Point-a-Pitre

Point-a-Pitre is in Guadeloupe, a French island in the Eastern Caribbean.

The main pull for visitors is shopping, which is easily covered in a few hours. Place de la Victoire is the lively central square, a park shaded with palm trees.

Places of interest include the Musée Saint-John Perse, which is dedicated to the renowned poet and Nobel laureate Alexis Léger, better known as St John Perse, Musée Victor Schoelcher and the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul (La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul).

Between the city and Gosier, is the 18th century hilltop fortress of Fort Fleur D`Épée. Nearby is the Guadeloupe Aquarium.

A ferry ride away from Pointe-a-Pitre is the island of Marie Galante where you can visit the Chateau Murat, a restored 17th sugar plantation and rum distillery. There are some lovely beaches here too.

Dishes have a mix of French, Creole and international flavours, one local dish is goat curry.

Ships dock at the St John Perse Cruise Terminal in Pointe-a-Pitre. Facilities include a hotel, restaurants, bank and an abundance of shops and boutiques.

The centre of town is a 5 minute walk where buses, taxis and hire cars can be found.