WHAT TO BRING?

What do I take back from Guadeloupe? Souvenirs of course! First of all, something to make you relive the warmth of the islands, particularly on a cold and wet autumnal evening. A bottle of aged Rum for instance ! Actually we cannot recommend a particular brand over another and leave this delicate choice to your own personal flair.

Bear in mind that markets are often the best places to find souvenirs. And shopping in a busy, bustling, colourful, noisy and fragrant market square can be quite an experience.

A few spices will warm your cuisine and will certainly rekindle the longing for the Tropical islands. Bois d’Inde, Bay leaves, Clove, Black Pepper, Curry powder, Cacao, Vanilla, Ginger, Cinnamon bark or Nutmeg … Follow the advices of the local well informed specialists. Spices are not heavy and not that expensive.

Guadeloupe coffee, renowned for its « improving » qualities, is not easily obtainable back home. It is therefore a real rarity which connoisseurs will appreciate and savour.

Finally, local art and crafts are well developed over the islands, working with natural materials such as calabash, coconut shell, straw, seashells, bamboo, grains or beads, and provide a wealth of pretty objects and accessories to take back.

If your timing is tough, you can always attend a late night shopping spree since some markets are still operating at night in a number of cities.

Other ideas: a CD of creole rhythms (Ka music, Biguine, Zouk), a Creole Cook book, and some locally made food products like chocolates, jams, condiments and hot sauces do not weight that much in a suit case.

Are you a “Fashion victim”? Look for the boutiques of our local designers selling their own line of colourful tropical clothing and jewelery inspired by the traditional creole style of dress worn by our Grand Mothers. You will be surprised! Très Chic! Do not resist and treat yourself. You will be the Talk of the Town at the next party!

The superb tropical flowers, Alpinia, Anthurium, Ginger Flower, Lobster Claw, Bird of Paradise, Rose Porcelaine, well conditioned in strong cardboard boxes travel extremely well and make an original and refined present for relatives or friends. A Flower shop located inside the Guadeloupe International Airport Terminal is quite indicated to take your order.

WHAT TO WEAR?

The Guadeloupe Islands are easy going places. Dress is casual but generally stylish. Informal and comfortable summer clothes are the rule year-round. Casual sports clothes in cotton and other light fabrics are recommended.

By day, plan on shorts, T shirts, and ample long sleeves shirts.

For excursions around the islands, flat shoes or trainers are suggested but flip-flops are not recommended on hiking trails.
On climbing day, since it is known to drizzle on our volcano, to look good and stay dry, take a waterproof windbreaker, just in case, and make sure to wear your hiking boots.

Keep beachwear for the seaside resorts. Change outfits when visiting towns and villages, or walking in a store, a museum or a church.

At night, a touch of glamour “chic et décontracté” is appreciated. Certain establishments (casinos, lounge bars, discothèques, and restaurants) may require proper attire and post the sign “Tenue correcte exigée” at their entrance.

Around Christmas time or early in the year, some evenings may be chilly; a sweater will be then more than welcome.

Basic essentials
A bathing suit / swimming trunks;
A sun hat; Sun glasses;
Sunscreen;
Insect repellent;
And most of all … a camera!

WHAT TO BRING BACK?

What do I take back from Guadeloupe? Souvenirs of course! First of all, something to make you relive the warmth of the islands, particularly on a cold and wet autumnal evening. A bottle of aged Rum for instance! Actually we cannot recommend a particular brand over another and leave this delicate choice to your own personal flair.

Bear in mind that markets are often the best places to find souvenirs. And shopping in a busy, bustling, colourful, noisy and fragrant market square can be quite an experience.

A few spices will warm your cuisine and will certainly rekindle the longing for the Tropical islands. Bois d’Inde, Bay leaves, Clove, Black Pepper, Curry powder, Cacao, Vanilla, Ginger, Cinnamon bark or Nutmeg … Follow the advices of the local well informed specialists. Spices are not heavy and not that expensive.

Guadeloupe coffee, renowned for its « improving » qualities, is not easily obtainable back home. It is therefore a real rarity which connoisseurs will appreciate and savour.

Finally, local art and crafts are well developed over the islands, working with natural materials such as calabash, coconut shell, straw, seashells, bamboo, grains or beads, and provide a wealth of pretty objects and accessories to take back.

If your timing is tough, you can always attend a late night shopping spree since some markets are still operating at night in a number of cities.

Other ideas: a CD of creole rhythms (Ka music, Biguine, Zouk), a Creole Cook book, and some locally made food products like chocolates, jams, island-made liqueurs, condiments and hot sauces do not weight that much in a suit case.

Are you a “Fashion victim”? Look for the boutiques of our local fashion designers selling their own line of colourful tropical clothing and jewellery inspired by the traditional creole style of dress worn by our Grand Mothers. You will be surprised! Très Chic! Do not resist and treat yourself. You will be the Talk of the Town at the next party!

The superb tropical flowers, Alpinia, Anthurium, Ginger Flower, Lobster Claw, Bird of Paradise, Rose Porcelaine, well conditioned in strong cardboard boxes travel extremely well and make an original and refined present for relatives or friends. A Flower shop located inside the Guadeloupe International Airport Terminal is quite indicated to take your order.