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Which side of Guadeloupe are you on? This butterfly-shaped French Caribbean island is actually two islands separated by the ultra-narrow Salt River. So, which Guadeloupe are you? The left half of the butterfly is Basse-Terre: rugged, wet, mountainous, volcanic. Grand-Terre, the right wing, is Caribbean paradise all the way: coconut palms, white sand beaches, aqua blue water, windsurfing, etc.
Your exploration into French takes you from our language school in the charming seaside town of Sainte Anne to the living room of a local host family for a week-long French home stay experience. But Sainte Anne isn’t our only destination in Guadeloupe. We camp overnight on the deserted Macou Island, enjoying the white sand beaches. In between weeks of language classes we head to the southeastern shores of Grand-Terre to surf the turquoise waves of Saint François. Then, to finish out the trip, we board a 50-foot catamaran bound for Guadeloupe’s frozen in time outer islands.
“My son came back a confident man, unafraid of any new adventure, raving about how AMAZING the trip was in all regards! ” — Lynda Foresman, Arroyo Grande, CA
The picturesque islands of Iles des Saintes are throwbacks to a Caribbean that scarcely exists. Landscapes dotted with 19th century windmills. Ox traffic. The scent of sugar filling the air. Plus, white sand beaches here that eclipse anything you’ve see thus far. Step back in time and discover something new.
What are my next steps?
Guadeloupe
On its two separate main islands and breathtaking outer islands, it doesn’t get any more French than this.
Saints rule. From Sainte Anne to Saint François to Iles des Saintes, immerse yourself in French language and Creole culture on stunning Guadeloupe.
Basse-Terre
The western, and more rugged side of Guadeloupe’s twin islands boasts rugged cliffs towering waterfalls and the Soufrière Volcano.
Ile des Saintes
An eight-island archipelago discovered by Columbus. Re-discover its uninhabited coasts, and pristine reefs.
Macou Island
This tiny island lies on the northern coast of Grand-Terre. Snorkeling, kayaking and camping out on the beach are favorite pastimes here.
Sainte Anne
You could spend 21 days in this peaceful seaside village along the southern coast of southern Grand-Terre and not utter a word of English. Friendly locals help you feel right at home.
St. Francois
This once sleepy fishing village is wide-awake, bustling with its shops, restaurants and A-list beaches. Surfers and sailors aren't left out of the action.
Broadreach in action. Want a glimpse of the freedom of life on a yacht? Or the thrill of diving with sharks in Fiji, surfing in Baja or cresting the ridge above Machu Picchu? Watch our videos to see and hear our adventures firsthand, and start wishing you were there.