Gosier coast (Grand Baie)

6 points of interest

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  The Slave Route

  Route de l'Esclave: Fort Fleur d'Epée

  The fortress was built to defend the Pointe-à-Pitre harbour from English attacks. In 1760, it was only a small fort that was rapidly strengthened to face the English invasion. In 1794, the fort was the scene of fierce fighting between English and French troops. General Grey captured the Fleur-d’Epée and Pointe-à-Pitre fort on 10 April. In June, Victor Hugues, the commissioner from the French National Convention in charge of enforcing the abolition of slavery in the French colonies, retook the fort with the help of 3000 freed slaves who had been recruited as soldiers. The victory was a decisive turning point. In December, the French Republic regained control over Guadeloupe. The abolition of slavery was proclaimed. But Napoleon Bonaparte put an end to abolition by a decree on 16 July 1802.

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  Flora

  Mapou tree

  The mapou is a large but very fragile tree. It is often hollow due to damage by insects.
  Take care, since bees sometimes make it their home.

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  Viewpoint

  Grand Baie

  This is the biggest bay in the municipality of Le Gosier.

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  Flora

  Soursop

  This fruit was once added to salads during hard times in the history of Guadeloupe Today, it is used for medicinal purposes.
  It is known locally as "Noni", as is also the case in Reunion Island.

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  Fauna

  Iguana

  The lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima, is endemic to the Lesser Antilles.
  The species is endangered due to the invasion of another species, the green iguana (Iguana iguana).

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  Cultural and architectural heritage

  chapel

  This small chapel is a reminder of the thriving fishing community in the area some years ago.
  The chapels are now abandoned and are sometimes used for magical-religious rites.