Among the islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago, Marie Galante was the first one reached by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage. He arrived at the place called Anse Ballet in Grand-Bourg on November 3, 1493. He named the Island after his flagship, Maria Galanda. It was previously called "Aichi" by the Carib Indians and "Touloukaera" by the Arawaks.

The Island is more commonly known as "La grande galette" (Big Pancake) due to its round shape and almost flat surface (its highest peak, the hill Morne Constant, rises to 204m - 670 ft). Once counting over 106 sugar mills, it is also called the "Island of a hundred windmills", or the "Grande dependance" (the biggest island depending on Guadeloupe).

If the size of the Island seems modest, 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) in diameter with the highest point reaching 204 meters (670 ft), it is the perfect size for a holiday, its winding roads, pretty green countryside and attractive beaches and small town all give a unique charm.  

Marie-Galante is a unique island off the beaten track and a place of simple rural traditions, it fosters the art of living calmly and peaceable, but don't trust too much in this appearance of quiet - in no time everyone will be ready to party to the rhythm of music, joining in the fun with family and friends.

Although the climate is rather dry, you'll find a luxuriant vegetation that made her the home of sugar cane and subsequently of rum distilling. There are several distilleries to visit including, Distillery Poisson with guided visit and tasting of the rum "Le Père Labat", Distillery Bielle near to the Mare au Punch, Distillery Bellevue, Chateau Murat (in 1839 it was the property of the richest sugar refiners of the island, today you'll find an Ecomuseum in beautiful gardens), ruins of the former windmills and sugar refineries are scattered all over the landscape.

Marie-Galante is easily accessible from Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe's economic capital. It takes 45 minutes by boat or 15 minutes by plane.