• Guadeloupe’s beaches are good for swimming, and the sand varies depending on the area: Grande-Terre has white sand, and the sand on the leeward coast is brown, while black-sand beaches can be found on the western end of Basse-Terre.

• Snorkelling and diving can be practised widely. Snorkellers can usually access coral reefs directly from the beaches. The best places to dive or snorkel are around the preserved underwater sanctuary of the Pigeon Isles in the crystal-clear Cousteau Reserve, which is filled with multicoloured fauna. Glass-bottomed boats operate at several marine nature reserves on Petite-Terre and Basse-Terre.

• Guadeloupe hosts a number of regional and international sailing competitions and there are sailing schools throughout the islands.

• The National Park of Guadeloupe provides around 300km (188 miles) of marked trails leading into the rainforest, where visitors can observe many tropical animals and plants. The scenery on these walks often includes waterfalls (such as the Cascade aux Ecrevisses) or lakes (such as the Grand Etang). On Grande-Terre, hiking trails lead through the mangrove or along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast.

• Attend The Festival of Women Cooks (or the Fête des Cuisinières), a culinary nirvana proclaimed as one of Guadeloupe’s most spectacular events, and usually held in Pointe-á-Pitre in August. The festival features a banquet open to all that lasts for hours, and traditional Creole costume is prevalent. Dancing and parades proceed the event. Belying its dual roots, Creole foods and French foods intermix.

• On Basse-Terre, sample some free Caribbean rum at the Rum Museum, situated close to St Rose.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.