THE TOWN OF DESHAIES
Deshaies : the bay
|
It must be the quaintest village in Guadeloupe ( pronounce this one "Gwadloop"). Nested between the mountains and the Caribbean sea, Deshaies is set in one of the prettiest bay in the Caribbean. This was not always an advantage for the locals as pirates of all shades found here the shelter they were looking for. Not all of them were very good bed fellows... On the caribbean side the district of Deshaies boasts a Caribbean magnificent coast where the cliffs alternate with the secluded beaches. A few tourist view points will help you admire the beauty of the surroundings. "Tete à l'Anglais" (English man's head) so called because its shape is akin to the british helmets of the time. It is in fact a large rock sticking out in the Caribbean. The other island
in front of Deshaies, "Ilet Kahouane" was named after its shape
as a turtle. |
|
| Photos
de Guadeloupe |
|
Deshaies's bay |
Today there are more pleasure crafts than fishermen's boats anchored in the bay. A few diving boats also add to the local economy Leaving Deshaies heading south you will find the " Jardin botanique de Deshaies". Arguably the nicest tropical garden in Guadeloupe. |
Deshaies |
Thanks to the wisdom
of its 4 to 5000 people, Deshaies has been able to avoid the large hotel
complexes In doing so it as succeeded in preserving its authentic character
while at the same time opening its treasures to tourism. |
Deshaies |
Deshaies: Its church and bell tower |
It follows that the district of Deshaies is littered with "Gites" (pronounce"jeet") the FRench equivalent of bed and breakfast or vacation rentals. Another positive consequence, the economy stayed well anchored in local hands. Hence the tourist is more welcomed. Today the village church bells still ring the hours and half hours. In deshaies even more than in the rest of Guadeloupe, a watch is superfluous... |
