin who drives a taxi and isn’t too expensive. [;)]

I’m jotting down your sightseeing suggestions!

Thanks for the tips. Yes, the Mémorial ACTe is on our list. And just reading your description of driving there confirms our decision not to drive, actually [:)].

Still, be careful in the sketchy neighborhoods of Pointe-à-Pitre. There’s quite a bit of crime, unfortunately. And of course, avoid wearing flashy jewelry that draws attention.

I see you’re staying in Deshaies. The most beautiful sunsets in Guadeloupe! [;)]

And don’t forget—when you enter a restaurant, a shop, or even the bus, you say hello! It’s a small thing, but it opens so many doors. Also, avoid taking photos of locals without their permission.

Here’s a picture of my favorite beach, La Perle! Right next to Deshaies!

We’ll be careful and we’re not the type to wear jewelry, but I get that just our tourist faces give us away[:P]. We’ll be staying 2 days in Pointe-à-Pitre before heading to Deshaies for part of the trip, and then we’ll finish up in Lemoule. Thanks again for the tips.

For the photos, it reminds me of that time on safari in Tanzania a few years ago. A woman in our group had taken a photo from the vehicle of a Maasai woman herding her flock with her stick. The woman started running toward the vehicle, stick in the air! Our guide had warned us—no photos without permission...