Deshaies is a coastal town in Guadeloupe, 27 km west of Lamentin (by road) northwest of Basse-Terre.
Large 32 km², its territory rises to 758 meters above sea level, the town and beaches are located in a bay that dominate the cultivated hills and woodlands.
Agriculture (production of vanilla, cocoa and coffee), artisanal fishing and more recently a quarry to produce gravel and sand on the heights of the town remain the pillars of the small town economy Deshaies of which has also become a major tourist attraction for the development in 1957 of the national Highway 2. its picturesque character with its traditional Creole dwellings and beaches shaped postcards are now unavoidable. Thus, in 1960, was established the first village of Club Med in the Caribbean. Deshaies, which has about 4100 inhabitants, is a step to focus during a stay in Guadeloupe.
In terms of heritage, besides the typical charm of the city, few sites are essential to discover.
This is the case of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. A first building was built in 1840 but it is actually completed until after the Second War, after first revisions in 1933. The project mobilized the parishioners (more than 3000 days of work were accumulated based volunteering). Damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the church has since been rebuilt and has a ship hull-shaped vault.
Still on the religious level, noted that the locality of Matouba, the Notre Dame sanctuary includes several chapels in a bucolic setting, the site is run by a religious order based in Canada.
Near the town of Deshaies, bust Delgres pays homage to original mulatto officer who made a career in the Army of the Republic, opposed to English, and then joined the rebels engaged in the nineteenth century in the fight against the excesses of colonialism.
Finally, impossible not to notice and appreciate the monumental sculpture "L'Observateur", conducted in 1996. Weighing 13 tons and 3.50 meters high, designed by Breton artist Jean-Yves Menez, it is made of different materials (marble, volcanic rock) and symbolizes the bonds of local culture with Africa.
Then, before enjoying the beautiful beaches of the city, an exotic and enriching break is possible at the Botanical Garden, a 7-hectare park designed by landscape architect Michel Gaillard. We discover magnificent collections in terms of variety of species available and botanical collections. Porcelain pink ginger red through the bougainvillea, hibiscus, orchids and other flowers, it is a living museum in the open where many exotic birds have their lair. Note that this area was once the garden of the second home of Coluche (then the house, however, was destroyed and a house dedicated to seasonal rentals replaced it). Open every day. Price: from 8.40 to 16.90 euros. Information on 0590 28 43 02.
Directorate beaches last. The most famous is that of Grand Anse, which stretches 2 km, its golden sand is bordered by palm trees. For relaxing or swimming is ideal. The site is also popular with boaters who are numerous in wet season off. For lovers of water sports (sailing, learning to sail, mini cruises and diving), join the club Calypso 0590 690 76 05. 96
Other beaches (Fort Royal, the Pearl, Petite Anse particular), more modest in terms of size, are equally charming.
A coastal hiking lets all admire. Other courses including for example the view of Gadet (where an ornate laurels belvedere one can admire the coastline and the green hills above the town) are also possible. Maps and information 0590 21 41 09.
For other sports, the municipal complex has several courses and the local tennis club is open to visitors (a short book on 0590 28 59 37).
