Deshaies village
Restaurants, sunsetsThe bay and waterfront.
Village guide
Things to do in Deshaies
A fishing village in the north-west of Basse-Terre: the long golden sweep of Grande Anse, a hillside botanical garden, snorkelling coves, sunset over the Caribbean, and the setting of the TV series Death in Paradise.
1
Hostels in the city
7.1
Average, from 26 reviews
1 hour
From the airport
2–3
Days
Sunsets on the north-west coast
Deshaies is a small fishing village on the north-west tip of Basse-Terre, set on a sheltered bay with colourful houses, boats and a short main street. It is one of the most attractive villages in Guadeloupe, and the BBC series Death in Paradise is filmed here, which has made it a stop for fans.
Just north is Grande Anse, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on the island, with golden sand and palms, and beyond it the Plage de la Perle and Plage de Cluny. Above the village, the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies is a lush garden of tropical plants, waterfalls, parrots and flamingos.
The village faces west, so sunsets over the sea are a nightly event, and it makes a good base for snorkelling and for the Cousteau Reserve, about 30 minutes south. Give it two or three days.
Where to base yourself
The village for restaurants and sunsets, or the hills above Grande Anse for views.
Grande Anse
BeachNorth of the village.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 1 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Deshaies
Spend a day on Grande Anse, then try the Plage de la Perle and the quieter coves to the north. Snorkel off the rocks at the edges of the bay, or kayak along the coast.
Walk through the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies, with its tropical plants, ponds, lorikeets and views over the bay. Hike up the Deshaies river gorge, wading between pools.
Watch the sunset from the waterfront, and drive south to the Cousteau Reserve at Malendure for snorkelling with turtles.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The beaches are public and free, including Grande Anse and the Plage de la Perle.
The village waterfront, the river walk and the sunset cost nothing.
The botanical garden charges an entry fee.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Deshaies has a row of waterfront restaurants serving fresh fish, lobster and Creole dishes, with mains at €18 to €30. Lolos on Grande Anse are cheaper, with bokits and plates for €8 to €15.
Try fish court-bouillon and accras.
Service is included in restaurant prices, as in France; leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated but not expected.
Nightlife
Going out
Deshaies is quiet at night, with sunset drinks on the waterfront and a few bars and restaurants that stay open late.
It is a village for slow evenings.
Ti-punch and beer cost €3 to €6.
Getting around
Getting around
Deshaies is about an hour from the airport by car. A hire car is close to essential, as buses are infrequent and stop early.
The village is small and walkable, and Grande Anse is a short drive or a longer walk north.
Roads along the coast are winding.
Costs
What Deshaies costs
Gîtes and guesthouses start at around €35 to €70 a night. Restaurant mains cost €18 to €30.
The botanical garden costs about €18, kayak rental about €15 to €25, and snorkelling trips to the Cousteau Reserve about €25 to €40.
Cards work almost everywhere.
Safety
Safety and scams
Deshaies is relaxed and safe. Leave nothing visible in parked cars at the beaches, where break-ins happen.
Grande Anse can have strong waves and currents on rough days; swim with care. The river gorge floods quickly after rain.
Tap water is treated, but supply cuts and quality notices are common, so many people drink bottled water. In an emergency, call 112.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The dry season and holidays.
December to April
Dry season
Deshaies
Calm seas and sunsets.
January to Ash Wednesday
Carnival
Guadeloupe
Parades across the island.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated places to stay in Deshaies, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
December to April is the dry season and the busiest time. June to November is the wet season, with hurricane risk.
Jan
Dry, busy
Feb
Carnival
Mar
Dry
Apr
Dry
May
Transitional
Jun
Hurricane season opens
Jul
Holidays
Aug
Holidays
Sep
Peak hurricane risk
Oct
Wet
Nov
Rain easing
Dec
Dry season returns
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Warm all year.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Deshaies prices.
Treat these as a guide. A hire car costs extra.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Deshaies questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Death in Paradise filmed in Deshaies?
Yes, the BBC series is filmed in and around the village.
Is Grande Anse good for swimming?
Yes on calm days; take care when waves are big.
Is the botanical garden worth it?
Yes, for the plants, birds and views over the bay.
Do I need a car in Deshaies?
Yes, buses are infrequent.
How far is the Cousteau Reserve?
About 30 minutes south by car.
How long should I stay?
Two or three days.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April.
Also trending this week
Say yes to hostels, meet the world
Compare places to stay across Guadeloupe: live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.
Get the App.