A stay in Les Saintes often begins with love at first sight: a peaceful bay, colorful houses, sailboats at anchor… and the desire to never leave.
Located south of Basse-Terre, the Saintes archipelago is one of Guadeloupe’s most iconic and unspoiled destinations. Composed of several small islands, including Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, this archipelago immediately captivates visitors with its timeless charm, gentle atmosphere, and spectacular bay, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world.
Choosing to stay in Les Saintes is not just about visiting an island: it is about enjoying a unique experience, punctuated by the sea, the light, encounters and a way of life deeply rooted in tradition.
How to get to "Les Saintes" from Guadeloupe
Access to Les Saintes is mainly by sea, already creating a strong sense of disconnection.
Ferry crossings depart from Trois-Rivières, in the south of Basse-Terre. The journey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, offering stunning views as the archipelago approaches, with the silhouette of Terre-de-Haut gradually appearing on the horizon.
Several daily departures make arrival and departure easy to organize. This close proximity makes Les Saintes accessible while preserving the feeling of a distinct and almost confidential island destination.
During high season, departures to Les Saintes are also available from Pointe-à-Pitre and Saint-François.
The Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful bays in the world
Terre-de-Haut : the vibrant and iconic heart of Les Saintes
Terre-de-Haut is the most well-known and lively island in the archipelago. From the moment you arrive at the pier, the harmony of the village is striking: colorful houses with red-tiled roofs, lively streets, terraces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The island is easy to explore on foot, by scooter, or in a small electric car perfectly suited to its size. Very quickly, visitors adopt the rhythm of Les Saintes : slow, gentle, and deeply soothing.
Among the must-see sites in Terre-de-Haut, Fort Napoléon overlooks the island from the hills. Beyond its historical significance, it offers breathtaking views of Les Saintes Bay, especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
The viewpoints from “Le Chameau“, the island’s highest point, also reveal the full beauty of the archipelago, where turquoise waters meet lush green landscapes. Be aware that the climb is quite steep plan to go early in the morning when temperatures are still mild.
Viewpoint, Baie des Saintes, Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe
Les Saintes : A variety of beaches for every pace of stay
One of Terre-de-Haut’s greatest assets lies in the diversity of its beaches, each offering a distinct atmosphere.
Pompierre Beach, nestled at the back of a protected bay, is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Calm waters, light-colored sand, and natural shaded areas make it perfect for long, relaxing days by the sea.
Pain de Sucre Beach, more intimate in nature, enchants visitors with its spectacular setting and rich marine life. It is particularly popular with snorkeling enthusiasts, who can observe a wide variety of fish just a few meters from the shore.
More untouched, Krawan Beach invites peace and contemplation. Less crowded, it offers a preserved natural environment, ideal for those seeking absolute calm and the chance to spot sea turtles while snorkeling.
Finally, Bourg Beach, located at the foot of the village, allows visitors to easily combine swimming, strolls, and gourmet breaks. It is a lively meeting place where locals and travelers mingle in a friendly atmosphere.
Not to mention the many small, discreet, and secret coves that you will undoubtedly discover on your own during your stay in Les Saintes.
Terre-de-Bas : The secret and unspoiled soul of Les Saintes
Just a few minutes by boat from Terre-de-Haut, Terre-de-Bas offers a completely different atmosphere. Here, time seems to stand still. More discreet and wilder, the island appeals to travelers seeking authenticity and silence.
The landscapes are stunning, the beaches uncrowded, and local life deeply rooted. Grande Anse, in particular, is an iconic beach, perfect for relaxing far from the hustle and bustle.
Terre-de-Bas is also renowned for its warm hospitality and sincere, simple gastronomy. Local eateries highlight fresh seafood and traditional recipes, served in a generous, family-style atmosphere.
Fort Napoleon in Terre-de-Haut on Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
A distinctive gastronomy and strong island identity
Les Saintes boast a culinary identity all their own. No stay in the archipelago would be complete without tasting the famous “tourments d’amour,” an iconic pastry filled with coconut or fruit preserves, or the traditional fish fritters, a true local specialty.
Restaurants and small village eateries offer cuisine where fresh fish, seafood, and Creole flavors take center stage often enjoyed facing the sea in a simple, authentic setting.
The pier in the village of Terre-de-Haut on Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
Sunrise and sunset in Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes
Staying in Les Saintes allows visitors to experience the islands at special moments, when day-trippers have left. In the morning, the island awakens slowly, bathed in golden light and absolute calm. In the evening, sunset over “Les Saintes Bay” delivers an unforgettable spectacle, as the sky fills with shades of pink and orange reflected on the tranquil water.
It is during these moments that the true soul of Les Saintes reveals itself: a deeply captivating destination where natural beauty blends seamlessly with a rare sense of serenity.
Why choose a stay in Les Saintes?
Opting for a stay in Les Saintes means choosing a destination apart one where every moment invites you to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. Between Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, the archipelago charms visitors with its paradise beaches, local gastronomy, exceptional panoramas, and an authentic atmosphere filled with simplicity and warmth.
Les Saintes are not just visited they are lived. It is often by spending several nights there that their true magic unfolds: the calm that returns after day visitors leave, the ever-changing light over the bay, peaceful evenings in tune with local life, and that rare feeling of being truly elsewhere.
Including Les Saintes in a Guadeloupe itinerary also creates a balanced and complete experience. After the lively beaches of Grande-Terre or the lush landscapes of Basse-Terre, a few days in Les Saintes offer a timeless escape—perfect for slowing down and savoring the Caribbean way of life.
Combining a few nights in Grande-Terre or Basse-Terre with a stay in Les Saintes allows you to discover a different side of Guadeloupe.
At Villa Prestige Antilles, we have selected exceptional villas in Les Saintes for your next stay in the islands of Guadeloupe.
