Botanical Gardens Waiting for You

Our archipelago is a destination renowned for its natural wealth and its commitment to preserving biodiversity. Among its hidden treasures, the botanical gardens stand out for their exceptional beauty, fascinating history and ability to offer visitors a total immersion in tropical flora. Whether in the heart of lush forests, by the sea or on a mountainside, each location is an invitation to discover Guadeloupe's natural wonders.

In this article, we invite you to explore four of the archipelago's most beautiful botanical gardens: the Botanical Garden of Deshaies, the Garden of Valombreuse in Petit-Bourg, the Botanical Garden of Desert in La Désirade and the Garden of Fort Napoléon in Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes.

Two of these gardens, Valombreuse and Deshaies, were recently honored with Tripadvisor's prestigious Travelers' Choice 2024 Award, ranking 4th and 7th respectively among the best attractions in the Caribbean.

1. Deshaies Botanical Garden: A tropical Eden north of Basse-Terre

Located north-west of Basse-Terre, this garden is a veritable tropical oasis covering 7 hectares. This enchanting place attracts nature and botany enthusiasts from all over the world. Its recognition at Travelers' Choice 2024, where it ranked 7th among the best attractions in the Caribbean, testifies to its incredible appeal.

History and creation of the garden

The garden is located on the former estate of French comedian Coluche, a site steeped in history and charm. In 1991, landscape architect Michel Gaillard, a close friend of Coluche's, set about transforming the property into a botanical garden. After several years of painstaking work, the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies opened its doors in 2001, offering visitors a unique space where local and exotic flora cohabit harmoniously.

Flora and Fauna

The Deshaies Botanical Garden boasts an impressive collection of over 1,000 species of tropical plants. From flamboyants, orchids, hibiscus and bougainvillea to giant bamboos and an incredible variety of palms, the garden presents a unique botanical panorama. As you stroll along its paths, you'll also have the chance to meet exotic animals such as pink flamingos, parrots and koi carp in the pond.

Attractions & Experiences

What sets the Deshaies Botanical Garden apart is its attention to detail and the many activities on offer to visitors. The discovery trail is dotted with points of interest such as the artificial waterfall and the suspension bridge, offering spectacular views of the gardens and the ocean. The restaurant overlooks the Caribbean Sea, where you can savour local dishes while enjoying views of the gardens. While visiting the garden, nature lovers can also take part in educational workshops to discover tropical biodiversity.

2. Valombreuse Garden in Petit-Bourg: A Natural Treasure in the Heart of the Forest

Ranked 4th in Travelers' Choice 2024 for the best Caribbean attractions, Jardin de Valombreuse is a biodiversity paradise nestled in the commune of Petit-Bourg, close to the Basse-Terre rainforest. The site offers a peaceful and enchanting setting for plant and nature lovers.

A place of history and conservation

Created in the 1980s, the Valombreuse Garden is the fruit of a passion for preserving the region's tropical and endemic species. Covering almost 5 hectares, the garden combines walking areas, picnic areas and zones reserved for the discovery of Guadeloupe's flora and fauna.

Varied and colorful flora

The garden boasts a diverse collection of plant species, with a predilection for tropical flowers. You can admire rare species such as porcelain roses, giant anthuriums, alpinias and a wide variety of bromeliads. Lovers of medicinal plants will also be delighted by an area dedicated to plants used in traditional Creole pharmacopoeia.

Attractions for the whole family

The Valombreuse Garden also stands out for its little train which offers you a magical ride. A large playground, as well as a wildlife park housing tropical birds, turtles and other local animals, make this a particularly attractive place for families. Visitors can also take a refreshing dip in a river running through the estate, or enjoy a moment of relaxation in the landscaped areas.

3. Desert Botanical Garden in La Désirade: Resilient Flora in the Heart of an Arid Environment

Located on the island of La Désirade, the Desert Botanical Garden is a hidden gem that perfectly illustrates the diversity of ecosystems found in the Guadeloupe archipelago. Unlike the lush gardens of Basse-Terre, this garden features vegetation adapted to dry conditions, echoing the arid, dry environment of La Désirade.

A unique ecosystem

The Desert Botanical Garden is a remarkable example of ecological adaptation. It features a wide variety of cacti, agaves, aloes and other succulents, which thrive in difficult climatic conditions. In addition to its natural beauty, the garden is also a space for the study and conservation of species endemic to La Désirade.

An Oasis of Tranquility

This garden is distinguished by its peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Unlike more touristy gardens, the Desert Botanical Garden offers visitors a moment of calm and contemplation. The well-maintained paths and explanatory panels enable visitors to discover the specific features of the local flora while enjoying the raw beauty of La Désirade.

4. Garden of Napoleon Fort in Terre-de-Haut: Between History and Nature

Perched on the heights of Terre-de-Haut, in the Saintes archipelago, the Garden of Fort Napoléon is a place where nature and history come together harmoniously. This botanical garden is located in the heart of Napoleon Fort, a 19th-century fortress overlooking the Bay of Les Saintes, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world.

An emblematic historic site

Napoleon Fort, built in 1867, played a strategic role in the defense of the Saintes archipelago. Today, the fort houses a museum dedicated to local history, as well as a magnificent botanical garden showcasing the island's typical xerophilous flora.

Xerophilous flora and endemic species

The fort's garden specializes in drought-resistant plants such as cacti, euphorbias and agaves. These species, perfectly adapted to Terre-de-Haut's dry climate, are a fine example of the region's biodiversity. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands as you stroll along the garden paths.