Basse Terre - the capital of Guadeloupe
Probably, the capital of Guadeloupe is not quite the correct definition, since this overseas region of France is still very far from real independence, building an independent state. From a legal point of view, Basse-Terre is the administrative center of the so-called French Guadeloupe. The good geographical position and mild subtropical climate of this area have long attracted thousands of tourists looking for paradise for relaxation..
Complicated story
There is a chance to confuse the two place names, since they exist:
- Basseterre, capital of the independent state of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the Lesser Antilles.
- Basse-Terre (hyphenated) on the island of Guadeloupe, which is in the same region.
The names of both cities have French roots, the translation options are «low place», «lowland». The sailors of the 17th century used this word for the land protected from the winds. But the most interesting thing is that Bas-Terre, on the contrary, is mountainous, and the nearby Soufriere volcano, which is the highest point of the Antilles, gives the area a fantastic view.
It's not that simple
Bas-Ter has a very convenient location, which was appreciated by the first European settlers, who began to build a fort here back in 1643. Over the centuries, the fort has changed its name more than once (Wales, Methild, Rishpance, Saint-Charles, Louis-Delgrais, Basse-Terre), but not its purpose.
But long before the uninvited guests from the Old World, numerous Indian tribes lived here, and the first settlement on this territory existed already in 2300 BC.
The proximity of the volcano, unfavorable seismic conditions make people's life far from serene, although, on the other hand, natural disasters, to some extent, contribute to the renewal of the city, the intensification of construction, and the modernization of the economy..
Nature is the main attraction
Bas-Ter is a small, cozy town, suitable for tourists who dream of a measured, very unhurried vacation. There are a lot of exotic greenery, squares and parks with small fountains, there are no industrial enterprises.
Since most of the territory of the region is occupied by agricultural plantations, an excursion around the outskirts of the administrative center gives tourists the opportunity to see how banana and coffee groves and reed plantations look like. There is no port as such in Bas-Tera, but there is a deep-sea anchorage, so sea entertainment is also available..
