Discover Marie-Galante: what to do on the island of a hundred windmills?

Ready to experience something unique? Stroll along a white sandy beach. Rest in the shade of a coconut tree while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. Admire the turquoise waters of a lagoon with the silhouettes of old windmills as a backdrop. This dream exists: welcome to Marie-Galante, a tropical paradise!
Located 30 km south of mainland Guadeloupe’s coast, Marie-Galante is one of the islands forming the archipelago. Known for its dreamy beaches and rum distilleries, it will also surprise you with its historical heritage and local flavors.
Marie-Galante is nicknamed “the island of a hundred windmills” because, at the beginning of the 19th century, there were over a hundred windmills used to crush sugarcane.
Tranquil, preserved, and authentic, Marie-Galante holds many surprises for you.
Must-sees, activities, accommodations, transport: we offer you a comprehensive guide to discover all the treasures of Marie-Galante. Shall we go?
The Must-Sees of Marie-Galante
Paradise beaches, world-renowned distilleries, and a rich historical heritage: Marie-Galante has plenty of tricks up its sleeve! Here are the top must-sees not to miss.
The Dream Beaches
Marie-Galante is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Some of its beaches are protected by coral reefs, forming crystal-clear lagoons. If you’re looking for THE most beautiful beach in Guadeloupe, head to Anse de la Feuillère. Located near Capesterre, in the south of Marie-Galante, this beach promises 1 km of white sand, extraordinary diving and snorkeling sessions, and water sports like kitesurfing for enthusiasts.
Other splendid beaches await you, such as Anse Canot, Saint Louis Beach, Anse Feuillard Beach, and Grand Bourg Beach.
Also, enjoy smaller, more secluded coves, offering secret spots perfect for nature lovers.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with all these wonders!
The Rum Distilleries of Marie-Galante
After enjoying the beach, what could be better than tasting some of Marie-Galante’s excellent rum?
Start by learning about the history of sugarcane cultivation and the production of agricultural rum. For this, you can visit an old sugarcane plantation, such as Habitation Murat or Habitation Roussel-Trianon. Today, there are 1,300 farms producing sugarcane in Marie-Galante. Take the opportunity to taste the thick battery syrup, made from boiling cane juice—a local specialty.
After sugarcane, it’s time to get serious: discover how the world’s best rum is made! Visit (at least) one of the three active distilleries on Marie-Galante: Bellevue, Bielle, and Poisson.
The Historical Heritage
Beyond its distilleries and old plantations, Marie-Galante boasts a rich historical heritage. History buffs can explore the island’s history through its key historical sites:
- Château Murat: a relic of the colonial era;
- Bezard Windmill: a classified historical monument, the last vestige of a sugar estate. You’ll also see many other old windmills scattered across the island;
- The town of Grand Bourg: admire the charm of its wooden Creole houses, visit the eco-museum, or enjoy a guided tour.
Activities Not to Be Missed
You won’t be bored during a stay in Marie-Galante. Shall we bet? Here are some ideas for nature, water, and culinary activities:
Hiking
There are numerous hiking trails in Marie-Galante. Discover the island’s preserved nature through various marked routes. Here are 4 ideas for hikes of varying difficulty, from easy paths to those for seasoned hikers:
- Grand-Bourg Coastal Trail: a walk along 11 panels telling part of Marie-Galante’s history;
- Old Fort Trail: a loop trail from Anse Canot showcasing the fabulous landscapes of northwest Marie-Galante;
- Cliff Trail: starting from Anse Piton to Caye Plate. With a bit more effort, you’ll reach the must-see Gueule Grand Gouffre, a stunning geological feature;
- Capesterre Heights Trail: a steep climb from Feuillère Beach, reserved for experienced hikers. Your reward? A spectacular view of Dominica.
Water Sports
Are you into water sports? Marie-Galante will delight you!
Exceptional marine life offers extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Various sites await you: Tico, Coral Garden, Les 3 Ilets, and Grand Ancre. You’ll likely spot sea turtles.
Explore the Vieux-Fort Mangrove by kayak. This activity is perfect for discovering typical fauna.
Wind sports are also on the agenda, with kitesurfing and windsurfing, particularly on the splendid Feuillère Beach.
We’ve saved the best for last. If you visit between February and March, you might catch sight of humpback whales roaming the warm waters around the island.
Exploring the Local Flavors
Finally, discover Marie-Galante through its flavors.
Visit local markets, like the Grand Bourg market held every morning. Keep your eyes open and let yourself be tempted by the itinerant merchants.
Tour farms open to visitors, like the Moringa farm, offering a superfood with medicinal properties.
Discover the terroir of Marie-Galante through its local products: rums, exotic fruits, honey, sugar, liqueur, battery syrup, and other typical specialties.
Where to Eat and Stay in Marie-Galante?
Local Gastronomy
Hiking, beaches, historical and cultural visits are great, but how about a meal? The island is brimming with typical culinary treasures to enjoy at the markets or in its restaurants. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savory dishes, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t leave the island without trying at least one of the following Marie-Galantais specialties:
- Bébélé: a soup made of tripe, green bananas, and breadfruit;
- Kakabèf : despite its name, it’s a delightful treat made with battery syrup, traditionally stuffed with grated coconut;
- Kilibibi: a candy made from corn and cane sugar;
- Gâteau Gwo Siwo: a cake made with battery syrup.
To savor local dishes from Marie-Galante and Guadeloupe in general, many quality restaurants await you, such as:
- La Playa on Feuillère Beach,
- Dantana Café, a cozy spot with your feet in the sand;
- Chez Rudy for local specialties in a festive atmosphere;
- Au Plaisir des Marins in Saint-Louis, offering local specialties with a beachfront view.
Accommodation
We recommend staying at least 3 days on the island to fully enjoy its activities and unwind in peace.
Less touristy, it offers accommodations for all budgets: hotels, guesthouses, vacation rentals, or even camping.
Stay in Grand Bourg to explore the southwest of the island and Capesterre for the southeast. Accommodation in Saint Louis will allow you to focus on the north.
You’ll also find unique accommodations for an unforgettable stay: bungalows, cabins, Creole houses, and more.
How to Get to Marie-Galante?
To reach Marie-Galante, there are two main accesses from mainland Guadeloupe via maritime transport:
- The Bergevin Maritime Terminal in Pointe-à-Pitre;
- The Saint-François Maritime Terminal.
In Marie-Galante, the ferry arrives at the Grand Bourg Maritime Port. The ferry ride lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. For schedules and reservations, check our site: “FRS Express des îles”.
You can also arrive in Marie-Galante by private plane and even enjoy sightseeing flights over the island.
Consider car rental in Marie-Galante for getting around, as the island is fairly large.
Practical Tips
The best time to visit Marie-Galante is during the dry season from January to April. However, the climate is suitable for a stay on the island from November through June.
To stay in Marie-Galante, all you need is a valid ID card if you’re an EU citizen.
So, what do you think of a trip to Marie-Galante? Between its tranquil, authentic charm, its natural splendors on land and at sea, its rich historical heritage, and its delicious local specialties, the island of a hundred windmills has everything to win your heart.
- Come see for yourself all these treasures during a stay in Marie-Galante.
Thinking of visiting several islands during your trip to the Antilles? Consider Dominica, the Caribbean’s Nature Island.
```