Baie-Mahault

The economic heart of Guadeloupe

Founded in the 17th century, Baie-Mahault was initially an agricultural center, focused on sugar cane cultivation and rum production. The name of the town comes from the word "Mahault," which means "mangrove" in old Creole, due to its many wetlands. Over the centuries, Baie-Mahault has evolved and diversified its economy.

Long uninhabited, the district of Baie-Mahault became a municipality in its own right in 1837. The location of this municipality makes it a necessary crossing point between the two parts of the island (Grande Terre and Basse Terre).

The history of Baie-Mahault is rich and complex, shaped by continuous development since its founding in the 17th century. It has also been influenced by colonial, Amerindian, and agricultural heritage. Baie-Mahault is the second most populous city after Les Abymes. It is also home to Guadeloupe’s French television station, La 1ère.

Since its origins, the town has evolved while preserving elements of its past. This is evident in certain vestiges such as its windmills and former sugar cane plantations from the La Retraite factory in Baie-Mahault (1883-1950), formerly located in Jabrun, one of the town's economic zones, which bear witness to an influential sugar-producing past. Next came the thermal power plant, inaugurated in 1935, which was one of the first electricity production facilities in Guadeloupe and a pioneer in energy production in the archipelago.

With the development of industrial zones in the 1960s, it became an economic driver for the whole of Guadeloupe. Today, it combines its agricultural history with a modern economy focused on industry, trade, and services.

Baie-Mahault is often considered the economic heart of Guadeloupe, mainly thanks to the industrial and commercial zone of Jarry. This area hosts the headquarters of most major local companies, car dealerships, and key commercial spaces. At first glance, one might think that the town’s urbanization leaves little room for nature or traditions, but Baie-Mahault still holds cultural and heritage treasures that are well worth discovering.

The city is home to a vibrant cultural life, driven by associations that organize festive events throughout the year: zouk or gwoka concerts, art exhibitions, and craft markets. Carnival is a major highlight in the town: residents proudly parade through the streets in colorful costumes, moving to the rhythm of traditional percussion. Local carnival groups, sometimes supported by businesses from Jarry, compete in creativity to dazzle the crowds.

Another notable feature is the growing interest in local cuisine. Many restaurants and food trucks have set up in Baie-Mahault to take advantage of the steady flow of workers and visitors. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy typical Guadeloupean dishes—either reimagined or in their most traditional form: bokits filled with codfish or spicy chicken, accras, goat colombo, fresh fruit juices, and exotic rum punches. The municipality is also investing in sustainable development and urban planning projects aimed at better balancing its industrial growth with environmental protection. Thus, despite its very modern image, Baie-Mahault successfully combines economic dynamism, historical heritage, and a welcoming spirit.

Jarry, the industrial and commercial heart

Located on the outskirts of Baie-Mahault, the Jarry area covers several square kilometers and is home to most of the archipelago's industrial and commercial activity. Historically marshy, this vast plain has been gradually developed since the 1970s to accommodate dozens of businesses, ranging from large retailers to start-ups specializing in new technologies. Today, Jarry is a veritable economic hub, with thousands of jobs created locally, logistics centers, car dealerships, and transit areas for import-export. The port of Jarry, neighboring the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, is one of the largest freight hubs in the French Caribbean. The area also offers a wide range of restaurants and leisure facilities to meet the needs of employees and visitors. Despite massive urbanization, Baie-Mahault and the Jarry area are stepping up their sustainable development initiatives, including recycling programs, renewable energy projects, and environmental awareness campaigns. Thus, Baie-Mahault strives to reconcile the power of its business center with the maintenance of a pleasant living environment, illustrating its desire for modernity while remaining anchored in the island's Creole roots.

Urban planning in Baie Mahault

Baie-Mahault stands out for its modern and structured urban planning. The municipality is home to Jarry, the largest industrial and commercial zone in the Antilles, where local and international companies, offices, warehouses, and shopping centers are concentrated. The town of Baie-Mahault, however, retains a more residential feel, with quiet neighborhoods, schools, and public infrastructure. The municipality has successfully balanced economic development and quality of life by incorporating green spaces, parks, and pedestrian areas that promote a pleasant living environment for families and young professionals.

