PORTS OF CALL - Caribbean
Pointe A Pitre, Guadaloupe
Pointe-à-Pitre, the island's main city, is located on the eastern "butterfly wing" and is really fun to explore on foot. Among the most popular attractions are the open-air and covered marketplaces just a couple of streets from the harbor front. They are worth a visit not only for their multicolored and many-scented treasures, but also because of the animated exchanges of the locals. If atmosphere is what you're seeking, this is the place to soak it all in!
Don't Miss
A couple of blocks north of the Quai de la Darse, which is an extensive pier edging the length of the waterfront, is Pointe-à-Pitre's major landmark, the Gustav Eiffel-designed steel Cathédrale de St-Pierre-et-St-Paul. It is nicknamed the "Iron Cathedral" because of its skeleton of bolted iron ribs, designed to keep the church standing through hurricanes and earthquakes.
Sporting Adventures
For golfing enthusiasts, there is a spectacular golf course called Golf Municipal Saint-Francois. You can also take the Grande-Terre Driving Tour and the Pointe-à-Pitre Walking Tour. Both are fantastic ways to see the city.
Shopping for Bargains
The city is liveliest around the Quai, which is lined with most of Guadeloupe's markets. You can find a jamboree of spices, fruit, fish, and T-shirts sold here from dawn until mid-afternoon. Get something to remember your trip. Just don't bring back any fish!
Local Flavours
In La Marina, you will discover many unique bars and restaurants. In the district Bas du Fort, you can have a drink and dance at Bario Caliente, where they play salsa, bachata and merengue.
The local drink is white rum. One drink and it will melt you into the island way of life. Also not to be missed, the Colombo (chicken, rice, curry), imported from India, has become a favorite regional plate.
Currency
The currency in Pointe-à-Pitre is the Euro. ( €1 to US$1.28). Some of the larger liquor stores and jewelry stores may accept dollars, but not always.