Guadeloupe. French patisseries for breakfast in the Caribbean

Blogger: Gill

Another day, another island, another country. . Each island is entirely different from its neighbours. Here in Guadeloupe  it is French, euros, stylish, efficient with  pattiseries and good fresh vegetables We arrived in Deshaies, pronounced day hay, on the north west coast of Guadeloupe, yesterday afternoon after a phenomenal sail, Petronella bowling effortlessly along at up to 7.5 knots and with NO MOTORING! Hurrah! Finally got it right.

Petronella hard on the wind bound for Guadeloupe

The bay was packed with boats but we managed to anchor easily, then launched the dinghy and went ashore. The customs office half way up the hill had a large sign saying that check in was now done at Le Pelican so back down the hill we walked in the 30 degree heat and found Le Pelican. Can’t believe it, we checked into the country in a boutique! No officious or unpleasant officials to deal with, just a computer in the corner of the boutique next to the bikinis and ladies underwear and a friendly Madame to help when you don’t quite know what the form means. Could only be French. I love it.

Checking into Guadeloupe in an underwear and dress shop!

So here we are. We are anchored away from the main melee of boats in the beautiful sheltered anchorage that is famous amongst the cruising population. Yesterday it was packed. This morning over half the boats left to go to Antigua for Classic Week and we went into the town for an early breakfast as the clock on the church struck 7 am.  We tied up on the excellent dinghy dock and headed for the cafe/bakery at the end of the dock. We sat and watched the town wake up over our croque monsieurs and coffees feeling as though we were in some sort of film. Amazing experience. After we had finished our food John filled our jerry can with water from a café whilst I went shopping and bought a dress and t-shirt. All before 09.00am.

Sunset over Deshaies Bay

The dinghy dock at Deshaies

 Tonight we are going to have a meal in Deshaies then tomorrow off south to The Saintes to meet up with Mary and Dick again and enjoy another French island.