Le Cœur de Jarry, located at GPS coordinates 16°14'26.2"N 61°34'18.2"W, is a modern shopping center located in the Jarry industrial zone in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe. Opened in August 2014, it covers an area of 1,000 hectares, making Jarry one of the largest business parks in France.

The shopping center houses a variety of shops and restaurants, offering visitors a diverse shopping experience. Among the brands present are clothing stores, beauty salons, mobile phone shops, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

Le Cœur de Jarry stands out for its contemporary architecture and strategic location within the industrial zone, providing easy access for local residents and visitors alike. With its many stores and services, it contributes significantly to the local economy and the region's commercial vitality.

Geography of Baie Mahault

Baie-Mahault is located on flat land and is partially surrounded by marshlands and mangroves. Bordered by the Rivière Salée Bay, which separates Grande-Terre from Basse-Terre, the town is crossed by several streams and rivers, offering an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. This unique geography makes it an ideal place for nature walks and outdoor activities, while still being close to the urban centers of Pointe-à-Pitre and other towns. Baie-Mahault enjoys a tropical climate, hot and humid, with lush vegetation that adds to the charm of the region.

Economic activities

The economy of Baie-Mahault is mainly focused on industry, commerce, and services. The Jarry industrial zone is the economic heart of the municipality, with companies in the distribution, logistics, agri-food, and manufacturing sectors. Commerce is also highly developed, with numerous shopping centers, specialty stores, and restaurants. In addition, Baie-Mahault is home to service companies such as banks, insurance companies, and consulting firms. The municipality is also known for its market, where fresh produce, tropical fruits, spices, and artisanal products are sold.

Neighboring municipalities and area

Baie-Mahault is surrounded by the municipalities of Pointe-à-Pitre, Lamentin, and Petit-Bourg. It covers an area of approximately 46 km², with well-distributed residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre gives it an important connecting role, facilitating travel and trade between the different parts of the archipelago.

Access and distances to other cities

Located close to Pointe-à-Pitre, Baie-Mahault is well connected by national roads and the highway linking Guadeloupe's main cities. The municipality benefits from an efficient transport network, with bus routes and road access that facilitate travel for residents and workers in the Jarry industrial zone. The proximity of Pôle Caraïbes International Airport, located less than 10 km away, further enhances the municipality's accessibility and appeal to businesses and travelers.

Real estate trends in the city

The real estate market in Baie-Mahault is dynamic, with high demand for housing near the Jarry area and residential neighborhoods. The average price per square meter is around €2,500 to €3,000, with variations depending on proximity to shops and infrastructure. Modern residences, apartments, and single-family homes are highly sought after by families and young professionals who want to live close to their workplace while enjoying a pleasant living environment.

Politics

The current mayor of Baie-Mahault, Mr. Hélène Polifonte, is implementing projects to strengthen the economic development of the municipality, improve the quality of life of its residents, and preserve the environment. The municipality encourages initiatives to modernize infrastructure, promote sustainable development, and facilitate access to housing. Efforts are also being made to support cultural and sporting activities by providing facilities and events for residents of all ages.

Must-see places and monuments in Baie Mahault

Baie-Mahault is rich in natural sites and modern infrastructure. The mangrove of Baie-Mahault is a unique ecosystem, ideal for nature walks and observing local wildlife. The Rivière Salée Park is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, offering hiking trails and picnic areas. The town’s cultural center regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events to promote local culture. While primarily focused on commerce, the industrial zone of Jarry is also an iconic site that reflects Baie-Mahault’s economic dynamism.

Cultural events

The cultural life of Baie-Mahault is punctuated by local events and festivities. The patron saint festival, celebrated in honor of Saint Thérèse, brings residents together each year for religious ceremonies, Creole music concerts, and family activities.

Carnival is also a major highlight, featuring colorful parades, extravagant costumes, and dances to the rhythm of Gwoka, a traditional Guadeloupean music. The town also hosts night markets, craft fairs, and performances, offering both residents and visitors a true immersion in local culture.