Terre-de-Haut is a commune in the Saintes archipelago, in the south of Guadeloupe.
Its territory encompasses several islands: the main (6 km²) is precisely named Terre-de-Haut, but also include Îlet in Cabrit, Grand-Ilet, Redonde and the Rocks Percées, whose areas are smaller.
Discovered by Christopher Columbus, the archipelago was colonized from 1648 and was contentious and armed with England until 1815. The most famous battle took place in 1782, when French and British ships s In the middle of the War of Independence of the United States.
Enjoying a tropical climate tempered by the trade winds, Terre-de-Haut has a little more than 1800 inhabitants, and its main district, Fond-du-Cure, is located in the heart of the island, on the bay registered since 1997 Beautiful bays in the world, an association recognized by UNESCO.
If 90% of the territory of Terre-de-Haut is protected because of its natural wealth (fauna and flora), reasoned tourism has become one of the resources of the commune, in addition to fishing and crafts.
A stage or a stay in Terre-de-Haut may include the discovery of some vestiges of the colonial era, testimonies of the battles Franco-English and the defensive devices put in place. This is the case of Fort Louis, which became Napoleon's stronghold, erected in 1779. As a protective enclosure, it was reinforced under Napoleon III according to the principles of Vauban's bastions. It was never used except as a garrison (until 1890). The visit includes a room dedicated to the evocation of the battle of 1782. Information in +33 6 90 50 73 47.
On the islet at Cabrit, off the coast at Fond-du-Curé, remains of Fort Josephine dating from 1777, rebuilt in the nineteenth after its destruction by the English. During the second half of the 19th century, a detention center and a lazaretto were built, which closed at the beginning of the 20th century. The island has since recovered its tranquility...
Other legacies of agitated past are still visible on the main island, old batteries that can be included in hiking trails.
The enchanting landscape, the charm of the creole dwellings or the wild spaces of the interior of the island are all reasons to discover Terre-de-Haut on foot or by mountain bike. And with a little luck, it is possible to spot a Caribbean iguana, protected species... All information on the trails and route at +33 5 90 94 30 61.
But Terre-de-Haut is also renowned for its beaches (more than a dozen), usually covered with golden sand. The main (Anse du Bourg, Fond-du-Cure cove, Grande Anse) more readily welcome a family audience and ships and sailing boats in anchorage. Others, more difficult to access sometimes, will delight the tourists in search of tranquility.
For the practice of diving, please call +33 5 90 99 88 80; For small cruises on a sailboat with skipper, contact the +33 5 90 99 58 69.
There is no question of visiting Terre-de-Haut without taking advantage of the vegetable and fish market on Tuesday morning, rue Cassin (Fond-du-Curé). The opportunity also to taste a "torment of love", culinary specialty of the island (tart with the coconut jam and guava with a biscuit).
