Parks and gardens
Guadeloupe, a tropical island located in the Caribbean arc, offers a natural setting shaped by a warm and humid atmosphere. This environment, maintained by constant temperatures between 75°F and 82°F and abundant rainfall that can exceed 11,500 inches annually in the highlands of Basse-Terre, nurtures an exceptionally rich plant heritage. Tree ferns, endemic palms, wild orchids, aquatic plants: the flora comes in countless shades. In this context, the parks and gardens of the archipelago are not simply green spaces, but living scenes where human history, botanical diversity, ecological preservation, and agricultural traditions intertwine.
Historical and agricultural sites
The Domaine de Séverin, on Grande-Terre, is an example of agrotourism heritage. Cultivating sugar cane since the 18th century, it offers visitors the chance to explore a Creole garden and discover more than 20 species of aromatic and medicinal plants, coconut palms, cocoa trees, and herbs used in the production of rum and punches. A ride on a small train through the crops provides an insight into the evolution of agricultural practices and the pr…
…omotion of Guadeloupe's terroir.
Botanical gardens, showcases for tropical flora
The Deshaies Botanical Garden, covering approximately 7 hectares, is home to more than 1,000 species of tropical plants: giant hibiscus, bougainvillea, talipot palms, frangipani, acacia, as well as bromeliads and orchids. Freshwater ponds are home to koi carp, and rainbow lorikeets live in an aviary. Formerly owned by comedian Coluche, this garden offers a walk of about 1.5 hours, punctuated by views of the Caribbean Sea. It is a privileged place to understand the region's botanical richness.
The Goyave Water Garden features ponds with water lilies, lotuses, water hyacinths, papyrus, and water buttercups. Covering approximately 3,000 m², this garden highlights the importance of water resources for the growth of certain plants. The shallow depth of the ponds (approximately 50 cm) makes it easy to observe exotic and endemic aquatic plants, which are essential to the island's wetland ecosystems.
The Valombreuse Floral Park in Petit-Bourg covers more than 5 hectares and features over 500 species of tropical flowers (alpinias, heliconias, porcelain roses, anthuriums). Children's play areas, picnic areas, and a small forest trail make it possible to spend half a day with the family, immersed in a palette of plant colors.
Forest parks and the ecological heart of the archipelago
The Guadeloupe National Park, created in 1989, covers more than 22,000 hectares of land and a vast marine area. Designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it protects more than 300 species of trees, including tree ferns that can grow up to 10 meters tall, gommiers, and fromagers. More than 200 species of birds, including the Guadeloupe woodpecker and the Madeira hummingbird, find refuge there. The marked trails total more than 300 km, offering an in-depth exploration of the canopy, rivers, and waterfalls.
The Maison de la Forêt, located in the heart of Basse-Terre, serves as an interpretation and visitor center, offering explanatory panels on fauna, flora, and geology. Covering approximately 2 hectares, a loop trail allows visitors to admire precious woods (mahogany, mahogany) and hear the songs of endemic birds. Naturalist guides provide information on methods of preserving the tropical rainforest.
Archaeological and memorial parks
The Parc Archéologique des Roches Gravées (Engraved Rocks Archaeological Park) in Trois-Rivières displays more than 230 Native American petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock. These engravings, dating back more than 1,000 years, depict stylized faces, animals, and cosmic symbols. A guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes provides insight into the way of life of the island's first inhabitants. This modestly sized park (a few dozen square meters) contributes to the promotion of Guadeloupe's pre-Columbian heritage.
Urban and landscaped spaces
The Parc Paysager du Calvaire, located in Gosier, is set on a promontory and offers panoramic views of the coast, the Gosier lighthouse, and the islet of the same name. Covering less than 1 hectare, flower beds (bougainvillea, hibiscus), benches, and a paved walkway contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, popular with morning walkers and families.
The Parc de la Source in Petit-Bourg features a small river, fruit trees, and ferns. Covering approximately 2 hectares, the site offers a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are educational panels explaining the water cycle, how springs are formed, and the ecology of the river.
Discovering Caribbean wildlife
The Parc des Mamelles, located on Route de la Traversée, is also known as the Guadeloupe Zoo. This site, covering approximately 4 hectares, is home to more than 85 species of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles), including the Guadeloupe raccoon, the jaguarundi, the tocard toucan, and the saki monkey. A suspended walkway 20 meters above the ground, called Canopée, allows visitors to observe the flora and fauna from the treetops. Each year, the park welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, making it a center for environmental education.
The Ti-Bou Farm, located in a rural area, promotes traditional farming (goats, chickens, rabbits, Creole pigs) on a few hectares. Educational workshops introduce children and adults to practices that respect animal welfare and promote local farm products. This space illustrates the complementary nature of food production, education, and tourism.
Water as a resource and entertainment
The Aquaculture Park in Pointe-Noire is dedicated to fish farming of local species such as tilapia, freshwater crayfish, and ouassou. Covering approximately 1 hectare, artificial ponds demonstrate closed-loop fish farming, the use of natural filtration, and water reuse. Visitors can sample grilled fish on site, learn about sustainable aquaculture techniques, understand the ecological impact of intensive fishing, and appreciate the benefits of diversifying protein sources.
Flora and interpretation in wetlands
The Maison de la Forêt also promotes the importance of wetlands. It is located near marshy areas home to stilt roots and mangroves. Visitors learn about the importance of these ecosystems in filtering water and trapping sediments, as well as the link between forests, waterways, and soil conservation.
Marine wildlife watching
The Guadeloupe Aquarium, located in Gosier, features more than 50 species of tropical fish, sponges, corals, lobsters, and moray eels. Covering approximately 400 m², visitors can admire schools of butterflyfish, damselfish, blue tangs, and angelfish living in waters between 26°C and 28°C. Information panels explain the threats to reefs (bleaching, plastic pollution), restoration efforts (coral nurseries), and the importance of seagrass beds as nurseries for juvenile fish. The aquarium welcomes around 60,000 visitors per year.
Spaces suitable for families and groups
Guadeloupe's parks and gardens are often designed to accommodate large numbers of visitors. Some, such as the Parc des Mamelles and the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies, have restaurants, souvenir shops, parking lots, and sometimes playgrounds. The Karucocoparc Water Park offers family entertainment, while the Aquaculture Park and Ti-Bou Farm are ideal for those interested in culinary and agricultural discoveries. The Domaine de Séverin and the Parc Floral de Valombreuse have restaurants where you can enjoy local products (rum, jams, tropical fruit juices) after your visit.