Some places are brushed past.
Marie-Galante is meant to be admired.

Marie-Galante is a timeless escape, a round island resting on azure waters just a few nautical miles from Guadeloupe. On one side, its fine sandy beaches with turquoise waters and lagoons protected by the coral reef. On the other, limestone plateaus where sugar cane fields stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by the silhouettes of old windmills. Between the two lies a legendary way of life and a warm, authentic welcome. Every crossing from Guadeloupe or the neighbouring islands is already a promise: the charm of Caribbean rural life awaits you on the other shore.

Some must-see attractions

Gueule Grand-Gouffre

An impressive open-air sinkhole where the Atlantic Ocean rushes through a natural arch carved by erosion. A wild and powerful spectacle in the north of the island.

The Rum Distilleries

Marie-Galante is renowned for its agricultural rum, considered among the finest in the world. The Bellevue, Bielle and Poisson distilleries still produce rum that often reaches 59% ABV.

Habitation Murat

Once the largest sugar cane plantation in Guadeloupe, this historic site is now home to an ecomuseum set among majestic stone ruins.
 

Bézard Windmill

A symbol of the island of a hundred windmills, this windmill has been fully restored and stands as a reminder of the rich sugar-producing history of the “Grande Galette”.

Feuillère Beach

Located in Capesterre, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Its white sand and shallow waters are protected by a thriving coral reef.
 

Anse de Mays

A wild and peaceful beach on the north-west coast, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a complete immersion in the island’s preserved natural surroundings.

Did you know?

HISTORY

The island takes its name from Maria Galanda, the caravel of Christopher Columbus, which landed there in 1493 during his second voyage. Before that, the Amerindians called it “Aichi” or “Touloukaéra”.

NATURE

Marie-Galante is a prime nesting site for sea turtles. Its secluded beaches welcome hawksbill and green turtles every year as they come ashore to lay their eggs under the protection of local organisations.

UNIQUE FEATURE: Draught Oxen

Far more than a simple tradition, draught ox competitions are the island's national sport. A legacy from the days when carts carried sugar cane to the mills, these competitions celebrate the strength of the animals and the unique bond between people and the land.

The crossing is part of the journey

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

The crossing to Marie-Galante is an invitation to an inner journey. From Pointe-à-Pitre or Saint-François, you board comfortable and well-equipped vessels. Just a few minutes at sea, enough time to watch the island’s distinctive circular silhouette come into view, and you arrive relaxed in Grand-Bourg, ready to explore this land of traditions.