Tourist information:
The town of Grand-Bourg is the capital of the Marie Galante island and belongs to the department of Guadeloupe. The small pancake-shaped island is known for its plant diversity and rum that has been produced there for centuries.
With its seaport, Grand-Bourg is the ideal base to discover a traditional and warm island.
History:
As its name suggests, the town of Grand-Bourg is the largest island of Marie Galante (called Aichi in Caribbean). The island was named by Christopher Columbus in connection with the name of one of its boats.
The large supply of fresh water of the Folle Anse marsh prompted the Carib Indian to settle here in the first millennium. The first settlers besieged the island in 1648 and in 1660 members of the Carmelite Order founded a convent.
In the 17th century Grand-Bourg suffered a long period of unrest: looted by the Dutch and the English in 1690, it was also burned by them. The city came to life thanks to its port, shortly before the French Revolution.
In 1792 Marie-Galante asked its independence from Guadeloupe but manifests its commitment to the French Republic. The town of Grand-Bourg became the administrative center of the island and took the name of "Reunion" until 1794.
Grand-Bourg was renamed "Joinville" in 1838, in honor of the Prince of Joinville after his trip in Guadeloupe and the Antilles.
The nineteenth century was also a difficult time for Grand-Bourg as for the whole island of Marie Galante which experienced cyclones, earthquakes, fires and cholera epidemics.
To see / To do :
The small town of Grand-Bourg is known for the warm welcome it offers to its visitors. The city is hidden behind its baroque church, which deserves closer attention, and its city hall. The port is a nice place where the boats are full of fish and freshly fished shellfish.
The market, which stands on a pretty colorful square, is a good opportunity to discover the local products: spices, fruits and vegetables.
From Grand-Bourg, many opportunities for day trips are offered to explore the island of Marie Galante. Minibus, quad or scooter, it's your choice.
