Located just off the famous Castles Headland of Grande-Terre, La Désirade, which is reached by boat from Saint-François in around 45 minutes, enchants visitors with its scenery as well as its idyllic name.
Encircled by the Atlantic Ocean, this peaceful and tranquil island offers magnificent panoramic views, especially from the Doublé Headland, where you can admire a wild, arid landscape… In this part of the island, you can also see an old meteorological station, a lighthouse and the ruins of a cotton factory. Not far from there is the starting point of the Route de la Montagne which, from its heights, delivers an incredible view of the village of Baie-Mahault, the Doublé Headland lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean! Lovers of panoramic views should also be sure to visit the charming little blue and white chapel of Our Lady of the Calvary, located above the town of Beauséjour. Indeed, from its orientation table, this hillside site offers untrammelled views of La Désirade coast and the surrounding islands! On the way back down, don't hesitate to stop by Beauséjour. While the town has suffered somewhat during cyclones in the past, it nonetheless provides heritage-lovers with an 18th-century wooden presbytery to look at, as well as a pretty little church containing a Virgin and Child from the 18th century, and a scale model of a boat that is used in the sailors' day procession on 16 August. Beauséjour also has several memorials such as the statue of the famous abolitionist Victor Schoelcher or the monument to sailors lost at sea. The harbour is also worth a visit, as is the very moving marine cemetery with conch shell-adorned graves, before taking a little trip to the Hummingbirds Headland (Pointe des Colibris) with its cross. There you might meet a few iguanas, and you are sure to enjoy a beautiful view of the south coast of La Désirade and the immense expanse of the ocean.
Before you leave the island, a spot of sunbathing on the famous Souffleur beach is a must! Popular with locals and holidaymakers alike, this pleasant and magnificent sandy beach is ideal for a spot of relaxation, a picnic or a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the lagoon…
