Some bays are admired.
Les Saintes are embraced.

The Les Saintes archipelago, made up of two inhabited islands (Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas) and several uninhabited islets, is a jewel of the Caribbean Sea. On one side, Terre-de-Haut, famous for its bay ranked among the most beautiful in the world, its colourful houses and traditional fishing boats. On the other, Terre-de-Bas, more secretive, wild and peaceful, where life flows at the pace of former coffee and cotton cultivation. Between the two lies an exceptional marine sanctuary where crystal-clear waters invite pure escape. Every crossing is already a promise: a journey through time awaits you on the other shore. 

Some must-see attractions

Fort Napoléon

Overlooking the bay of Terre-de-Haut, this historic fort no longer fires cannonballs but is now home to a captivating museum and a botanical garden dedicated to succulents and iguanas. 

Tourment d’Amour

The local culinary speciality. This small pastry filled with coconut, guava or pineapple was traditionally prepared by sailors’ wives for their return from the sea.

"Pain de Sucre" Beach

A postcard-perfect setting where a small volcanic hill meets turquoise waters. An ideal snorkelling spot to observe coral reefs and tropical fish just a few metres from the shore.

Grande Anse Beach

A wild and majestic beach, unsuitable for swimming due to its strong currents, but perfect for a walk in the open air facing the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Le Chameau

The highest point in the archipelago (309 m). A hike that rewards walkers with a 360° view over all of the Les Saintes islands, Guadeloupe and Dominica.
 

Terre-de-Bas Village

An immersion into preserved authenticity. Discover local wood craftsmanship and the famous "Salako", the traditional hat of Saintois sailors made from bamboo fibres.

Did you know?

HISTORY

In 1782, the waters of the archipelago became the stage for a legendary naval battle between the French and British fleets. It was here that the British used the "breaking the line" tactic for the first time, capturing the French flagship. A confrontation that changed the fate of the Caribbean in the 18th century. 

NATURE

The archipelago is one of the last refuges of the Lesser Antillean iguana, an endemic species that is now threatened. Unlike the common green iguana, it can be identified by the absence of a large circular scale on its cheek. 

UNIQUE FEATURE: A Seafaring People with Light-Coloured Eyes

A large part of the Saintois population descends from settlers who arrived from Brittany and Normandy as early as the 17th century. This heritage gave the archipelago a unique maritime culture and a famous physical characteristic: many Saintois still have blue or green eyes today, inherited from their seafaring ancestors from northern France.

The crossing is part of the journey

Boarding an FRS EXPRESS Des Îles ferry is already the beginning of unwinding. 

The crossing to Les Saintes is a magical escape. From Guadeloupe, you board comfortable ferries for a short journey at sea. Just a few minutes on the water, enough time to watch the islets emerge on the horizon, and you arrive relaxed and ready to explore these islands full of character.