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Undoubtedly, the Caribbean ranks among top destinations each year for vacationers worldwide looking for a taste of paradise that includes sun, water and good food. In fact, more than 30 million tourists visit the islands each year for history, nature, entertainment, the diversity of cuisines, weddings and more.
With more than 20 countries putting their cultural touches on the sights, sounds, accommodations and adventures, the choice of where to go first is far from easy. However, a good start for exploring is the French Caribbean Islands, consisting of the Guadeloupe Islands, St. Martin, Martinique, and St. Barthélemy.
While I have had a chance to visit two out of the four, there is one that has clearly left an imprint in my mind and on my heart, the Guadeloupe Islands. Born and raised in the country dubbed the “The Butterfly Island” because of its shape, Audrey Yacou leads public relations and marketing efforts for the tourism office out of New York to increase the Guadeloupe Island’s visibility among potential visitors while celebrating its unique offerings as one of the French Caribbean Islands.
“It’s really dear to my heart because having the opportunity to work for my own home country is something that I take a lot of pride in and one of the things that I really love about Guadeloupe, and without being biased, is how authentic and different it is in the Caribbean,” she shares in our phone interview. “Guadeloupe is really a gem in that it goes well beyond the beach.”
If you’re curious and want to learn more about Guadeloupe and other French Caribbean islands, keep reading below as we get into why each is worthy of becoming your next vacation destination.
The Allure of the French Caribbean Islands
Guadeloupe Islands – As a native, it may be hard for Yacou not to be biased when it comes to Guadeloupe because the country is truly one to add to your list of where to go in 2025 or any other time. This archipelago of six islands, Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Marie-Galente, Terre-de-Haut, Terre-de-Bas (Les Saintes), and La Desirade, is wrapped in the essence of Caribbean vibes rich in African heritage. Water activities are endless from white-sand beaches, waterfalls, snorkeling and diving, as are land adventures that include visiting museums such as the Memorial ACTe Museum, touring historic grounds such as The Fort Louis Delgres, attending the Festival International de Musique St-Georges and dining around noshing on cuisine that is a fusion of French and Creole influences.
For music fans, Yacou recommends the Festival International de Musique St-Georges happening across the archipelago that this year will celebrate the 280th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a pioneering composer and violinist whose work has influenced renowned artists, including Mozart.
Last year, Guadeloupe rebranded its airport to reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. Guadeloupe International Maryse Condé Airport honors the French author and cultural ambassador Maryse Condé, whose work explored racial, gender, and cultural issues. She died in 2024 at the age of 90.
For more activities to do while visiting, read the article “15 Ways to Experience the French Caribbean Culture of Guadeloupe.”
St. Martin – This multicultural destination split between Dutch and French history that influences everyday life gives visitors a 2-for-1 getaway within one trip. The French side, St. Martin, is known for its friendly hospitality, duty-free shopping and cuisine. Similar to Guadeloupe and other French Caribbean Islands, breathtaking beaches patiently wait and are the perfect backdrop to this particular Caribbean gem.
Hike up Fort Louis to enjoy panoramic views, walk through the city of Marigot and explore the market and upscale shops, take an art tour that captures the stories of local artists, spend the day on Pinel Island swimming and having lunch on the beach and plan a full day at Loterie Farm ziplining and enjoying adult fun by the pool. The history of guavaberry liqueur is worth a visit to Colombier Guavaberry Tradition, which has been a family-owned business since the 1900s.
Over the years, St. Martin has championed its cuisine through its annual event, Festival de la Gastronomie, which takes place each November and brings the best of the best together to showcase the diversity of its cuisine and those behind it. If you’re a foodie who likes to travel based up festivals and other events, this event is worth planning a trip around for sure.
Learn more to plan your St. Martin trip in the article “Saint-Martin, the French Caribbean Island With Diverse and Friendly Vibes.”
Martinique – Compared to the other French Caribbean Islands, Martinique certainly has a vibe of its own that offers a distinct Caribbean experience. Known for its biodiversity, the country is covered by forests that showcase its natural heritage. From adventure to relaxation and history lessons in between, cultural ambassadors of the country take pride in ensuring visitors have authentic experiences that celebrate the best that Martinique offers.
Rum enthusiasts can especially look forward to sipping on rare collections as Martinique holds the only French A.O.C. designation in the world for its varieties of the centuries-old rhum agricole, a style of rum made in the French Caribbean. Walk through botanical gardens smelling and tasting how the country has refined and perfected the art of making rum.
Because you’re in the French Caribbean, beautiful beaches are a given. A total of eight beaches, with each offering its own personality, lure visitors each year. From postcard readiness to secluded quietness, explore one or two, or challenge yourself to place your feet in the sand of all of them.
Lastly, the food. What is a visit to Martinique without a good meal or two, or three. Martinique’s cuisine is a mixture of French, Caribbean, African and Creole influences that can be experienced throughout the island. According to many, don’t leave without having had the salt cod fritters, a bokit for a taste of street food (deep fried bread sandwiches from Guadeloupe), cassava ice cream, chicken colombo and the national dish, grilled snapper with a Creole sauce.
St. Barthélemy – St. Barts, as it is frequently called, is no stranger to those looking to vacation with luxury in mind. Dubbed “The Luxury Island,” this jewel among the French Caribbean Islands is known to cater to a celebrity roster looking for world-class hospitality, food and entertainment. With unique accommodations that capture the essence of its luxe vibes, the pristine beaches are not the only ones that steal the hearts of tourists.
Getting here will take some coordinated effort unless flying privately, which many do. Being pampered combined with outdoor adventure, shopping and a lively nightlife are just a few ways to plan your days. The island is only 11 miles long, which makes getting out for walks to explore the neighborhoods more exciting.
Whether dining in or out, the views become part of the experience with dishes celebrating Caribbean-sourced ingredients that impart robust flavors created by chef-driven innovations. Throughout the day and before dinner, stop by popular local spots such as Eddy’s Ghetto, Fish Corner and Creperie St. Barth.
Lastly, although St. Barts is known to be an exclusive world of its own, the good thing is its proximity to other French Caribbean Islands such as St. Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique and other neighboring Caribbean islands of Anguilla, Curaçao and St. Kitts and Nevis. While the distance between some islands is longer than others, if you’ve come this far to St. Barts, why not plan to maximize your time in paradise.
