Marie-Galante today turns out as the new point of interest for tourism in the French West Indies.
With an area of 158 km² (40 acres), it has three counties and 12,410 inhabitants. The Island is more commonly known as "La grande galette" (Big Pancake) due to its round shape and almost flat surface (its highest peak, the hill Morne Constant, rises to 204m - 670 ft). Once counting over 106 sugar mills, it is also called the "Island of a hundred windmills", or the "Grande dependance" (the biggest island depending on Guadeloupe).
To properly visit Marie-Galante you must take at least three days. In any event, there are many tour-bus services that propose one-day tours of the Island; some include lunch with the price. On the other hand, various rental possibilities exist (bicycles, scooters or cars) for those who prefer to discover this tranquil Island on their own.
There are many things to do from water sports to hiking or discover the Island in an ox drawn wagon. Don't forget the museums as well as Marie-Galante's astonishing countryside and beautiful points-of-view.
The traditional folk dances, contest of tug-of-war with ox drawn wagons and rooster fights are all part of the natural rhymth of the Island's life. Among other things, the night revelers will appreciate the piano bars and nightclubs that produce the mischievously wild and turbulent beat of the West Indies.
Marie-Galante is easily accessible from Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe's economic capital. It takes 45 minutes by boat or 15 minutes by plane.