Deshaies is a very charming village located in the northwest of Basse-Terre, on the leeward coast. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, the town of Deshaies attracts visitors mainly for its beaches… but not only. We take you along to discover it.
Among the things to do in Guadeloupe, visiting Deshaies is a must, especially strolling through its Botanical Garden. Established on Coluche’s former property, this 7-hectare park is sure to impress you. The experience begins the moment you step inside. The visit starts with a mandatory walk through the lorikeet aviary, where you will have the pleasure of feeding them. Along the path, you will also see beautiful parrots and flamingos.
But the Deshaies Botanical Garden is above all home to hundreds of varieties of tropical plants and trees. You will find stunning orchids, porcelain roses, bougainvillea, and silk cotton trees. Of course, cacti, bamboo, and palm trees are also part of the scenery.
Plan around 1.5 hours for the visit. We recommend going in the morning, right at opening time, before the heat becomes too intense.
Going to the Beach and Watching the Green Flash
You’ve visited the Deshaies Botanical Garden—perfect. It was hot, so now it’s time to cool off with a swim on one of the beautiful beaches along the leeward coast.
The beaches of Basse-Terre are known for their wild, unspoiled character. Those in Deshaies are unanimously praised and rank among the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe. In front of you stretch vast expanses of golden sand, meeting the Caribbean Sea with its incomparable blue. Behind you rises the dense vegetation of Basse-Terre’s tropical forest. The contrast is striking and the colors truly unique. Another major advantage: these beaches face west, making sunsets consistently spectacular. Some visitors have even witnessed the green flash—a split-second phenomenon that appears as the sun disappears below the horizon.
Here are the beaches in Deshaies you’ll want to see, each with its own appeal.
Plage de la Perle: Very well known for the driftwood scattered along the shore, perfect for memorable photos.
Grande Anse: This is the spot to go in search of the green flash. Part of the beach lies between the mangrove and the sea, creating a stunning visual effect… but beware of mosquitoes in the evening.
Anse Rifflet: One of our favorites, as it is even more secluded than its two neighbors. We recommend having lunch at Chill, a beachfront restaurant that will even lend you “poufs” afterward for a comfortable post-meal nap, shaded beneath a palm tree.
Grabbing a Bite in the Village
The charming village of Deshaies is nestled between the mountains and the sea. It is very peaceful, and you immediately feel at ease there, as if stepping into a timeless, enchanted break.
After a hike or a beach session, take the time to enjoy a good meal at one of the seaside restaurants lining the village. We especially like going in the late afternoon, when the air is cooler and the sun begins to set. Picture the scene: you, your friends or family, a cocktail in one hand, accras in the other, with the sun setting in front of you… convinced? We thought so. But don’t leave without tasting their delicious dishes made with incredibly fresh, local fish—usually caught earlier that very morning.
Which restaurant should you choose? There are plenty, and we’ve tested them for you. We can confidently recommend Madras and Mahina.
Deshaies Coastal Trail
Hiking opportunities in Guadeloupe are countless and all very different. You are in Basse-Terre, within the Guadeloupe National Park area. Needless to say, the hikes here are all impressive—but they are not the only ones worth doing. The Deshaies coastal trail is particularly beautiful. It runs along the beaches of Deshaies and offers exceptional views over the Caribbean Sea.
To get started, the hike begins with the ascent of Gros Morne, next to the Deshaies cemetery. This is the most challenging part of the walk, so don’t lose heart. From the top, you will overlook Grande Anse beach. The trail then takes you past Anse Rifflet before ending at the lovely Plage de la Perle.