Guadeloupe is a French overseas 'departement'. The colony comprises a group of nine islands in the eastern Caribbean, of which Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre are the two most important. Grand-Terre is renowned for its cosmopolitan flair and has a flourishing economy. Basse-Terre on the other hand, in complete contrast, is a paradise for relaxation with an impressive untouched mountainous landscape. At the heart of the island is the volcano, "Soufrière", which is surrounded by a wonderful tropical rainforest.
The island group of Guadeloupe is a paradise for the physically active. Biking, golf, tennis, canoeing and diving are just some of the sports visitors can enjoy on the "butterfly of the Caribbean", as it is also known. Guadaloupe has a very special attraction for divers: the underwater "Jaques Cousteau" nature reserve is a mecca for hobby divers and visitors are guaranteed to be impressed by its breathtaking marine vegetation.
