Les Saintes Guide

What to do in Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes?

Between heritage, hikes and turquoise water, Terre-de-Haut has more than enough to fill a multi-day stay. Here are the must-sees of Les Saintes, from Fort Napoléon to the summit of Le Chameau.

Fort Napoléon

Perched above the bay, this 19th-century fort now houses a museum on the history of Les Saintes and the famous naval battle of 1782. Its exotic gardens full of iguanas and its 360° panorama over the archipelago are worth the visit on their own.

Le Chameau

The highest point of Terre-de-Haut (309 m / 1,014 ft), Le Chameau is reached via a paved path in about a 45-minute climb. At the top, a watchtower offers one of the finest views in all of Guadeloupe over the islets, the bay and the Caribbean Sea. Set off early to avoid the heat.

The village and harbour

Wander the colourful streets of the village, among Creole houses, artisan shops and stalls selling tourment d'amour, the iconic pastry of Les Saintes. The seafront is the perfect spot for lunch by the water.

Snorkelling and diving

The waters of Les Saintes are among the richest in Guadeloupe. Pain de Sucre is the snorkelling spot par excellence, and several clubs offer dives to nearby sites. Turtles, rays and tropical fish are all part of the experience.

Sunsets and relaxing

At the end of the day, nothing beats a sunset over the bay. From the terrace and pool of Villa Kazarev, the show is a daily one: the sun sinks into the Caribbean Sea facing the archipelago.

Suggested itinerary

  • Day 1: the village, Fort Napoléon and sunset.
  • Day 2: beaches and snorkelling at Pain de Sucre.
  • Day 3: climb Le Chameau and relax at Pompierre.

Where to stay in Les Saintes?

Villa Kazarev is a sea-view rental in Les Saintes, perched on the hillside of Terre-de-Haut with a private pool, a panoramic terrace over the bay and an EV charging station. Rated 9.3/10 on Booking.com.

Keep reading