Tourist information:
La Désirade is a small island, east of Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe. It is eleven kilometers long for only two kilometers wide and is shaped like the keel of a boat back when viewed from afar. Beautiful sandy beaches and unique natural heritage provide La Désirade visitors unforgettable holidays.
La Désirade history :
The good life, the friendly people and the beautiful name of the island do not let you imagine that the history of La Désirade was difficult.
It has been inhabited for several centuries, first by Native Americans who named it "Oualiri" and "Cayooli", then by Columbus men who found solace during a stopover during Columbus' s second trip to Guadeloupe. In this regard, he called the island "Deseada" (Desired). The French, settling there several years later, gave the island its current name, Désirade.
In 1674, the island was officially declared Guadeloupe dependency . In 1725, its story changed radically. The island, with its dry soil, did not attract settlers, and was then almost uninhabited. It was therefore decided to make it a haven for lepers of Guadeloupe. The Sisters of Charity treated lepers until 1956! Since 1763, the continental unwanted, scoundrels and outlaws, had been forced into exile on the island of Desirade.
Moreover, in 1865 a cholera epidemic struck the inhabitants. Furthermore, in 1899 and 1989, two hurricanes destroyed almost all houses. Desirade was struck by misfortune ...
Fortunately, since the 1990s, the small island has been living more peacefully. It slowly blossomed and modernized. Its activities are centered around ecotourism.
To see / To do :
The villages of Désirade are only placed on the south coast of the island and only one road connects them to each other. There are mainly superb sandy beaches, protected by a coral reef which delights diving lovers. Just east of the island, the Pointe Doublé Lighthouse sits proudly.
The north side of Désirade is more difficult to access although there are many hiking trails. If you are a hiking lover, you will discover wild landscapes, sea cliffs and hidden coves.
The Petite-Terre island depends from Désirade. It has been declared "Nature Reserve" since 1994. Completely uninhabited, though it hosts rich and remarkably diverse flora and fauna. Endangered animals live there peacefully: iguanas, white-tailed tropicbird or agoutis. The Lighthouse at the End of the World is now a wildlife and flora museum .
