Travelling to Marie-Galante

Marie-Galante, also known as the "Island of 100 Windmills", is a little piece of heaven in the heart of the French West Indies. Located just a one-hour boat ride away from the main island of Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante is a land of rural traditions that cultivates the art of easy living and authenticity. Also called "Grande Galette", sugar cane is the island's main source of wealth and extensive fields of sugar cane cover the area. Its rum production enjoys a distinguished reputation. Marie-Galante produces the strongest rum (59 degrees) in the Caribbean Basin. Be sure to visit at least one of the following distilleries: Biel, Père-Labat and Bellevue.

You can reach the island of Marie-Galante from the port of Bergevin in Pointe à Pitre which is served by two ferry companies. The best known company, "L'Express des Iles", sells a round trip ticket for 40 euros. In the peak season, departures are also available from Saint-François featuring a number of day trips. You can also take a private plane for 100 euros per person.

The island is also well-known for its many white sand beaches and the crystal-clear water of its lagoons lined with coral reefs. It is said that the island has the most beautiful beaches in the Guadeloupe Archipelago! You'll have so many to choose from! We prefer the beaches in the northwest of the island, including Anse de Mays and the sublime cove of Anse Canot.

There are other interesting sights to see, including the windmill of Bézard, the cliffs of Anse Piton, the pebble paths leading to the beaches of Taliseronde and Feuillard, Habitation Murat, the town of Saint-Louis and Gueule Grand Gouffre.

For an authentic experience, spend a day with "Echappées Marie Galantaises" which proposes a number of possible excursions. Designed to discover sights that are off the beaten path, you'll be sure to have a unique experience.

For sports lovers, there are so many possibilities—mountain biking through sugar cane fields, kitesurfing, scuba diving, etc.

Marie-Galante deserves more than a one-day stay! To fully take advantage of the island, plan to stay several days. A true getaway feeling awaits you during your time there.

The best option would be to combine the island with a stay in Grande-Terre or Basse-Terre. This would enable you to discover the archipelago's diversity in its entirety. You'll be sure to fall under its spell!