French

If you want anyone here to understand you, you should pronounce Deshaies as "Dey hay".

It is by far the quaintest village in Guadeloupe ( pronounce this one "Gwadloop"). Nested between the mountains and the Caribbean sea, Deshaies is set in one of the prettiest bay in the Caribbean.

This was not always an advantage for the locals as pirates of all shades found here the shelter they were looking for. And not all of them were very good bed fellows...

On the Caribbean side the district of Deshaies boasts a magnificent coast where the cliffs alternate with secluded beaches. A few tourist view points will help you admire the beauty of the surroundings.

"Tete à l'Anglais" (English man's head) so called because its shape is akin to the British helmets of the time is in fact a large rock sticking out a few miles out in the caribbean.

The other island in front of Deshaies, "Ilet Kahouane" (pronounce it "Eelay Kawan") was named after its shape as a turtle in Arawak. The Arawaks were one of the first amerindians to settle this island.
The coast is breathtaking; One beach after another. Plage du Tillet, plage Fort Royal, Plage de Riflet, Plage de la Perle, Plage de Grande Anse, Anse Thomas, Plage de Leroux…

Deshaies's bay

Today there are more pleasure crafts than fishermen's boats ancred in the bay of Deshaies A few diving boats also add to the local economy

Heading south from Deshaies, you will find the "Jardin botanique de Deshaies". Arguably the nicest one in Guadeloupe.

Deshaies

Deshaies

Deshaies: Its church and bell tower

It follows that the district of Deshaies is littered with "Gites" (pronounce "jeet") the French equivalent of bed and breakfast or vacation rentals.

Another positive effect, the economy stayed well ancred in local hands. Hence the tourist is more welcomed.

Today the village church bells still ring the hours and half hours.

In Deshaies even more than in the rest of Guadeloupe, you don't need a wach....