Grande Terre
The Nord Grande-Terre Agglomeration Community (CANGT) is a grouping of six municipalities located in the northern part of the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe: Anse-Bertrand, Le Moule, Morne-à-l'Eau, Petit-Canal, Port-Louis, and Saint-François. Created in 2012, this intercommunal structure aims to strengthen the economic, social, and environmental development of the region while promoting its exceptional historical and natural heritage.
Located between agricultural plains and preserved coas…
…tlines, CANGT benefits from remarkable landscape diversity. It is known for its vast sugarcane fields, white sandy beaches, and historical sites linked to the history of slavery and the settlement of Guadeloupe. With a population of around 80,000 inhabitants, this territory combines rural character and tourism dynamism, offering a high quality of life to its residents and visitors.
A territory of opportunities and heritage
How was the Nord Grande-Terre Agglomeration Community formed?
Before the creation of this agglomeration community, each municipality operated independently, with its own development strategies. In 2012, pooling resources allowed for a more coherent territorial policy focused on sustainable development, the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and the strengthening of local infrastructures.
What are the strengths of the six member municipalities?
Le Moule is a former sugar port, now a dynamic economic center with expanding commercial and industrial zones. Anse-Bertrand, with its spectacular coastline, is home to the famous Pointe de la Grande Vigie, a site offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Morne-à-l'Eau is known for its black-and-white checkerboard cemetery, a unique place of its kind. Petit-Canal is rich in history, featuring the Slave Steps, an emblematic site of Guadeloupean memory. Port-Louis attracts visitors with its coconut-lined beaches, notably the popular Souffleur Beach. Finally, Saint-François is one of Guadeloupe’s major tourist hubs, with its marina, golf course, and nearby islands accessible by boat.
Cultural and tourist dynamism
How do culture and tourism contribute to CANGT’s influence ?
The Nord Grande-Terre Agglomeration Community focuses on promoting its cultural heritage to boost its attractiveness. Agricultural traditions, particularly sugarcane cultivation and rum production, are highlighted through distillery visits and local gastronomy events. Carnival, communal festivals, and artisan markets also help energize the region’s cultural life.
Which sites and events are must-sees for visitors ?
The territory is full of places to discover, including historical sites, paradisiacal beaches, and hiking trails. The checkerboard cemetery of Morne-à-l’Eau, the Slave Steps of Petit-Canal, and the Pointe de la Grande Vigie are iconic spots in Nord Grande-Terre. Nature lovers are drawn to Souffleur Beach in Port-Louis and the lagoons of Saint-François, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
Rural tourism and ecotourism are also developing, with an emphasis on local farms, sugarcane plantations, and biodiversity discovery trails. Many excursions allow visitors to explore mangroves, observe local wildlife, and understand the impact of nature on the region’s history.
Transport and accessibility
How to get around Nord Grande-Terre?
CANGT is accessible by car from Pointe-à-Pitre, with well-maintained roads facilitating travel to each municipality. However, public transport remains limited, mainly consisting of bus networks connecting the larger towns. Shared taxis are a common alternative for residents and visitors who do not have a personal vehicle.
A transport infrastructure modernization project is underway, aiming to improve traffic flow and strengthen sustainable mobility options. Initiatives are also being implemented to encourage carpooling and the introduction of bike lanes in some rural and urban areas.
Are there maritime and air connections?
Saint-François has a small regional airport offering domestic flights and connections to nearby islands. The port of Saint-François is also a strategic point for maritime transport, with ferries linking Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes. These connections facilitate day trips and promote the development of inter-island tourism.
Quality of life and future outlook
The territory faces several challenges, including improving road infrastructure and economic diversification. One of CANGT’s objectives is to develop more sustainable tourism by emphasizing ecotourism and cultural heritage. Projects to restore historic sites and preserve natural areas are underway to attract responsible tourism while maintaining the territory’s authenticity.
How is the community preparing for its future development ?
Several initiatives are in place to modernize the territory and improve residents’ quality of life. Energy transition is a major focus, with the development of renewable energies and efforts for better waste management. Transport services are also being rethought to improve connections between municipalities and facilitate access to essential services.
The Nord Grande-Terre Agglomeration Community is undergoing significant changes, seeking to reconcile economic development with the preservation of its identity. Thanks to its unique heritage, natural diversity, and cultural richness, it positions itself as an attractive territory for both its residents and visitors seeking authenticity and discovery.