Basse-Terre Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
island in Guadeloupe, France
About Basse-Terre
"Basse-Terre" means "lowland", but it is in fact mountainous, containing such peaks as Mount Sans Toucher (4,442 feet; 1,354 metres) and Grande Découverte (4,143 feet; 1,263 metres), culminating in the active volcano La Grande Soufrière, the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles with an elevation of 1,467 metres (4,813 ft). The island was named "Basse-Terre" because it is on the leeward south-west side and sheltered from the winds. In contrast to the rolling hills and flat plains landscape of Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre (the western wing of the island) has a rough volcanic relief. With fertile volcanic soils, heavy rainfall and a warm climate, vegetation on Basse-Terre is lush. The island's forests have mahogany, ironwood and chestnut trees. Mangrove swamps line the Salée River.
Top Attractions in Basse-Terre
Explore the best things to see and do in Basse-Terre:
- ★Carbet Falls
- ★Death in Paradisefilming location
- ★Guadeloupe National Park
- ★La Soufrière volcano
- ★Zoo de Guadeloupe
Where to Eat in Basse-Terre
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Le Cabana Gril
Where to Stay in Basse-Terre
- 🏨Chalets Sous-le-Vent - Réserve Cousteau
- 🏨Fleurs des îles
Basse-Terre Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 9 sections including: