A coastal municipality in the west of Basse-Terre, Pointe-Noire takes its name from volcanic rocks north of the town. Long isolated, the Guadeloupian wood capital has a large agricultural and forestry tradition that still continues today with activities such as coffee cultivation and logging, but also ecotourism. Located at a spot called Les Plaines, the unmissable House of Wood (Maison du Bois) features an arboretum of tropical tree species as well as an exhibition on the different varieties of wood in the region, its various uses, as well as the expertise of the carpenters, joiners and cabinet-makers. The discovery of Pointe-Noire and its agricultural heritage continues with visits to places such as the House of Cocoa (Maison du Cacao) and its eco-museum devoted to the cultivation and production of cocoa, or the Casa Vanille to learn the secrets of the famous vanilla pod.
Before going for a walk in the town of Pointe-Noire, you can also visit the Shell Museum, with its impressive collection of shells from around the world, or the aquaculture park and ouassou (local name for the giant river prawn) farm nestled in beautiful greenery.
Then enjoy a walk in the village to see the church and its neoclassical façade, the 1930s Town Hall built by Ali Tur, the polychrome monument to the dead, and the Republican column with a bust of Marianne.
Before leaving Pointe-Noire, treat yourself to a stroll in the beautiful orchid park, a walk in the rainforest to admire the Acomat Waterfall or a relaxing break on the pleasant Caribbean and Petite Anse beaches!
