The French Antilles are islands in the Caribbean that are part of the large group of the Antilles and more precisely the Lesser Antilles. These islands are differentiated from all others by their territorial affiliation to France. To be exact, they are: Guadeloupe with its entire archipelago, Martinique, Saint-Barthèlemy and Saint-Martin.
Let's get to know them better through useful information for a possible trip!
Travel information: useful info
Inhabitants: 840,108
Places: Basse-Terre, Fort-de-France, Gustavia, Marigot
Languages: French and Creole
Local currency: Euro
Climate: Hot tropical climate all year round, with a dry and a humid season
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required
Entry requirements: Passport or identity card valid for expatriation to be presented with return ticket
Distance from Italy: approx. 7,500 km (9-hour flight)
Where to find us
The French Antilles, as already mentioned, are a sub-group of Caribbean islands. They are located between two seas marking the boundary between one and the other, the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. As their name suggests, they are French overseas territories, so politically they are part of France.
How to get there
FromMilan or Rome: From both cities there are flights to the French Antilles operated byAmerican Airlines andAir France, but unfortunately both companies do not have direct flights from Italy and have at least one or two stopovers. The total duration of the trip is between 16 and 20 hours depending on the stopovers, which usually take place first in London or Paris and then in Miami or New York.
Compare flights from Rome or Milan - from €527.13From major European capitals: London and Paris are the European capitals with the best connections to the French Antilles, again thanks toAir France andAmerican Airlines flights. From both cities you can find direct flights lasting almost 9 hours, or flights with only one stopover, which in most cases is in Miami.
Compare flights to Guadeloupe
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 22 / 28° | 12 days / 80 mm |
February | 21/ 28° | 10 days / 60 mm |
March | 22 / 29° | 10 days / 65 mm |
April | 22 / 30° | 10 days / 85 mm |
May | 23 / 31° | 12 days / 110 mm |
June | 24 / 31° | 12 days / 100 mm |
July | 25 / 31° | 13 days / 120 mm |
August | 25 / 31° | 14 days / 140 mm |
September | 25 / 31° | 14 days / 150 mm |
October | 24 / 31° | 14 days / 140 mm |
November | 23 / 27° | 13 days / 120 mm |
December | 22 / 30° | 13 days / 110 mm |
Climate: The climate is tropical, warm all year round on each island in the group with a dry and a wet season. Average temperatures are always high and range between 25 °C and 30 °C, with a relatively dry and cooler season from January to April, and a wetter and sultry one from June to November. The sea remains pleasantly warm at all times.
Best period: January to April is the least rainy period, and in particular February and March.
Period toavoid: June to November is the period when there is the most rain, mugginess and a high probability of cyclones and hurricanes hitting the islands, with the risk peaking in August-October.
Tips: Light clothes and beach accessories are fine all year round, but don't forget an umbrella and a light, waterproof sweatshirt for rainy days.
Which island to go to?
The French Antilles consist of 4 main islands plus the islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago. We have chosen the 3 main islands for you for a Caribbean holiday.
Guadeloupe: it is the largest of the French Antilles, the most urban and touristic, and consequently the most developed and equipped for visitors. All this together with its beautiful tropical beaches is the perfect compromise for those looking for a holiday in a wonderful place with nothing to miss.
Martinique: This is a perfect island for lovers of nature and tranquillity thanks to its still unspoilt landscapes. It is also ideal for a more affordable holiday. Days on the beaches of this beautiful island will make you feel you are in the middle of nowhere, giving you a great sense of peace.
Saint-Martin: This is a very small island compared to the previous ones but the most special. Its territory is divided between France and Holland so, if you love discovering the cultures of the world, this island will be paradise for you because it will make you discover the Creole culture marked by French and Dutch European customs.
7 things to see: beaches and places of interest
Guadeloupe National Park, a large 17,300-hectare park that includes the volcanic complex Le Grande Soufrière and 110-metre-high waterfalls such as Les chutes du Carbet.
Pointe de la Grande Vigie, the most beautiful vantage point on the entire island of Guadeloupe, from which you have a fantastic view of the ocean and the Caribbean Sea. A panorama definitely not to be missed!
Plage Du Gosier, a typical Caribbean beach with fine white sand, turquoise water and large palm trees. It is located in the south-east on the island of Guadeloupe and is among the most beautiful on the island.
La Pelèe, is an almost 1,400-metre-high volcano in Martinique located in the north of the island. Admiring it in all its majesty will make you feel really small.
Anse Noire, is an inlet on the west coast of Martinique that offers one of the island's many natural and unspoilt beaches. The particularity of this place is the dark, almost black sand, adorned with large palm trees and rich vegetation.
Baie de Marigot, is the bay that stretches in front of the island's main town of Saint-Martin. This is the most touristic and best-served area on the French side of the island, and numerous ferries connecting with other Caribbean islands depart from the bay.
Happy Bay Beach, a small beach in the north of the island of Saint-Martin that is completely deserted and unspoilt. It is a typical Caribbean beach of white sand and crystal-clear sea, where you can enjoy long, peaceful days.
What to do in the French Antilles: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in the French Antilles cost? Prices, offers and advice
Thecosts and prices in the French Antilles have European standards, you will practically feel like you are in France! If you have visited France you already know that the cost of living is slightly high but the services offered are excellent, so in the Antilles it will not be much different. An example would be a dinner in a mid-range restaurant for €30.00 per person.
As for a complete trip for a week in an all-inclusive resort, i.e. a flight+hotel package, the price is around €1,800.00.
Where to stay: Hotels and resorts from €41.00 per room - see offers
Cheap flights: From €527.13 - look at the offers
