Hostels in BASSE TERRE, GUADELOUPE

Basse Terre – Capital of Guadeloupe and Its Rich Attractions

Basse Terre city is situated on the island of Basse Terre, which makes the western part of Guadeloupe. The colourful and provincial atmosphere of the city attracts one and all.

History
The history of Basse Terre is more or less synonymous with Guadeloupe’s history. It was established by the French in 1643 after it managed to colonize Guadeloupe. It faced a lot of destruction during the Anglo-French wars in the 18th century. After the colonization damage and losses due to hurricanes, especially the 1979 hurricane, Basse Terre has managed to survive and is Guadeloupe’s capital today.

Popular Places and Attractions
The Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral is the most visible landmark of the city. This 19th century building is built with grey stone and has a number of statues. The city’s attractions include the Main Square, La Place du Champ d’Arbaud, Le Jardin Pichon and the Clock Tower. A botanical and zoological park is located on a hilltop garden along the banks of Herbes River.

The Guadeloupe Archipelago consisting of the Grand-Cul-de-Sac Marine Nature Reserve and the Guadeloupe National Park is a rich biosphere reserve acknowledged by the UNESCO. The park is popular for its tropical forests and mountain peaks. The highest peak of La Soufriere is an active volcano. There are numerous hiking trails in the park with most of them covering the La Soufriere and Caribbean’s highest waterfall, the Carbet falls. The twin peaks of Mamelles, the Parc Bras David pond and the Traversee Road are some other attractions in the Park.

Basse Terre also contains some good outlying beaches that range from golden pockets as in Grande Anse to shining black stretches such as Plage Malendure. These beaches also offer great diving facilities for diving enthusiasts. Fort Delgres, Prefecture Palais de Justice, Conseil General, Viex-Fort’s Center De Broderie, and parc des Roches Gravees and its ancient rock engravings are some other popular attractions around Basse Terre.

Getting Around
Rented cars, cabs, bikes, bicycles and buses are the most preferred options for moving around Basse Terre, a good guide is to keep some change handy to pay for your travel. Certain places like the National Park can be best explored walking only.

Places for Entertainment
The Cousteau Reserve offers great facilities for diving and snorkelling. One can see varieties of tropical fishes in shallow waters too. Glass-bottomed boat trips can be opted by those who do not want to go swimming but still want to experience the rich marine offerings and reef formations. The white rum is the staple drink here. Rum distilleries also offer rum tours to enthusiasts. Musee du Rhum is a famous rum producer in Basse Terre. Bars and restaurants along the beach hotels often host night parties with tapping music and barbeque that goes on till sunrise.

Accommodation
Self-catering hotels, bed & breakfast, budget hotels, youth hostels, motels, guesthouse, beach hotels, resorts, cottages and villas are available for tourist accommodation. Most of the major hotels are lined up along the shore. Hence, one gets to enjoy the beach along with the hotel stay.

Currency
The Euro is Guadeloupe’s official currency. Currency exchange services are provided at most of the major banks on Basse-Terre Island, check the internet and news for the latest exchange rates. The U.S Dollar, credit cards and traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted.

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