Deshaies, Guadeloupe
Museums
A great museum to visit in Deshaies (Guadeloupe) is the Maison du Cacao, which showcases the history and production of chocolate on the island. If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might want to check out the Memorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre, which focuses on the history and cultural heritage of the Caribbean region. Another option is the Musée Saint-John Perse in Pointe-à-Pitre, which is dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning poet who was born in Guadeloupe.
Food
In Deshaies (Guadeloupe), some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes among locals are:
1. Accras: deep-fried fritters made with salt cod or other fish, seasoned with herbs and spices.
2. Colombo: a flavorful curry dish that features meat (usually chicken or goat) cooked in a spiced sauce with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and eggplant.
3. Boudin Creole: spicy blood sausage made with pork, onions, herbs, and spices.
4. Poulet Boucané: smoked chicken marinated in a spicy mixture of ginger, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
5. Court-bouillon: a fragrant fish stew made with local fish, vegetables, and herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves.
6. Lambi: a traditional Caribbean dish made with conch, which is simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices.
7. Bananes pesées: fried plantains, a staple side dish in Guadeloupean cuisine.
8. Ti-punch: a traditional rum-based cocktail made with lime juice, sugar, and a splash of water.
Activities
In Deshaies, some popular activities among locals include:
1. Visiting La Grande-Anse Beach: This beautiful beach is a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
2. Exploring the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies: This botanical garden features a wide variety of tropical plants and offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
3. Hiking to Cascade aux Ecrevisses: This waterfall is located in a lush forest setting and provides a refreshing swimming hole at its base.
4. Trying local cuisine: Guadeloupean cuisine features a mix of French, African, and Caribbean influences, with dishes like accras (fried fish fritters) and boudin noir (blood sausage) being local favorites.
5. Taking a boat tour: Boat tours are a great way to explore the coast and nearby islands, with options ranging from fishing trips to sunset cruises.
