Making the most of Pointe a Pitre
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships tie up at the center Saint-John Perse cruise terminal, a 15 minute walk to downtown Pointe a Pitre.
The new port terminal cost 1.4 million euros and the capacity of the terminal was increased to 2,000 peope with luggage space doubled and new better defined pedestrian paths created. In addition other amenities were added including a bar and local crafts village.
Printable map to take along.
Pointe-à-Pitre The economical capital of the island, counting with its neighboring parishes about 100 000 inhabitants. Its name comes from "Pointe à Peter", the wharf of a fisherman named Peter, who settled there in the 17th century. After having been an English possession for a short period, Guadeloupe became a French territory in the 18th century, when he city grew important partly owing to the freebooters having their headquarters there. The city had been destroyed several times (earthquake, burning, hurricane), therefore little old houses and no architectural uniformity are to be found. Nowadays it is a very animated town, at daytime and…
Getting around
Buses: several private bus lines connect Pointe-à-Pitre or Basse-Terre with all villages. No timetables, stop on sign.
Taxis: fares are set by the government; they are pretty expensive as soon as you leave the cities.
Rental cars: there are lots of car rentals, but reservations especially between December and April are advisable.
Nearby places
Take a ferry to the Guadeloupean island of Marie-Galante (ferries depart from Pointe-a-Pitre throughout the day; the ride takes 60 minutes each way). There you can visit Chateau Murat, a restored 17th century sugar plantation and rum distillery. There are also lovely beaches.
Food and shopping
The markets: the Darse Market, the Market Saint-Antoine, the Market Saint-Jules and the Flower market at the square Gourbeyre. Spices, fruits, vegetables and tropical flowers are sold in a colorful and noisy atmosphere.
The shopping streets: the streets Frébault, Nozières, Schoelcher and the small side streets, where the neighboring luxury boutiques, general stores and souvenir shops create a noisy, colorful and animated atmosphere.
Money
The currency is the Euro. Most banks and bank machines accept most international credit cards.
Credit cards: are welcomed almost everywhere, the best known is Visa.
Staying connected
Police: 17
Free wifi in the cruise terminal.
The official language is French. Most people speak creole. In big tourist centers and at the northern islands (Saint-Martin, Saint-Bartholomew), they also speak English.
Opening Hours and
Stores are usually open 8.00 am to noon and from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Businesses are closed Saturday afternoons, Sundays, holidays and very often Wednesday afternoons.