What is the capital of Guadeloupe?

The capital of Guadeloupe is Basse-Terre. It is the administrative capital and prefecture of this French overseas department in the Lesser Antilles.

Basse-Terre lies on the island of the same name, Guadeloupe’s mountainous western half, at the foot of La Grande Soufrière volcano. French colonists established the town in the 17th century, while earlier Indigenous communities lived in the area. Its position made it an important center for government, religion, trade, and defense.

A common mix-up is Pointe-à-Pitre, which is Guadeloupe’s largest city and a major commercial hub. Pointe-à-Pitre is on Grande-Terre and is generally busier economically, but it is not the territory’s administrative capital. Basse-Terre’s cathedral, prefecture, courthouse, and historic buildings reflect its official role.

Guadeloupe’s capital has endured fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, colonial conflicts, and volcanic disruption. The 1976 eruption crisis of La Soufrière led to a major evacuation across Guadeloupe, adding another dramatic chapter to the city’s history.