La Désirade is the first land seen by Christopher Columbus after leaving the Canary Islands in 1493 This island with crystal clear waters is an enchanting stopover.
The story says that Christopher Columbus’ crew cried out “Oh, desired island…” when they saw the mainland. This is how La Désirade, French island of the Lesser Antilles, was supposedly named. This municipality depends on Guadeloupe and has nearly 1600 inhabitants, called the Desiradians. It is divided into 3 islands, including Terre-de-haut and Terre-de-bas, which are uninhabited. Grande-Montagne, with an altitude of 275 m, is the highest point of its 22 km2. A national nature reserve was created in the northeast part of this limestone island, especially due to its geological interest. The soil is arid, ideal for the development of a cactus plantation. There is also more vegetation to discover: courbarils, guava trees, flamboyants… The seabirds fly over the territory, which is also the home to iguanas and the emblematic agoutis. In addition to its magnificent white sand or pebble beaches, La Désirade enjoys an exceptional seabed: an open-air aquarium, full of marvels!
Some remarkable sites:
- Lighthouse of the Pointe Doublé
- Former meteorological station listed as historical monuments
- Ruins of the leper colony and the old cotton factory
- Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours, built in 1754 listed as a historical monument
- Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire chapel, built in 1905
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