Practical Guadeloupe and good addresses

Since November 2011, Corsairfly has been serving Pointe-à-Pitre with seven weekly flights from Paris Orly Sud. Journey time: between 7 and 8 hours. The Grand Large class provides access to the new business class lounges at Paris Orly and Pointe-à-Pitre airports, inaugurated by the airline last June. This high-contribution class also offers priority access to the boarding area. Tel.: 0820 042 042 - Internet: www.corsairfly.com

The French national airline offers a daily direct flight - twice at weekends - to Pointe-à-Pitre. Other connections are also possible with a connection at Fort-de-France or Cayenne. Tel: 3664 - Internet: www.airfrance.com

LA CRÉOLE BEACH HOTEL & SPA Close to Pointe-à-Pitre - 7km away - and in the immediate vicinity of Gosier, the hotel is ideally situated for touring the island, with three meeting rooms, a flexible lounge for 15 to 200 people and a variety of outdoor areas. The 218 spacious, soberly decorated rooms - all in wood, terracotta tiles and white cotton - are divided into eight buildings in a tropical garden by the sea, planted with palm trees, hibiscus and bougainvillea. The beach and the 500m2 freshwater swimming pool, which opens onto the Rhumerie, the hotel bar, enjoy a panoramic view of the hills of Basse-Terre. In addition to its world cuisine buffet restaurant on the garden terrace, the hotel has a snack bar with a relaxed atmosphere on the beach. Despite the large number of rooms, the hotel staff maintain a family atmosphere. Pointe de la Verdure. Gosier Tel: 05 90 90 46 46
E-mail: reservation@creolebeach.com - Internet: www.creolebeach.com

ENDACAYOU RESIDENCES & SPA On the island of Basse-Terre, nestling in the hills above the fishing village of Deshaies, Tendacayou is without doubt the most original accommodation in Guadeloupe. Comprising ten bungalows for two to six people - some of which are perched in the trees - it is the work of Georges Carreyre, its owner, an outstanding carpenter who settled here some twenty years ago when he was helping to build Club Med. Wherever guests stay in this little paradise, they are in direct contact with the vegetation via suspended terraces, walkways and platforms that house living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, all with spectacular views over the bay. A haven of peace, Tendacayou is also a choice gourmet stop-off thanks to the talents of Sylvie, Georges' wife, who cooks the fish on the seaside. The family's five children work here, some looking after the spa, others assisting Georges, who, like the Postman Cheval, never finishes perfecting his work. Two bungalows are under construction, one of which will have a private infinity pool. Also in the pipeline: a meeting room with a capacity of 20 people. Deshaies - Tel: 0590 28 42 72
E-mail: resa@tendacayou.com - Internet: www.tendacayou.com

LA GRIVELIÈRE HOUSING This coffee farm, located in the Grande Rivière valley, extends over a 90-hectare estate. Comprising several farm buildings and a restored manor house, this 18th-century listed historic monument offers a wide range of activities, including guided tours, cultural events, table d'hôte and bivouac accommodation, in one of the most beautiful valleys in Guadeloupe. Ideal for immersing yourself in the island's history and traditions with the members of the association of enthusiasts who run the establishment. Grande Rivière Valley. Vieux Habitants - Tel: 0590 98 63 06 - Internet: www.habitationlagriveliere.com

DOMAINE DE SÉVERIN In a green setting in the commune of Sainte-Rose, north of Basse-Terre, the Domaine de Séverin, home and agricultural rum distillery, stands out for its traditional production via an impressive paddle wheel eight metres in diameter. The estate, which produces white and aged rum in oak barrels, boasts a beautiful tropical garden and its mansion - complete with swimming pool - is available to groups for events and private parties. Sainte-Rose - Tel: 0590 28 91 86 -Internet: www.severinrhum.com

GUADELOUPE, GUIDE VOIR, Hachette (2010) GUADELOUPE, GUIDE VERT, Michelin (2010) GUADELOUPE - SAINT MARTIN SAINT BARTH, Guide du Routard (2012)