The northern cliffs
Arches, sinkholes and sheer drops into the Atlantic, best explored on the coastal trails.
Island guide
Marie-Galante
25 miles off mainland Guadeloupe, this round island still lives to the rhythm of its sugarcane fields.
- 61 sq mi
- the largest of the islands around Guadeloupe
- ≈ 10,500
- inhabitants, across three villages
- 81 °F
- average air temperature, year-round
- 82 °F
- average sea temperature
Area and population: INSEE, 2021 census.
Getting here
Flying in
Nonstop flights to Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) from Montréal (≈ 4 h 50), Miami (≈ 3 h 15) and Paris (≈ 8 h 30).
By ferry
A one-hour crossing from Pointe-à-Pitre to Grand-Bourg, several departures a day. Or a 20-minute hop by plane.
Getting around
A car is essential: most rental agencies deliver it at the Grand-Bourg ferry terminal.
Beaches near the villa
Plage des Galets2 km (1.2 miles), about 5 min
The closest one, at the foot of the Route des Galets. Pebbles and sand, clear water, rarely crowded.
Plage de la Feuillère2 km (1.3 miles), about 5 min
A lagoon sheltered by the reef, perfect with kids. A few beach restaurants.
Anse de la Ferrière3 km (1.6 miles), about 10 min
A small wild cove lined with sea grape trees, for quiet mornings.
Petite Anse4 km (2.3 miles), about 10 min
A sheltered cove with turquoise water and palm shade.
Don’t miss
The distilleries
Bielle, Bellevue, Père Labat: three distilleries to visit, and a rum ranked among the best in the Caribbean.
The windmills
It’s called the island of a hundred windmills. Several have been restored, including the Bézard mill.
Grand-Bourg market
Fruit, spices, flavored rums: the morning stop to stock the fridge.
Where to eat
Codfish fritters (accras), grilled spiny lobster, colombo curry: the island’s tables are simple and generous. English is not widely spoken, but a smile goes a long way.
Our favorites, from nearest to farthest
- La Source – Chez RudyCapesterre, just outside the village toward Les Galets · 1 km from the villa+590 590 97 26 01 · +590 690 92 68 04A terrace above the sea: catch of the day, spiny lobster, colombo curry.
- Dantana BeachCapesterre, La Feuillère beach · 2 km from the villa+590 690 48 05 67 · +590 690 61 52 45Beach restaurant: modern Creole at lunch, cocktails, tapas and pizzas in the evening.
- La PlayaCapesterre, facing La Feuillère beach · 3 km from the villa+590 590 93 66 10Seafood and modern Creole cooking, “Maître restaurateur” label. Booking recommended.
- Le TouloulouCapesterre, Petite-Anse beach · 4 km from the villa+590 590 97 32 63 · +590 690 48 76 77An island institution: homemade Creole food with your feet in the sand.
- Pomme CannelleCapesterre, Pichery · 5 km from the villa+590 590 97 17 08 · +590 690 48 74 16Family-run Creole table with no menu: dishes of the day and grilled spiny lobster.
- O’VivierGrand-Bourg, Route de Beaufils · 10 km from the villa+590 590 97 20 75 · +590 690 34 46 20Fish and spiny lobster from the tank, caught by the owner.
- Sun 7 BeachGrand-Bourg, Murat lagoon · 11 km from the villa+590 590 97 87 58Beach bar: cocktails and tapas at sunset.
- Le PatioGrand-Bourg, town center · 13 km from the villa+590 690 34 23 94Refined French and Creole cooking in an intimate setting.
- Chez HenriSaint-Louis, on the beach · 19 km from the villa+590 590 97 04 57Creative Caribbean cooking, live music and exhibitions.
- La Baleine RougeSaint-Louis, on the bay · 19 km from the villa+590 590 48 57 87Creole and French: fish of the day, spiny lobster, a deck over the bay.
- Au Plaisir des MarinsSaint-Louis, Chalet · 20 km from the villa+590 590 97 08 11Family-run beach restaurant: they fish and they cook.
Opening hours and closures vary with the seasons: call ahead, especially from September to mid-October.
