Les Saintes: a guide to planning your day
An archipelago comprising two inhabited islands, each with its own distinct character — Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas — set around one of the world’s most beautiful bays. Here’s how to get there, what to do on each island, and how to plan a stress-free day out.
To the south of Guadeloupe, the Saintes archipelago comprises two very different inhabited islands. Terre-de-Haut, a lively, pedestrianised island, is where most of the tourist activity is centred; Terre-de-Bas, a quieter, more rural island, lives to the rhythm of its fishing villages. To confuse the two is to miss out on the archipelago: this guide clearly distinguishes between them to help you choose.
Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas: two islands, two different atmospheres
Les Saintes is not just a single island. Here’s what sets the archipelago’s two inhabited islands apart.
- Pedestrianised town centre & harbourColourful houses, a fishing village atmosphere.
- Fort NapoleonThe fort overlooking the bay, its garden and the panoramic view.
- Sugar Loaf MountainThe iconic rock and the path leading to a viewpoint.
- BeachesPompierre, Crawen, Anse du Figuier — on foot from the village.
- Fishing villagesPetites-Anses and Grande-Anse: a preserved local way of life.
- Rural setting & natureTrails, hills and a wilder coastline.
- Quiet beachesA calmer atmosphere than in Terre-de-Haut.
- Local heritageThe island’s church, traditions and local expertise.
How to get to Les Saintes
You can reach the archipelago by ferry (a regular service) or via an organised day trip. Which ferry to take depends on your port of departure and your destination island. Timetables, days of operation and fares are listed on each ferry page.
Things to do whilst you’re there
The itinerary depends on the island. Here are the must-see attractions, which you can adapt to suit your time and the weather.
- Stroll through the pedestrianised town centre and along the harbour.
- Head up to Fort Napoléon for the panoramic view of the bay.
- Head to the Pain de Sucre via its footpath.
- Enjoy the beaches near the village (Pompierre, Crawen).
- Discover the villages of Petites-Anses and Grande-Anse.
- Take your time on the quiet beaches.
- Walking along the wilder paths and coastline.
- Experience local life and the island’s heritage.
Exclusive ICIGO holiday packages in Les Saintes
To make planning easier, some ICIGO packages combine the ferry crossing with a local tour. The exact details depend on the destination and availability.
- Choose your island — Terre-de-Haut for its attractions and entertainment, Terre-de-Bas for its tranquillity.
- Check that it starts properly — The shuttle service depends on your port and your destination island (see ‘How to get there’).
- Set off early — to make the most of the day and enjoy the sea, which is often calmer in the morning.
- Make sure you wear suitable footwear — The Sugarloaf Trail and the climb up to Fort Napoleon are done on foot.
- Protect the site — water, a hat, and respect for beaches, footpaths and villages.
Depending on your point of departure and the island you’ve chosen, here are the connections you’ll need to book.
Terre-de-Haut is the liveliest and most popular island: a pedestrianised town centre, Fort Napoléon, Pain de Sucre and nearby beaches. Terre-de-Bas is more rural and peaceful, with its fishing villages. These are two distinct inhabited islands; choose whichever suits the atmosphere you’re looking for.
It depends on your port of departure and your destination island. For Terre-de-Haut: Trois-Rivières, Pointe-à-Pitre or Saint-François. For Terre-de-Bas: the dedicated service from Trois-Rivières. Timetables and fares are listed on each route’s page.
An organised excursion includes the crossing and a full day’s programme. The shuttle bus is simply a transport service, if you’d prefer to organise your day yourself once you’re there.
There are separate routes to each of the two islands from Guadeloupe. For a leisurely visit, it’s best to spend the day on just one island. Our team can help you organise your trip to suit the time you have available.
ICIGO has been your local travel agency in Guadeloupe since 2013. We select and organise day trips and shuttle services to Les Saintes, and we’ll be there to help you before, during and after your day out.