Car hire in Guadeloupe
Hiring a car in Guadeloupe
A world away from mainland France is the archipelago of Guadeloupe. The overseas territory features a group of islands that are a little taste of paradise and attract tourists from all walks of life. It isn't difficult to see why Guadeloupe is so popular, as soon as your plane hits the tarmac you'll be amazed by the beautiful tropical location. There's so much to see and do, so hiring a car is the perfect way to make the most of your visit to Guadeloupe. Driving while visiting Guadeloupe is cost effective and allows you to take your adventure into your own hands.
What you need to know
There are a several car hire companies to choose from in Guadaloupe, giving you a range of offers in terms of car type and price. You can make it easier to find the right hire car for you by using our booking tool. Not only will you get a clear idea of the cars for hire, this also means you can guarantee there are no hidden costs. On top of this, we also offer around the clock support, as well as free cancellation. This is why so many people come to Holiday Autos when it comes to booking a hire car.
Where to pick up your car
Flying into Guadeloupe means you'll arrive at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport on the island of Grande-Terre. You're able to pick your hire car up from here, allowing you to start your exploration of Guadeloupe straight away. You'll find car hire desks in the annex building near the north terminal. From there, your car hire company will direct you to vehicle pick-up. Some companies also offer pick-ups from elsewhere if you don't want to collect your car from the airport. Be sure to check the pick-up address before you travel if this is the case.
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Where to go
Each of the islands in Guadeloupe has something different to offer, ensuring you can enjoy a varied trip. If you want gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear water, head to Grand-Terre. For mountain views and nature, you can't beat Basse-Terre, while the smaller islands that are accessible by boats offer a taste of old Guadeloupe. Whether you want an active holiday or relaxed vacation, car hire can help you make the most of your time on the islands.
Nearby Guadeloupe
If you're starting point is Pointe-a-Pitre, you have plenty of options for things to do and places to go at your fingertips. While you have the two main islands of Guadeloupe to explore, there are some great places to go closer to hand. This includes the seaside town of Gosier, which offers stunning views, great beaches and boats to Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. Close to the centre of the town is Fort Fleur d'Epé, a French garrison built back in 1759 that is definitely worth a trip. The drive is just over 7 km via Route de Chauvel and well worth it.
For an inland location, travel the 25 km via Rue du Moule to Le Moule. The town was a former capital of Guadeloupe, as well as a Native American settlement back in precolonial times. This means that a great number of archaeological finds are displayed at the museum, which is worth a visit. The area is also full of historical buildings and ruins, which give you insight into old Guadeloupe.
Longer drives
You can't go to Guadeloupe without visiting Guadeloupe National Park, which is located on Basse-Terre island. The 28-km journey can take as little as 45 minutes via the N1 and is worth the drive. At the park, you'll get to choose from 300 km of hiking trails, there are hundreds of types of plants and flowers, as well as animals and get to see La Soufrière Volcano. To experience as much as possible, drive along the D23, which is a trans-coastal highway taking you past waterfalls, lookout points and picnic areas.
While Guadeloupe has numerous beaches to choose from, one of the prettiest can be found at Port-Louis. Plage du Souffleur is a wide stretch of white sand surrounded by flame trees that is the perfect place for a swim. The small fishing village is also lovely, with brightly painted houses and vintage touches. It is also close to Pointe de la Grande Vigie, which offers 360-degree views of the ocean and neighbouring islands in good weather.
Top attractions to visit in Guadeloupe
With so much on offer throughout Guadeloupe, you are sure to enjoy exploring the top attractions with a flexibility that only car hire can give you.
Jacques Cousteau's Underwater Reserve
It isn't just on land that you can see what Guadeloupe has to offer; there is a lot more to explore under the waves. The best place for underwater adventure is Jacques Cousteau's Underwater Reserve, which is just off the coast of Basse-Terre. You can snorkel, scuba dive or go on a glass-bottom boat to see a range of aquatic wildlife, including turtles, barracuda and parrotfish, as well as colourful coral. The reserve caters to all diving abilities, so you are able to enjoy the water whether you're a beginner or a pro.
Marie-Galante Island
Boat trips mean you can explore the smaller islands off Guadeloupe's 'mainland'. This includes Marie-Galante, or as the locals call it, the Big Pancake. The flat, round island is home to beautiful beaches and atmospheric windmill ruins, which are dotted all over. You can learn about Marie-Gallante's sugar farming history at the Habitation Murat, which also includes exhibitions about the island's culture and art. It is also worth heading to the restored colonial mansion and seeing if any local events are happening.
Markets of Pointe-a-Pitre
If it's shopping you want, Pointe-a-Pitre is the place to do it. The town offers everything you could possibly think of throughout its mix of shops and outdoor markets, making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. You can also try some of the local foods at the market, many of which are as colourful as the people selling them. To cool off during hot weather, head to the harbourside market to enjoy the sea breeze and check out the mix of spices, clothing and local crafts.