BASSE-TERRE

:''Basse-Terre should not be confused with Basseterre on St Kitts.''

'Basse-Terre' is the name of the western of the two largest islands of Guadeloupe. Its population at the 1999 census was 172,693 inhabitants living in 16 communes.

Contents

History

Climate

Geography

Towns

Sights

External links

History

The city was founded in 1643, in the mountainous section of Basse-Terre, one of the two islands which compose Guadeloupe. It was destroyed many times as a consequence of the Anglo-French wars. Today the town is a quiet with its French provincial atmosphere and colorful port life.

Climate

Although it is difficult to measure rainfall in short periods of time, the Guinness World Records 2005 lists Basse-Terre as having the record for the most intense rainfall in a short period recorded by modern methods. On 26 November 1970, 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain fell in one minute at Basse-Terre. It receives year-around sunshine as any other Caribbean town would.

Geography

La Grande Soufrière, the tallest mountain in the Lesser Antilles, is located on the island. It rises to 4,813 ft (1,467 m) high. It is an active volcano. The surrounding area of Basse-Terre has a rough volcanic relief fertile land. The surrounding areas of Basse-Terre consists of forest, grassland and sugar, coffee, banana and cocoa plantations. The island has a land area of 841.49 km² (324.9 sq mi).

Towns

'Basse-Terre' is also the ''préfecture'' (administrative capital) of France's Caribbean ''overseas département'' of Guadeloupe, which is on Basse-Terre island.
The urban area of Basse-Terre had a population of 44,864 inhabitants at the 1999 census, 12,410 of whom lived in the city (''commune'') proper of Basse-Terre.
The largest communes on the island are, in descending order of population, Baie-Mahault, Petit-Bourg, Capesterre-Belle-Eau, Sainte-Rose, Lamentin, Basse-Terre, and Saint-Claude.

Sights

Above Basse-Terre on a mountain road, is the village of Saint Claude, at the base of La Soufriere. The village is noted for its coffee and banana plantations& stately homes.
Tours to ascent La Soufriere can be arranged. The starting point is at Saint Claude. The volcano is dormant at the time.
About 3 miles east, is the village of Gourbeyre where Fort Louis Delgres, which was built in 1650 by Charles Houel, guarded the approach to Basse-Terre. The fort was served in several battles against the British.
About 8 miles south-south-east, is the village of Trois-Rivieres, a fishing community rich in ancient settlement by the peaceful Arawaks. Nearby the village, is an archaeological pack where it features sculpted and engraved rocks and relics left by them in a grotto deep in the forest.
A few beaches are located along the coast, north and south of Basse-Terre and also fishing areas.
In town, is the Cathedral of St.Peter and St.Paul, a 19th century building which has a notable gray stone highlighted by white statues; many other colonial buildings; La place du Champ d`Arbaud, the main square & Le Jardin Pichon, the park adjoining to the south & the Zoological and Botanical Park on a 1500 foot hilltop garden on the banks of La Riviere aux Herbes will find a reserve of plants and animals of Guadeloupe.

External links