Visit Guadeloupe from Belgium, we tell you everything !

With its mild temperatures all year round, its dreamy beaches, its satellite islands easily accessible by plane and the adventure movie settings of its national park, Guadeloupe is a multi-faceted destination that appeals to families and nature lovers alike.

In order to make sure that your stay takes place in the best conditions, from the booking of your flight to your return, and to leave Brussels serenely, Europcar Guadeloupe has gathered all the essential information to optimize your organization from Belgium and to make the most of your stay.

Which airlines fly to Guadeloupe from Belgium ?

To book a flight from Belgium to Guadeloupe, two airlines offer their services. The first one is Air Belgium, with direct flights whose price is between 600 and 2 000 € according to the chosen departure and return dates. The shortest flight time between Charleroi and Pointe-à-Pitre is 12 hours. Indeed, a stopover is planned in Martinique. Air Caraïbes then takes over between the two islands until the airport of Pointe-à-Pitre.

Air France also offers flights from Brussels to Pointe-à-Pitre via Paris. Prices range from €450 to €2,500 depending on the low and high seasons, which are punctuated by school vacations. The trip lasts between 1:30 and 4:30 pm with the first part done by train to reach Paris from Brussels. From Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, it takes 9 hours by plane to reach Pointe-à-Pitre.

Regardless of the airline you choose, all you need for your trip to Guadeloupe is your identity card. A passport is not necessary for passengers who are citizens of the European Union. However, be careful with the weight of your luggage during the flight: 30 kg in the hold with Air Belgium and 23 kg with Air France.

When to go to Guadeloupe ?

The best time to visit Guadeloupe, like most of the Caribbean islands, depends on your priorities. If the weather is important, because you are planning to go hiking in particular, choose the dry season, between December and April. Winter in Belgium is therefore the ideal season to make Pointe-à-Pitre your next destination. It is also during this period that airfare and accommodation prices are the highest. For a small budget, the months of May and June as well as September and November are the best.

In order not to miss the Carnival, the major festive event of the butterfly island, book your flight to Pointe-à-Pitre in January or February. During the wet season, Guadeloupe lends itself very well to all water activities, as temperatures are higher. However, be careful when going out to sea to check the weather forecast, especially during the hurricane season. It is between May/June and September to November that the tourists are the least numerous: if you wish to have the beaches for you alone or almost, it is the good time to book your flight! In July/August it's the big vacations and many locals living in mainland France are back on their native island for the summer festivities.

Is Guadeloupe an expensive destination ?

Budgeting well is crucial to the success of any stay on the butterfly island, whether it's for vacation or business.

The price of accommodation in Guadeloupe

In Guadeloupe, you will easily find many hotels to stay in, from the most affordable to the most luxurious. If you wish to limit your accommodation budget, do not hesitate to book your stay in a B&B or in cottages in the more remote parts of the island. The possibilities are numerous, Guadeloupeans are used to this system and the proposed accommodations are clean and welcoming.

Remember to ask if the accommodation has a water tank. Indeed, the influx of tourists on the island causes difficulties in water supply, and it may be cut off, especially in the Gosier area. You will gain in serenity !

Price of a restaurant in Guadeloupe

In Guadeloupe, the more local you eat in the lolos, the less you will spend on food. At the restaurant, the bill is usually around 30€ to 40€ per person.

Eat cheap in Guadeloupe

To eat at low cost, go to the lolos, these small street restaurants where you can eat copiously, local and Creole! Their specialty: grilled meat and fish, on the spot or to take away, but also accras, bokits (sandwich with fried bread) or agoulous (brioche bread with various fillings). Count about 5 € the plate. An ideal price to discover the gastronomy of Guadeloupe ! Many fast-food restaurants will also allow you to eat quickly at a moderate price: Burger King and KCF are very present on the island, with bokits and agoulous on the menu.

Driving in Guadeloupe

The French traffic rules apply in Guadeloupe. Speed limits are the same as in France.

Renting a car in Guadeloupe

The bus is the cheapest means of transportation. However, schedules can be unpredictable and only major destinations are served. To enjoy maximum freedom on the island, it is recommended to opt for a rental car in Guadeloupe.

With Europcar, you can get a vehicle as soon as you get off the plane thanks to the agency located at the airport. Don't forget to put your driving license in the suitcase when preparing your trip from Belgium !

Highways in Guadeloupe

Contrary to Martinique, Guadeloupe has a highway: it is the ring road of Pointe-à-Pitre. The speed limit is 110 km/h.

Where to go in Guadeloupe ?

Driving around Guadeloupe is an excellent idea for your vacations. If you are short of time or prefer to stay in a hotel, here are some areas to target when arriving from Belgium :

The most beautiful beaches are located on Grande Terre, near Sainte-Anne and Saint-François ;

For hiking, go to the national park of Guadeloupe, and do not miss the ascent of the Soufrière volcano ;

The famous distilleries of Longueteau and Bologne are located on Basse Terre.

The islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and Saint-Martin are only accessible by boat. Count 20 minutes to go to Les Saintes from Guadeloupe and 1 hour for Marie-Galante. Finally for Saint-Martin you will need 30 to 45 minutes by plane to reach the island. But it's even better to go by boat, especially for the closest islands. The first one is a destination with lush vegetation worthy of pirate movies, the second one offers exceptional turquoise waters and the third one is particularly festive.

Practical information

The success of a trip sometimes depends on a few details. Here is some technical information to make you feel at ease from your first steps on the butterfly island, almost 7000 km from Belgium :

• The time difference is 5 hours in winter time and 6 hours in summer time. If it is 8 am in Charleroi, it is 3 am in Pointe-à-Pitre;

• Electrical outlets are the same as in Belgium;

• Manage your gasoline budget well by going to the nearest gas station: the price is the same on the whole island;

• The gas stations have pump attendants: do not fill up yourself! Luncheon vouchers and vacation vouchers are accepted in Guadeloupe as long as they are issued in France;

• The local currency is the euro, Guadeloupe being a French department; You can bring back 1 L of rum per person in your checked luggage at Brussels airport with Air Belgium as with Air France;

• The official language is French, but Creole is widely spoken, as well as English.

In terms of security, Guadeloupe is a quiet destination. The usual precautions apply: do not leave anything of value in your rental car, keep an eye on your belongings while swimming, limit the amount of money you carry with you and valuable jewelry that is too conspicuous, as well as your travel alone at night.

As in all the Caribbean, the inhabitants of Guadeloupe are charming, you will not fail to appreciate their welcome from one end of the island to the other !