Les Abymes

Les Abymes : urban lung and a vast mangrove swamp

Les Abymes was founded at the beginning of the colonial period and experienced a strong agricultural influence, mainly through sugarcane cultivation. It was in the 17th century that the town began to develop, officially becoming a commune in 1790. It witnessed the tumultuous history of Guadeloupe, marked by colonization, slavery, and then abolition in 1848. After this period, the commune underwent many transformations, diversifying economically with industrial and commercial activities, especially after World War II.

Its history shows resilience in the face of economic and social challenges. A fascinating commune: its name comes from the mangrove swamps of mangrove trees and palmettos that once covered it. A pre-Columbian funerary site was discovered in the Petit-Pérou neighborhood, revealing a dense archaeological area composed of both a domestic complex and a funerary zone of 11,000 m². “It is a palimpsest; this Amerindian site has been dated to around the 11th to 13th centuries AD, during the so-called Ceramic or Neo-Indian age. This area was inhabited by the so-called troumassoide culture, whose type of artifacts is found in the northern French Antilles.”

The first village, located a few kilometers from the center of the current urban area, was founded in 1691. It originally consisted of a few houses and experienced slight development thanks to the cultivation of sugarcane, cocoa, and coffee. It is one of the largest communes in the region, but three-quarters of its area is largely covered by mangrove palmettos.

The history of Les Abymes has been marked by many events: the construction of its first parish in 1756, the “Église de l’Immaculée-Conception,” the slavery war, agricultural workers’ strikes, and cyclones.

Historically, Les Abymes is a relatively recent commune compared to others in Guadeloupe, but it quickly gained population, notably due to rural exodus and proximity to Pointe-à-Pitre. It is also home to the Guadeloupe Pôle Caraïbes Airport, the main aerial gateway to the archipelago. A frequently told anecdote is that the airport was built on marshy land, requiring significant backfilling and drainage work to ensure runway stability.

Les Abymes hosts several large shopping centers and healthcare facilities, making the commune a major service hub for Guadeloupe. Culturally, Les Abymes is known for its dynamic community life, especially in sports (basketball, football, athletics) and music. Many carnival groups come from this commune, participating enthusiastically in the colorful parades that animate the archipelago during carnival season. Patron saint festivals are also a key event, mixing gwo ka concerts, food stalls, and sports competitions.

Despite its urbanization, Les Abymes does not turn its back on nature. Projects to protect the mangrove and revitalize green spaces regularly arise. There are also agricultural zones in some more remote neighborhoods where bananas, sugarcane, and vegetables are cultivated. These contrasts make the commune unique: an urban territory in full development, hosting modern infrastructure but maintaining a connection to its original environment. The people of Les Abymes are attached to their Creole identity and actively defend the idea of a progressive Guadeloupe that respects its traditions.

Urbanism

The town center of Les Abymes blends old and new, with colorful Creole houses alongside contemporary buildings. The commune has implemented several urban planning projects to adapt infrastructure to population growth while respecting the natural environment. The Dugazon neighborhood, for example, is a residential area that embodies this harmony between modernity and nature, with public parks and recreational areas for families. Industrial zones on the outskirts support the local economy, while green spaces and parks like Parc de la Verdure offer a pleasant living environment for residents.

Geography of the municipality of Les Abymes

Les Abymes is located in a mainly flat region with gentle relief, which favors marshy areas and mangroves. The commune is crossed by several watercourses, and its marshes constitute vital ecosystems for local biodiversity. The region hosts migratory bird species, fish, and diverse flora, particularly in protected areas such as the mangrove of Vieux-Bourg. These natural spaces also offer opportunities for outdoor activities and ecological discovery.

Economic activities

The economy of Les Abymes is diversified, including agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors. Sugarcane cultivation remains important, although farms have evolved to include tropical fruit production (bananas, mangoes) and local vegetables. The expanding tertiary sector attracts many businesses and services, making Les Abymes a major economic hub of Guadeloupe. Commerce also flourishes, with shopping centers like Destreland nearby attracting many visitors daily.

Neighboring municipalities and area

With an area of about 80 km², Les Abymes is bordered by Pointe-à-Pitre, Baie-Mahault, and Morne-à-l'Eau. Its proximity to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s economic capital, makes it a favored location for commercial and cultural exchanges.

Access and distances to other cities

Located just a few kilometers from Pointe-à-Pitre, Les Abymes is easily accessible via departmental roads and is also close to the Pôle Caraïbes international airport, making it a gateway for visitors. Road links to other communes of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre are well developed, allowing quick access to the island’s main tourist destinations.

Real estate trends in the city

Les Abymes experiences strong real estate demand, particularly for primary residences and tourist accommodations. The average price per square meter is about 2,800 euros, a value rising due to the commune’s attractiveness and many ongoing infrastructure projects. Residential neighborhoods like Dugazon and Raizet are especially popular with families and young professionals.

Politics

Under the leadership of Mr. Eric Jalton, mayor of Les Abymes, the commune is developing several projects focused on sustainable development and urban planning. Current initiatives include the enhancement of wetlands, modernization of public infrastructure, and the implementation of educational projects for youth. The commune also focuses on strengthening leisure and sports facilities to improve residents’ quality of life.

Must-see places and monuments in Les Abymes

Les Abymes has several sites of cultural and historical interest. The 19th-century Saint-Michel Church is an emblematic place of the town, known for its Creole architecture and heritage value. Parc de la Verdure is another popular spot for residents, offering green spaces and walking paths. The commune’s artisan market is a must-visit to discover local products and creations by Guadeloupean artisans, bringing an authentic touch to visitors’ experiences.

Cultural events

The cultural life of Les Abymes is punctuated by annual events such as carnival, where the commune shines with lively parades and dances to the rhythm of Gwoka, the traditional Guadeloupean music. Music festivals, craft fairs, and gastronomic events also mark the year, attracting a wide local and tourist audience and highlighting the commune’s traditions and cultural heritage.