La désirade

La Désirade : a secluded island with geological history

La Désirade takes its name from Christopher Columbus, who sighted it during his second voyage in 1493 and called it “île Désirée” to express his joy at seeing land. The island long served as a refuge for lepers in the 18th century, housing a leprosarium that marked its history. Over the centuries, La Désirade has preserved its authenticity and traditions, remaining a sparsely developed island where fishing and agriculture have always played an important role. Today, La Désirade prides itself on its heritage and attracts visitors for its authenticity and preserved natural setting.

La Désirade is a unique island off Grande-Terre, known for its calm and authenticity. Unlike other parts of Guadeloupe, La Désirade has maintained a slow pace of life, almost timeless. It is sometimes said that “La Désirade is the island where one quenches thirst from the crowd”: an unofficial slogan reflecting the peaceful atmosphere of this piece of land. Formerly, the island served as a leprosarium and quarantine site, which long contributed to a sense of mystery around this territory.

Geologically, La Désirade is one of the oldest lands in the Lesser Antilles, with rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous period. Geology enthusiasts can observe very old rocks that bear witness to the formation of the Antillean arc. The island features a coastline both wild and enchanting, bordered by secluded beaches like plage à Fifi, where one can swim in nearly deserted turquoise waters. A coastal trail allows visitors to follow the shore and admire the barrière de corail, a refuge for many tropical fish and sea turtles.

La Désirade comprises a single commune, also called La Désirade, whose main town houses a church and some local shops. The inhabitants mainly live from fishing and tourism, although subsistence farming still holds a significant place. A local anecdote mentions traditional fishing for lambis, a Caribbean emblematic shellfish prized for its meat and often used in crafts for its nacreous shells.

Gastronomically, one finds the usual Guadeloupean specialties — colombo, Creole blood sausage, accras — but also a highlight on freshly caught seafood such as lobster and reef fish. The kindness of the Désiradiens is legendary : they are always ready to inform visitors or share a convivial moment over a homemade arranged rum. Lastly, a curious fact : the island has a wind farm and a photovoltaic power plant that strengthen its energy autonomy. Thus, La Désirade charms by its confidential character, geological heritage, preserved beaches, and the warmth of its inhabitants, offering a true return to roots for those seeking to escape the tourist bustle.

Urban planning

La Désirade mainly consists of small colorful Creole houses and quiet streets, concentrated around the village of Beauséjour, the island’s main town. The urbanism of La Désirade has remained simple and environmentally respectful, with discreet tourist infrastructures integrated into the natural setting. The village of Beauséjour offers some local shops, a local market, and typical restaurants, creating a friendly atmosphere where visitors can discover Creole lifestyle in an authentic and peaceful environment.

Geography of the commune of La Désirade

La Désirade, 11 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, is bordered by white sand beaches and steep cliffs offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The island is characterized by a particular geology, being one of the oldest volcanic formations in the Antillean arc, over 145 million years old. Morne du Souffleur, its highest point, offers a magnificent panorama over the island and surroundings. La Désirade is also surrounded by coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Economic activities

The economy of La Désirade mainly relies on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Artisanal fishing is a traditional island activity, with fresh fish offered in restaurants and local markets. Agriculture, although limited by the island’s relief, includes subsistence crops and some tropical fruit plantations. Tourism, though still modest, develops around ecotourism and outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and discovering the island’s unique beaches and geological landscapes.

Neighboring communes and area

La Désirade is a standalone commune of Guadeloupe, without neighboring communes due to its island status. With an area of about 22 km², the island is relatively small but offers a great diversity of natural landscapes, from beaches and mountains to coral reefs.

Access and distances to other towns

La Désirade is accessible by boat from Saint-François, located about 8 km away, with regular 45-minute crossings. This proximity to Grande-Terre allows visitors to make day trips, although many choose to stay to enjoy the island’s calm. The absence of a complex road network on the island makes getting around simple and pleasant, especially by bike, scooter, or on foot.

Real estate trends on the island

The real estate market of La Désirade is relatively stable, with modest demand for secondary homes and guesthouses. The average price per square meter is about 1,800 euros, an attractive rate for those seeking a quiet living place, far from the bustle. Creole houses and small properties near the sea are particularly sought after for their authentic charm and natural setting.

Politics

The current mayor of La Désirade, Mr. Loïc Tonton, supports projects aimed at preserving the natural environment, promoting ecotourism, and enhancing the island’s heritage. The municipality focuses on local initiatives to protect beaches, coral reefs, and sensitive natural areas. The town hall also encourages sustainable development projects and supports local agriculture and fishing to maintain the identity and quality of life of the inhabitants.

Must-see places and monuments in La Désirade

La Désirade is full of natural and cultural sites. The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Calvaire, located on a hill, is an emblematic place offering a breathtaking view of the island. The sea cemetery, with its graves decorated with shells, is a unique site that reflects local traditions. The beaches of Fifi and Petite-Rivière are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, offering clear waters and colorful reefs. The Jardin Botanique de la Désirade allows visitors to discover the island’s endemic and tropical flora. Finally, Morne du Souffleur and the cliffs of Anse des Galets are exceptional viewpoints to admire the wild beauty of La Désirade.

Manifestations culturelles

The cultural life of La Désirade is marked by traditional events and local festivals. The patronal feast, celebrated in honor of Notre-Dame du Calvaire, gathers the inhabitants each year around religious ceremonies, concerts, and popular entertainment. The carnival is also a much-awaited event, where locals parade in colorful costumes and dance to the sound of drums. The sailors’ festival, celebrated on August 15, pays tribute to the island’s fishermen with boat blessings, processions, and nautical activities. These events reinforce La Désirade’s cultural identity and create a friendly atmosphere for residents and visitors.