BUGGYVisit the island of La Désirade
Our must-sees for discovering this wild, authentic island, best explored freely by buggy or quad.
Just 11 km long, La Désirade is the quietest island of the Guadeloupe archipelago — a wild limestone plateau, deserted beaches, and a handful of sites that tell its singular history. Here's our selection of must-see spots, all easily accessible by buggy or quad.
Beauséjour
The administrative and commercial heart of the island, Beauséjour is best explored on foot among colourful Creole houses, Square Monseigneur Maston, the village church (a listed historic monument), and the ruins of the old boys' school. This is where you'll arrive off the boat, and it's the ideal starting point for your buggy or quad exploration.
Plage du Souffleur
Considered by many visitors to be the island's most beautiful beach, Plage du Souffleur invites you to swim in calm waters, shaded by palm trees. A must for a lazy break between two stops on your ride.
The Pointe Doublé lighthouse
Likely the oldest lighthouse in Guadeloupe, it stands alone at the tip of the island, surrounded by shrubs, cacti, and... iguanas. The path leading there crosses an end-of-the-world landscape, with an unobstructed view over the Atlantic.
The cotton mill ruins
On the way to the lighthouse, take the time to stop at the remains of this former cotton mill, only in operation between 1918 and 1922. Information panels on site retrace the island's history and geological formation, with a superb panorama over the lagoon.
The Baie-Mahault sea cemetery
A unique and moving spot by the ocean, where the island's first inhabitants rest alongside many sailors and fishermen. A stop steeped in history on the road to Pointe Doublé.
The Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire chapel
Reached via a steep path lined with large white crosses, this small chapel offers one of the island's finest views from its lookout point. The climb is steep, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort.
The plateau and Grande Montagne
The limestone plateau overlooking the island offers an almost desert-like landscape, between steep cliffs and low vegetation. The Grande Montagne trail, the island's highest point, rewards visitors with a panoramic view over the ocean and neighbouring islands.
Want to explore all these spots at your own pace, without depending on bus or taxi schedules? That's exactly why buggies and quads are the ideal travel companions on this island.