Port Louis
Continuing northwest along the coast from Petit Canal, you come to Port Louis, well known for its beautiful beach, Anse du Souffleur, which lacks facilities. We like it best in spring, when the brilliant white sand is effectively shown off against the flaming red poinciana. During the week, the beach is an especially quiet spot. The little port town has some good restaurants.
Anse-Bertrand
About 8km (5 miles) from Port Louis is Anse-Bertrand, the northernmost village of Guadeloupe. What is now a fishing village was the last refuge of the Carib tribes, and a reserve was once created here. Everything now, however, is sleepy.
From Anse-Bertrand, you can drive along a gravel road heading for Pointe de la Grande Vigie, the northernmost tip of the island, which you'll reach after 6km (3 3/4 miles) of what we hope will be cautious driving. Park your car and walk carefully along a narrow lane that will bring you to the northernmost rock of Guadeloupe. The view of the sweeping Atlantic from the top of rocky cliffs is remarkable -- you stand about 85m (280 ft.) above the sea.
Afterward, a 6km (3 3/4-mile) drive south on a good road will bring you to the Porte d'Enfer, or "Gateway to Hell," where the sea rushes violently against two narrow cliffs.
After seeing this remote part of the island, you can head back, going either to Morne à l'Eau or Le Moule before connecting to the road taking you back to Pointe-à-Pitre.
