Travel notes from Marie Galante
(The French West Indies)

The Island of Marie Galante

Marie Galante is situated 30km south of Guadeloupe. It is linked by a regular traffic of hydroplane boats (daily) to the port of Pointe a Pitre. These boats make the crossing in some 45 min, sea permitting. Fast, but watch out if prone to sea sickness: luckily, the crossing is not very long!!!

Going to Marie Galante is going back in time some 50 years… and rediscovering the atmosphere of the Antilles as it was before the massive arrival of tourists set in. Tourism in Marie Galante is still practically inexistent: it follows that the island has kept its’ wildness and magnificence. This island “of windmills” has kept its’ traditions intact and in particular its’ old rum distilleries: here, all is genuine.

A few big villages such as Grand Bourg, Capestère or Saint Louis; these villages haven’t changed, excepting for the presence of numerous cars. Despite being so removed, products and general necessities are accessible.

Numerous beaches wild and magnificent are spread around the island. La Feuillère, close to Capestère is one of these; its’ beach of white sand is for the most part deserted, as are the others, especially outside of the weekends. Such a pleasure and now so hard to find!

Several traditional rum distilleries are still functioning on the island. Bielle, Père Labat. Visits are possible; the sugar cane is still carried to the distillers by oxcarts; generally, visits take place only in the morning.

Very impressive to see under what conditions the work on sugar cane is done today. Time seems to have been suspended in these old distilleries where work carries on as it was in the 19th century.

However, these distilleries produce an excellent rum that can be purchased on the spot.

Hotel La Cohoba

The hotel Cohoba is situated close to Saint Louis. It is the only correct hotel on the island (3*) Thus, inescapable, unless one can room with local people!

100 comfortable bedrooms.
The rooms are big and comfortable (2 types), the decoration simple; the bathroom (shower) is very small: a cramped wash basin and a small shower King size bed, terrace, AC. Simple local cuisine with no pretensions.

Few people during my stay (some 15 people!): so few people has even an affect on the atmosphere of the hotel.
Of course, no animation; even the SPA is closed. An atmosphere of general nonchalance.

Possibility of car rental from the hotel in collaboration with the Hertz agency in Grand Bourg. Possibility of taxi rental (on a daily basis).

Attention:
There is nevertheless a problem on the island: mosquitoes..! it is strongly recommended to bring all the necessary products with you! In case these have been forgotten, they can be found in local drugstores.

For more info on Marie Galante:
www.ot-mariegalante.com
www.marie-galante.com/frameset1.htm