The Saint(s) — Iles Des Saintes

IMG_159025NM south-east of Guadeloupe lie the Iles De Saintes, another little jewel in the Caribbean.

Bourg Des Saintes
Bourg Des Saintes

Full of gallic charm and pretty as a picture, the main town of Bourg des Saintes boasts a myriad of waterfront restaurants, boutiques, bakeries and a couple of small supermarkets. Originally a fishing village, it now relies mostly on tourism, with regular ferries from Guadeloupe as well as the ubiquitous cruise ships making it a busy, bustling place. But it never seemed crowded, and somehow manages to retain its’ charm despite the influx of visitors.

one of the many cruise ships in the Caribbean
one of the many cruise ships in the Caribbean
The clipper ships are much more pleasant on the eye than the cruise liners
The clipper ships are much more pleasant on the eye than the cruise liners

Our first challenge was to attach ourselves to the large mooring ball. Unlike most of the other moorings we’ve encountered so far, these ones don’t have a pick-up line, just a big metal ring in the top of the ball. There was no way to lift it up, so the only solution was to lie fully stretched out on the trampoline and try to thread the lines through it. They don’t make it easy! As we were heading into town in the dinghy another catamaran came in behind us and were also strugging with the mooring so Bruce was quick to give them a helping hand. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that there was a young attractive bikini-clad Frenchwoman on the bow!

our giant mooring ball
our giant mooring ball

The first sight that greeted us at the dock was a Frenchman wading into the water fully clothed after what must have been a delightful long lunch at the Café De Marine. This must be a good spot!

Boutiques along the main road, Bourg Des Saintes
Boutiques along the main road, Bourg Des Saintes
pretty as a picture
pretty as a picture
The nicest town hall you'll ever see
The nicest town hall you’ll ever see
scooters everywhere!
scooters everywhere!
The monument to fishermen lost at sea
The monument to fishermen lost at sea
Christmas decorations Saintes style
Christmas decorations Saintes style

We had a lovely couple of days here browsing the shops, going out for dinner at Le Triangle waterfront restaurant and stocking up on some essentials (we’re now addicted to fresh baguettes). We also tried the anchorage at Anse Fideling on the adjoining island, Terre E’en Bas, but it was too rolly with nowhere to beach the dinghy so we came back to the main island of Terre D’en Haut and anchored in the lee of Pain Du Sucre, where we enjoyed another afternoon of relaxing and snorkeling.

Anchorage at Pain Du Sucre
Anchorage at Pain Du Sucre
pretty french caribbean houses overlooking the anchorage
pretty french caribbean houses overlooking the anchorage

Next stop Dominica!

 

5 Replies to “The Saint(s) — Iles Des Saintes”

  1. Wow! So beautiful – am slowly turning green!…..
    Pain du Sucre looks a bit different to our Seal Rock’s Sugar Loaf – Can’t see a light lighthouse anyway!!

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