Studying at the University of the Antilles is also an opportunity to discover all the richness of the French Antilles.
The Islands of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a Caribbean archipelago forming a French overseas region and department. Its main island, Karukera (« island of beautiful waters »), is butterfly-shaped and made up of two islands: Grande-Terre to the east and Basse-Terre to the west, separated by a stretch of water called « la Rivière Salée » (the Salt River).
The islands of La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes complete the Guadeloupe archipelago.
Top 5 Nature Activities
1. Hiking up the Soufrière Volcano
The ascent of this active stratovolcano, standing 1,467 metres tall, offers spectacular landscapes and impressive fumaroles. The trail passes through tropical forest before reaching a lunar-like landscape at the summit.
2. Exploring the Guadeloupe National Park
This park protects 17,000 hectares of humid tropical forest. Trails lead to waterfalls such as the Carbet Falls, hot springs, and exceptional biodiversity with many endemic species.
3. Diving or Snorkelling at the Cousteau Reserve
Located around the Pigeon Islets off Basse-Terre, this protected marine reserve offers outstanding coral reefs, sea turtles, and preserved tropical marine life in crystal-clear waters.
4. Kayaking in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Mangrove
This UNESCO biosphere reserve lagoon is home to the largest mangrove in the Lesser Antilles. By kayak, you navigate between the mangrove trees and observe rich wildlife: crabs, iguanas, and tropical birds.
5. Exploring the Islets of Gosier and Sainte-Anne
These small coral islets, accessible by boat, offer pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling in a paradise setting.
Top 5 Cultural Visits
1. Mémorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre
This Caribbean centre for the expression and memory of the slave trade is a must-visit modern museum. It traces the history of slavery in the Caribbean through interactive and moving exhibitions. Learn more.
2. Museum Saint-John Perse in Pointe-à-Pitre
Dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning poet born in Guadeloupe, this colonial museum presents the life and work of the writer in a beautifully restored 19th-century Creole house. Learn more.
3. Rum Museum in Sainte-Rose
Housed in the former Reimonenq distillery, this museum traces the history of sugarcane and rum production in Guadeloupe, with tastings included. Learn more.
4. Ecomuseum of Marie-Galante
Set in the Murat plantation, this eco-museum showcases the island’s sugar history with a restored windmill and exhibitions on traditional Creole life. Learn more.
5. Edgar Clerc Museum of Le Moule
This archaeological museum houses the largest pre-Columbian collection in the French Antilles, tracing 3,000 years of Amerindian history with Arawak and Carib artefacts. Learn more.
Find out more about the Islands of Guadeloupe.
Martinique
Also known as « the Island of Flowers, » Martinique welcomes you with its contrasting landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine.
Top 5 Nature Activities
1. Climbing Mount Pelée
This iconic volcano, rising 1,397 metres, offers an exceptional hike through lush tropical rainforest. The summit reveals panoramic views across the entire island and neighbouring islands, with a chance to see the volcanic dome.
2. Exploring the Caravelle Peninsula
This nature reserve protects diverse ecosystems: mangroves, dry forest, meadows, and cliffs. Marked trails lead to the lighthouse and offer spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Hiking in the Pitons du Carbet Tropical Forest
These ancient volcanoes offer several hiking trails through lush vegetation. The Trace des Jésuites trail is particularly renowned for its scenery and exceptional biodiversity.
4. Discovering the Fonds Blancs of Le François
These white sand shallows in the middle of a turquoise lagoon are accessible by boat. You can swim in one metre of crystal-clear water in the middle of the ocean, often alongside iguanas on the nearby islets.
5. Snorkelling at Anses-d’Arlet
The clear waters are home to rich marine life — you may spot dolphins and sea turtles up close!
Top 5 Cultural Visits
1. Habitation Clément in Le François
This former distillery turned cultural centre showcases the history of Martinique rum in a magnificent setting. Its botanical park, Creole house, and contemporary art collection make it a truly unique destination. Learn more.
2. Musée de la Pagerie in Trois-Îlets
Located in the former sugar estate where Joséphine de Beauharnais was born, this museum traces the life of the future Empress and the history of the colonial sugar plantation. Learn more.
3. Museum of History and Ethnography in Fort-de-France
Housed in a historic building, this museum presents Martinique’s history from pre-Columbian times to the present day, with collections of Amerindian, colonial, and Creole artefacts. Learn more.
4. Pottery Village in Trois-Îlets
This artisan and cultural site keeps the Caribbean pottery tradition alive. You can discover ancestral craft-making techniques and the history of this trade in restored traditional huts. Learn more.
5. Savane des Esclaves in Trois-Îlets
This reconstruction of a Maroon slave village recounts the painful history of slavery and the resistance of deported peoples. The ethnobotanical trail presents traditional medicinal plants. Learn more.
Find out more about Martinique.