Essentials
- City
- Saint-François, Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe, France
- Population
- Approximately 13,000
- Internet Speed
- Average 40-100 Mbps; Fiber optic is increasingly available in the Marina area.
- Currency & Banking
- Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. Major French banks like BNP Paribas and Société Générale are present.
- Tap Water
- Drinkable, but many locals prefer bottled or filtered water due to occasional pipe maintenance.
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and E sockets (French standard).
- SIM Card
- Orange, SFR Caraïbe, and Free Mobile. Free Mobile offers the best value (approx. €20/month for 150GB).
- Banking for Expats
- Revolut and N26 are widely used; local branches of Crédit Agricole for long-term residency.
- Accommodation
- Villas, tourist residences, and apartments. High demand during winter season.
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in most restaurants and supermarkets. Cash is needed for small markets.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and Leboncoin (local classifieds) are the primary sources.
- Budget Accommodation
- Auberge de la Vieille Tour (Le Gosier nearby) or local 'Gîtes' starting around €55/night.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- La Marina and Avenue de l'Europe for proximity to restaurants and beaches.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Sainte-Marthe (quieter, residential) or the Marina area for walking access to amenities.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- L'Espace (located in Jarry, 45 mins away) is the main hub; locally, 'Le Spot Saint-François' offers flexible desks for approx. €25/day.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Coffee Shop de la Marina – good Wi-Fi, shaded terrace, and excellent local coffee.
- Networking Events
- Guadeloupetech events (mostly in Jarry/Pointe-à-Pitre) and informal expat meetups at the Marina.
- Social Events for Expats
- Facebook Group 'Expatriés en Guadeloupe' and Friday night gatherings at the Marina bars.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber; use Karukera Taxi or the 'G7 Guadeloupe' app. Taxis are expensive (Marina to Airport approx. €80).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Rent a Bike (Avenue des Martyrs) – approx. €15/day for bicycles, €35/day for scooters.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Plage de la Coulée for quiet work, or Raisins Clairs for the classic Caribbean postcard look.
- Top Regional Airline
- Air Caraïbes – connecting to Martinique, St. Barths, and St. Martin.
- Top International Airline
- Air France and Corsair – direct flights from Paris-Orly (ORY) and CDG.
- Highway Access
- N1 and N4 connect Saint-François to Pointe-à-Pitre and the rest of the island.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- No trains. The main bus hub is 'Gare Routière de Saint-François' near the market.
- Public Transport Passes
- Karulis bus network. Single tickets are €1.20 - €3.00 depending on distance.
- Regional Travel
- Ferry services from the Marina to Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade via Comatrile (approx. €40 round trip).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- CHUG (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Guadeloupe) in Pointe-à-Pitre for emergencies.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga Saint-François (near the Golf course) offers sessions for €15-€20.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Keep Cool Saint-François – modern equipment, monthly memberships around €40.
- Laundry Services
- Laverie de la Marina – self-service machines from €5 per load.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- FoodSwoop and Deliveroo (limited coverage; most nomads prefer local takeaway).
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Bokit (fried bread sandwich) and Colombo de Cabri (goat curry).
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Passion Café – offers fresh salads and vegetarian-friendly bowls near the Marina.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Les Délices de la Marina for artisanal ice cream and French pastries.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Hyper U Saint-François for a wide selection; Marché de Saint-François for fresh produce.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon.fr (shipping can take 10-14 days and may incur 'Octroi de Mer' customs tax).
- Grocery Delivery
- Houra.fr or looking for local delivery services from Hyper U.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The Marina waterfront – bars like Waza Concept and Le Quai offer live music.
- Local Brewery
- Bière Karukera (produced in Petit-Bourg) and Lékouz (in Goyave).
- Wine Bars
- La Voile Blanche – extensive French wine list with harbor views.
- Street Food Stalls
- Night market at Avenue de l'Europe on Tuesdays for boudin and accras.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Orchidea (High-end Italian/French fusion) and various Sushi spots at the Marina.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Pointe des Châteaux – breathtaking peninsula with cliffside views.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Maison de la Noix de Coco – focuses on local crafts and coconut history.
- Historical Sites
- Cimetière de Morne-à-l'Eau (famous amphitheater-style black and white cemetery nearby).
- Religious Sites
- Église de Saint-François – a classic colonial-style church in the town center.
- Annual Events
- Carnival (Jan-Feb) and the 'Fête des Marins' in August.
- Cultural Districts
- The Village Artisanal at the entrance of the city for local crafts.
- Theater Venues
- L'Artchipel (Scène Nationale) located in Basse-Terre for major productions.
- Local Markets
- Marché de la Rotonde – famous for spices, rum punches, and colorful fabrics.
- Music Scene
- Gwoka music (UNESCO heritage) frequently performed in public squares.
- Street Art
- Vibrant murals around the fishing port and the old town streets.
- Cooking Classes
- Local workshops often organized by 'Gwad'In' – focusing on Creole spices.
- Art Galleries
- Galerie d'Art de la Marina – featuring local Caribbean painters.
- Historic Buildings
- Indigo plantations ruins in the surrounding countryside.
- Local Heritage
- The 'Madras' fabric culture used in traditional ceremonies.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Petite Terre Islands – a nature reserve accessible by catamaran from the Marina.
- National Parks Nearby
- Guadeloupe National Park (Basse-Terre) – 1 hour drive for rainforest trekking.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The coastal trail from Raisins Clairs to Pointe des Châteaux (approx. 10km).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Cross at the end of Pointe des Châteaux for views of La Désirade.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Salt marshes near the Golf Course and the coastline of La Coulée.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Generally discouraged on beaches due to turtle nesting; check local municipal decrees.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- La Poste (limited reliability for international) and DHL Express in Bas-du-Fort.
- Tech Repair Services
- Informatique 971 in the neighboring town of Le Moule.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Local sports complex near the Aerodrome (Saint-François).
- Language Classes
- Alliance Française in Pointe-à-Pitre for formal French lessons.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Médiathèque de Saint-François – quiet space with local literature.
- Community Centers
- Centre Culturel de Saint-François for local arts and crafts workshops.
- Gaming Lounges
- Few local bars have arcade setups; most gaming is private.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Casino de Saint-François – includes slot machines and poker tables (free entry, dress code).
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €126,000 near the Marina).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €3,100 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €93,000 in residential areas).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €190,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €145,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €3,600 per m² (e.g., 75 m² = €270,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 75 m² = €202,500).
- Corporate Tax
- Standard French rate of 25%, but specific tax breaks (Loi LODEOM) apply for DOM-TOM.
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 30% (Flat Tax including social contributions for residents).
- Tax System
- French tax system; residency occurs after 183 days. Worldwide income basis.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 45% plus exceptional contribution for high incomes.
- VAT
- Reduced rate of 8.5% (standard) vs 20% in mainland France.
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, consistent with French and EU anti-tax avoidance directives.
- Property Tax
- Yes, 'Taxe Foncière' applies annually; rates vary by municipality.
- Property Transaction Tax
- Notary fees approx. 7-8% for existing properties, 2-3% for new builds.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific nomad visa; EU citizens have right to live/work. Non-EU need a 'Long Sejour' visa.