Exploring Iles des Saintes

     The Saintes are a small group of islands south of Guadeloupe and are also a French territory. In the past the economy was primarily based on fishing, and today there are many shops, restaurants guest houses along the small winding streets of Bourg des Saintes catering to tourists arriving off ferries from Guadeloupe. One of the most notable things about the main village on arriving is that the majority of the roofs are red. It makes me wonder if there is a rule about this or if people have just followed tradition when building their homes and businesses. The hills on these small islands are small and dry with reddish soil in many places.

     So far we’ve explored the town, had delicious pizza at a restaurant open to the warm air, and shopped in the unique stores. Dad and Jamie even went kiteboarding in the bay beside Ile Cabrit, where there is a windsurfing and kiteboarding school. During the day the streets are filled with French tourists zooming around on rented scooters, but by night local families emerge into the streets to socialize and enjoy the evening. Last night we heard music booming from speakers and realized that the music was slowly moving along the village streets. After putting ashore for dinner we found that it was coming from a city truck with huge speakers in the back followed by a man playing guitar and a swarm of young people forming a moving dance party. Perhaps this is a Saturday night tradition?

     We are quickly becoming fond of these islands and love how European they feel while maintaining a laid back Caribbean vibe as well. Yesterday we girls grabbed a baguette and a local pastry called “the agony of love” to snack on while hiking the nearest hill to Fort Napoleon for an amazing view of the village and bay. To our surprise, we saw a familiar towering tall ship anchored in the bay and realized it was the Stad Amsterdam, which had amazed us with its huge wooden masts and majestic lines at Norman Island in the BVIs not so long ago. Part of the enjoyment of traveling by sailboat, is seeing familiar boats and cruisers at different islands. So far while in the Saintes we have met several other cruisers from Canada and occasionally see boats we recognize from other islands and anchorages. 

Until next time,

Nicole.