Beautiful Basse Terre

Basse Terre. Where does its name come from? The name literally translates to "Lowland," but what if I told you it's a volcanic and mountainous region, with the highest mountain range in the Lesser Antilles? So, why does its name seem to be so contradictory? In fact, its topology doesn't come from it's altitude, but rather from marine lingo that named the lands based on the trade winds, and which part of the island they hit first. Being hit last by the winds, this region earned its name, Basse Terre.

As Basse Terre is the region with the rainforest, the weather is often more humid and more rainy. Driving through Basse Terre is a beautiful adventure itself - small winding roads through lush walls of green with vines dangling down above you. Taking on this adventure at night, however, can be more tricky, as there are no street lights, and of course not even the slightest glimmer of city lights! Just pure darkness with the moon above in the infinite clear sky, accompanied by millions of glittering diamonds.

Towering over the region of Basse Terre is the famous "old lady." Nicknamed by Guadeloupians as such, this active volcano, la Soufriere, is the highest point in Guadeloupe. Thanks to the volcano, you can also enjoy several black-sand beaches and hot springs.

When you make it all the way across to the most western part of the island, you will come to the Cousteau Reserve, named after the French explorer and scientist, Jacques Cousteau. This is a protected marine area with coral reefs where you can see many different types of fish, big and small, sea turtles, eels, and seahorses.

The Third Cabret Falls

The First and Second Cabret Falls

This area of Guadeloupe offers many opportunities to explore the nature by walking along any of its many hiking trails. But don't count on coming back from a hike without legs covered in mud! Some of the trails lead to waterfalls, where you can even take a dip in the pool that catches the waterfall. Jumping in the cold river water feels quite refreshing after a long hike in the humidity of the rainforest.  Otherwise, you can admire the grandesse of the Carbet Falls that flow down the slopes of the volcano and that caught the eye of Christopher Columbus during his second voyage. Being the first sign of water, they inspired him to coin the nickname, "Island of Beautiful Waters," for Guadeloupe. 

Porcelain Roses

Trekking through the rainforest you can come across kapok trees, huge rubber trees, wild pineapples, different sizes of ferns, and more than 100 varieties of orchids. However, the best way to see Guadeloupe's native flora is to take a walk through the Botanical Garden, where you will be struck by the beauty of the porcelain roses, discover exotic fruit trees, such as the breadfruit tree, and even get eye-to-eye with the colorful lorikeet birds.

If you are up for any kind of adventure with nature or are a fauna and flaura fanatic, Basse Terre is the place to explore.

To get a better picture of the beautiful Basse Terre, take a look at the video I put together by clicking below:

VIDEO: Exploring Basse Terre