Pointe-à-Pitre the capital of Guadeloupe holds many treasures that should not be overlooked. The jewel of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe has great surprises in store for travelers who think “outside the box”. The capital is also the economic capital of the island and is also known as the “City of Art and History” as of 2002. Often neglected by tourists in favor of the more remote corners of Grande Terre and Basse Terre, it has recently regained its popularity thanks to its many assets. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family, this wonderful city will seduce you with its relaxed atmosphere and its uniqueness. There is something for everyone such as: beaches, restaurants and bars, colorful houses, pretty colonial houses etc. For culture buffs there are museums and exhibitions. So let yourself be guided and let’s dive further to discover this magnificent city. 

Focus on the beaches and ports of Pointe-à-Pitre 

There are two beaches in Pointe-à-Pitre and two others a few kilometers away all of which are easily accessible by car. Le Gosier beach is located to the south of the city sheltered from the winds and is the starting point for excursions into the open sea or to the island of the same namesake. Ideal for lounging peacefully it is also an ideal nesting place for pelicans. Towards Sainte Anne there is the Caravelle beach which is a communal beach and serves a dual fonction. In addition to its white sand desert idleness, recent and functional equipment as well as an area more exposed to the winds which is dedicated to sportsman. Activities to highlight are windsurfing, jet skiing and sea scooters with scooters being rented onsite. The Caravelle is a famous scuba diving spot in Guadeloupe. By moving a little further away from the capital you will find a beach named Saint Félix. A perfect place to enjoy the pleasures of swimming with the family is very easily accessible by rental car. And when you are finished with the beach you will then find a small harbor surrounded with charming nice restaurants and small mom and pop stores for shopping. Located about 10 kilometers from Pointe-à-Pitre is the bay of Saintes along with its large areas of fine sand. The bay of saintes is easily accessible by ferry from the port of Pointe-à-Pitre. 

The Port of Pointe-à-Pitre

The port has recently been upgraded in order to secure passenger traffic which amount to about 1 million a year. Tourism of this size promotes the development of the city and port coordination whereby promoting the local economy. Strolling through the port allows you to see many exceptional boats. The port accommodates yachts up to 35 meters long unique in the Caribbean sea. Ferries depart from there to destinations such as Martinique, Les Saintes, Marie Galante,Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Close to the airport the port provides easy access for travelers to explore all of Guadeloupe. The comfort of its facilities and bars allows the purchase of souvenirs from local craft artists which are real assets. The Darse sellers market adjoining the port is just as essential. 

City Focus 

The beating heart Pointe-à-Pitre will seduce you with the brightly colored facades of its houses. The Saint John Perse museum features exhibits from such iconic figures such as the poet Alexis Léger. While you stroll through the city you will see beautiful colonial mansions from the 19th century. A walk to the Saint Antoine market the main market will allow you to taste the city. It’s various fruits, vegetables, spices, liqueurs, baskets etc. It is impossible to visit each of its thousand and one vendor stalls. 

Alwégo’s favorites 

Our favorites are : The original act Memorial which is the caribbean center of expression and memory of the slave trade and slavery. Built on the site of the former sugar factory Darboussier the lovely architecture of this museum holds an exhibition hall that reveals the history of slavery in the French West indies dating from antiquity to present day. We recommend a tour of the flower market showcasing the many varieties of flora and plant species in Guadeloupe. Next stop should be the restaurant Maharajah Monty an Indian restaurant located in the downtown area whose popularity is among the locals and tourists alike. 

Transportation 

The best way to get around Pointe-à-Pitre is via car. From the airport you can easily take a shuttle van which will then take you directly to the Alwégo car rental company. There you can rent a car giving you full autonomy, allowing you to explore at your leisure Pointe-à-Pitre and its surroundings. While public transportation certainly exists it is not as well organized as in some other regions of the world. You are welcome to use the public transportation but just keep in mind that as far as respecting timetables it is not always guaranteed which may result in you restricting your mouvements. You also have the option of walking! Walking is a healthy option and can allow you to explore the city center however if you want to discover the outlining area it is not as convenient. There is always the option of hiring a taxi however they can become costly if intended for regular use. 

Renting a Car with Alwégo allows you to visit Grande Terre and Basse Terre independently

Alwégo offers you the possibility to explore Guadeloupe without constraints. The Alwégo car rental company makes every effort to simplify your life upon arrival. A shuttle can will be waiting for you upon arrival to bring you to company headquarters where you will be greeted with a warm and personalized welcome. Our professional team will provide you with expert tips and guidance tailored to your needs. We can provide you with a list of essential places to visit only known to locals. Alwégo offers attractive price rates because there are no intermediaries involved. We offer a high quality service on a human scale in order to satisfy our customers at best every day.