Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 319

Marie Galante
Guadeloupe is composed of a group
of islands one being Marie Galante
which, because of its round shape is
often called “La Grande Galette” the ‘Big
Pancake’. Located about 18 miles to the
south of Guadeloupe, the island features
some of the most beautiful beaches in
the Caribbean and remains seemingly
untouched and perfect for those seeking
to enjoy a few undisturbed moments in
paradise.
There are three settlements on this
63 square mile island - Grand-Bourg,
Capesterre and St. Louis. Grand-Bourg is
the island’s capital where you’ll find the
Chateau Murat, once a sugar plantation
with over two hundred slaves, now a
historical site housing a museum. On the
island’s north west you’ll find St. Louis
with Capesterre lying in the south, both
nestled in laid-back charm. On the “island
of 100 windmills”, the locals live simple
lives, fishing and farming, with few tourists
intruding onto that pristine scene.
You can still see windmills dotted around
the island, although many lie in ruins.
These windmills were once used to grind
sugarcane which was the mainstay of
the island’s economy. When visiting
Capesterre, look out for the Bézard
Windmill which has been restored and
now turns like it did many years ago. You
can climb to the top to get a glimpse of
the spectacular suroundings.
To get to Marie-Galante, you’ll need
to take the ferry from Pointe-à-Pitre in
Guadeloupe and when you leave, be sure
to do so with some of Marie Galante’s best
souvenirs - rum.