The Fort Napoléon is one of Guadeloupe's major military heritage sites, and was listed in its entirety as a historic monument by decree on December 15, 1997.

From the landing stage, turn left towards Anse Mire beach. You can get there by bus from the elementary school, or by renting a car. For the more courageous, it's a 20-minute walk, but beware of the uphill gradient ;-)

Built on the summit of Morne Mire, overlooking the magnificent Baie des Saintes, you'll have a 360° view of almost the entire island. Admire the beautiful panorama that awaits you once you reach the top of the Fort. 

In the past, there was a Fort called Fort Louis. It was renamed Fort Napoléon in 1805 shortly before its destruction by the English in 1809. It was completely rebuilt in 1867 under the reign of Napoleon III. 

It was never used as a fortress in wartime, but as a penitentiary until the early 20th century. 

Its location is therefore of major strategic importance, as it lies some ten kilometers from the south coast of Basse-Terre, and enables control of the Canal des Saintes, which separates the Saintes archipelago from Guadeloupe.  

 In 1973, Fort Napoléon was transformed into a small museum on the history of Les Saintes and its cultural environment, and is surrounded by a botanical garden dedicated to succulent plants and numerous iguanas.

Open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you'll visit 18 permanent exhibition rooms. 

Whether for history buffs, the curious or lovers of beautiful landscapes, there's something for everyone.

The museum exhibits models of the 1782 Battle of Les Saintes, navigation techniques, the history of colonization, postcards, old photographs, a collection of objects dedicated to fishing and the sea, cannonballs and more...

An entire section of the museum is devoted to the maritime history of Les Saintes before the archipelago opened to tourism. This explains why Fort Napoléon remains Guadeloupe's most visited monument, receiving over 90,000 visitors a year.

Don't forget to take a look outside, where a magnificent tropical garden rules. Here you'll find different species of cactus dating back to the 18th century, when Father Labat decided to plant cactus hedges around the forts. Following this magnificent flower garden, many small creatures such as butterflies, iguanas etc. make their appearance, much to the delight of visitors.

You'll leave the Fort with stories in your head and stars in your eyes. 

On the way back down, you'll find the beaches of Anse Mire and Pompierre close to the Fort, where you can relax and enjoy the clear, peaceful sea and explore the magnificent seabed. 

Still not convinced? 

I'll give you a sneak preview of this visit to Fort Napoléon ;-)

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=uZAFtD7TEMw

See you soon!