Within the western part of the French Lesser Antilles, the volcanic and mountainous Basse-Terre forms the largest of the islands making up Guadeloupe. The centre of Karukera, or “the island of beautiful waters” in old Caribbean, shelters one of the French national parks: Guadeloupe National Park. The Deshaies Botanical Garden, with its very fine collection of typical flowers and plant species, is a special place for nature lovers. The island’s territory is home to La Grande Soufrière volcano, the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles. With a range of plantations (coffee, cocoa, banana and sugar cane) and distilleries, the island is overflowing with treasures whose secrets you’ll have plenty of time to discover.