Sainte Rose

Sainte-rose : land of distilleries

Founded in the 17th century, Sainte-Rose is a town marked by the history of colonization and agricultural exploitation, particularly sugarcane cultivation. Over time, it has become an important center for rum production and fishing. Sainte-Rose has preserved its cultural heritage, especially in its artisan and agricultural traditions. Today, the town combines its colonial past with development focused on sustainable tourism while highlighting its cultural roots.

Sainte-Rose is a coastal town in northern Basse-Terre, appreciated for its authenticity, rural areas, and lush forests. It borders Deshaies but has a more agricultural character, dominated by sugarcane fields, banana plantations, and livestock farming. Historically, Sainte-Rose was an important sugar-producing center, as evidenced by the remains of sugar mills and windmills. Today, it hosts the Reimonenq distillery, which produces rum known for its artisanal character and has an adjoining rum museum.

The coastline of Sainte-Rose is distinguished by its mangroves and shallow waters, ideal for traditional fishing and boat trips. The inhabitants have long exploited the sea’s resources, including fish, lobster, and conch. An anecdote tells that fishermen in Sainte-Rose still practice the “coulée de fil” fishing technique, a skill passed down through generations that requires discretion and respect for the marine environment. The islets offshore, like the îlet Caret, are popular destinations for small-group excursions, offering snorkeling opportunities among well-preserved corals.

Culturally, Sainte-Rose is the birthplace of several gwo ka groups, the traditional Guadeloupean music, and hosts annual festive gatherings centered around drums and Creole singing. The town center, relatively quiet, livens up during the patronal feast and year-end celebrations, where artisans exhibit their products and residents gather in the main square to celebrate together. Weekly markets showcase local produce: tropical fruits, spices, fresh fish, rum, and Creole pastries.

From a natural perspective, Sainte-Rose hosts part of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, a protected area where mangroves and coral reefs coexist. Local guides offer ecotourism tours to showcase the rich fauna (birds, crustaceans, tropical fish) and flora (mangroves, wild orchids). These initiatives help raise awareness among visitors about the fragility of this ecosystem and the importance of its preservation. Sainte-Rose thus charms with its rural and marine character, its roots in sugar production, and its passion for Creole culture, making it a must-visit spot for lovers of nature and Guadeloupean heritage.

Urbanism

The town of Sainte-Rose is a blend of Creole houses, small shops, markets, and local restaurants. The town’s urban planning has preserved the traditional Creole charm, integrating modern buildings harmoniously. The town developed around its natural spaces and coastline, with residential areas stretching along beaches and mangroves. The central market is a lively place where locals and visitors can discover local products, spices, and tropical fruits.

Geography of the Sainte-rose commune

Sainte-Rose enjoys a privileged geographical position between sea and mountains, with a coastline lined by beaches and mangroves, and green hills in the background. The town is known for its mangrove, which covers several hectares and hosts exceptional biodiversity, particularly in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. This natural reserve is a popular place for kayaking and boat excursions, allowing visitors to explore islets, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The tropical climate makes the region pleasant all year round, with lush vegetation.

Economic activities

Sainte-Rose’s economy mainly relies on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Artisanal fishing is a historic activity, with seafood like fish and crustaceans sold directly at local markets. Sugarcane cultivation remains important, with the rum distillery attracting visitors for tours and tastings. Tourism, especially ecotourism, is booming, with boat excursions in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, mangrove and islet exploration, as well as diving and snorkeling activities.

Neighboring communes and area

Sainte-Rose is bordered by the communes of Deshaies to the west, Lamentin to the south, and Petit-Bourg to the southeast. It covers an area of about 119 km², making it one of the largest communes in Guadeloupe. Its location gives it direct access to the Caribbean Sea and numerous natural sites.

Access and distances to other cities

Sainte-Rose is located about 25 km from Pointe-à-Pitre and is accessible via national roads connecting the communes of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Its proximity to Deshaies and Lamentin facilitates travel for residents and tourists wanting to explore the region. Coastal roads offer stunning views of the sea and surrounding islets.

Real estate trends

The real estate market in Sainte-Rose is growing, with demand for single-family homes, second homes, and properties near beaches and natural areas. The average price per square meter is around 2,500 euros, though properties with sea views or located near mangroves are especially sought after by investors and families seeking tranquility.

Politics

The current mayor of Sainte-Rose, Mr. Richard Yacou, supports projects aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, protecting natural spaces, and supporting local agriculture. The municipality highlights initiatives to enhance the town’s heritage and preserve the environment, particularly mangrove areas and marine ecosystems. Efforts are also underway to develop infrastructure while respecting the authenticity and harmony of the natural surroundings.

Must-see places and monuments in Sainte-rose

Sainte-Rose is rich in natural and cultural sites. The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, with its calm waters and exceptional biodiversity, is a must-visit for boat and kayak excursions. The Clugny beach, with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the commune, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The Reimonenq rum distillery is another iconic site where visitors can learn about rum production and sample local products. The rum museum next to the distillery offers an immersive experience in the history of rum production in Guadeloupe.

Cultural events

Sainte-Rose’s cultural life is marked by traditional events and local festivals. The patronal feast, dedicated to Sainte-Rose de Lima, is celebrated every year with religious ceremonies, parades, and family activities. Carnival is another highlight, where residents parade in colorful costumes to the beat of drums and Creole music. The town also organizes craft markets and festivals focused on fishing and seafood products, showcasing the cultural and culinary heritage of the region.