February 19-21, 2017

We set out for Marie-Galante in calm water under a bright blue sky. We had a sailing day! Marie-Galante, a relatively flat island, is off the well-traveled path. We were eager to explore. Off Saint-Louis, we found a beautiful anchorage—beaches, a dinghy/ferry dock, and a closed town. Did I say closed on Sunday?

We eagerly set off to tour the island. We passed a sugar loading dock, signs to beaches, and a John Deere tractor. Dan commented that this was one of the few mowers he had seen in the islands.

L’Habitation Roussel-Trianon included a windmill as well as the cane processing ruins. There were beautiful carved decorations (a star and a heart) at the doorways. We traveled to Le Moulin de Bezard, a windmill that had the frames for the sails attached. It seems that much of the cane was processed using natural power.

Grand-Bourg, the largest city, was typical. The dock, complete with a small cruise liner and a few souvenir shops, led to the church and the covered Marche (fruit and vegetable market). We saw fishermen cleaning their catch at the working marina. My mouth watered as I looked at the many food stands. Did I say closed on Monday?

Along the highway, we passed gorgeous beaches with waves breaking over the reefs reminiscent of the Tobago Cays.
Two classic La Saintoise vessels were perched on their keels at a museum. Seeing these traditional fishing boats of Guadeloupe gave me an appreciation of how difficult it must have been to fish. We passed restaurants with gorgeous views. Did I say closed on Monday?

Marie-Galante is known for the quality of rum produced at its distilleries, a sugar processing plant, and its windmills.
Modern wind generators supply electricity for the island. It is a rural island with lots of sugar cane, a fair number of cattle staked in fields, and some beautiful beaches. The houses are run down looking, but the people are courteous and helpful. The anchorage filled with French vessels, unflagged boats, a few Canadians, and us. We had a peaceful respite off the grid. Ahh.