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FRANCE D’OUTRE-MER - OVERSEAS FRANCE - ÜBERSEE-FRANKREICH

OVERSEAS FRANCE (DOM-TOM)

Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion, etc. are part of Overseas France. Overseas includes the territories of the French Republic far from mainland France, located on the European continent. Today we are talking about DROM-COM (overseas departments and regions and overseas communities), formerly called DOM-TOM (overseas departments and overseas territories).

Intertourism specialist in the organization of overseas trips since 1981

Intertourisme is a company specializing in the organization of Overseas trips. Our passion is to introduce our customers to the wonders of this unique and authentic region.

We are committed to offering unforgettable travel experiences by providing quality services so that each customer can enjoy a unique and personalized experience.

Our team works in close collaboration with local players to design circuits that meet the expectations and needs of our customers, while offering them the opportunity to discover the splendors of Alsace.

Whether you are looking for a family, couple or solo vacation, Intertourisme is the reference for tailor-made trips to Alsace.

Which places to visit in Overseas?

The French overseas regions are spread across several oceans and seas around the world. Each of these regions has its own unique characteristics, offering magnificent landscapes, cultural richness and exceptional biodiversity.

Here are some places to visit in some of the Overseas regions:

Guadeloupe (Caribbean):

  1. Les Saintes: An archipelago of islands offering white sand beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.
  2. La Soufrière: An active volcano offering hiking trails and panoramic views.
  3. Basse-Terre: The mountainous part of the island with tropical forests, waterfalls and hot springs.

Martinique (Caribbean):

  1. Montagne Pelée: A majestic volcano with hiking trails and stunning views.
  2. Les Anses d’Arlet: Picturesque beaches and scuba diving sites.
  3. Balata Garden: A tropical botanical garden with a wide variety of exotic plants.

La Reunion (Indian Ocean):

  1. Piton de la Fournaise: One of the most active volcanoes in the world with hiking trails.
  2. Cirque de Cilaos: A natural cirque surrounded by mountains offering spectacular landscapes.
  3. Cirque de Salazie: Another cirque with waterfalls and impressive rock formations.

Mayotte (Indian Ocean):

  1. Mayotte Lagoon: A lagoon of exceptional beauty with rich marine biodiversity.
  2. White sand beaches: Mayotte offers magnificent white sand beaches, ideal for relaxation.
  3. Mount Choungui: A mountain offering panoramic views of the island.

Guiana (South America):

  1. The Salvation Islands: Islands off the coast with Devil’s Island, made famous by the penal colony.
  2. Kaw Marshes Nature Reserve: A nature reserve sheltering a rich fauna and flora.
  3. Cayenne: The capital, with its market, its museums and its colonial history.

New Caledonia (South Pacific):

  1. Isle of Pines Lagoon: A lagoon listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Prony Bay: A bay surrounded by cliffs and renowned for its rock formations.
  3. Nouméa: The capital with its beaches, markets and museums.

French Polynesia (South Pacific):

  1. Bora Bora: A paradise island with bright blue lagoons.
  2. Moorea: An island near Tahiti, known for its green mountains and peaceful bays.
  3. Tahiti: The main island with stunning beaches, waterfalls and vibrant Polynesian culture.

These suggestions represent only a small part of the magnificent places to visit in the French overseas regions. Each destination has its own natural beauty, unique culture and fascinating history.

What monuments can we discover overseas?

The French overseas regions are home to several remarkable monuments that reflect the specific history, culture and architecture of each region. Here are some of the monuments to discover in Overseas:

Guadeloupe (Caribbean):

  1. Fort Napoléon in Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes: A historic fortification offering panoramic views of the archipelago.
  2. Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Church in Pointe-à-Pitre: An emblematic church in the neo-Gothic style.

Martinique (Caribbean):

  1. Habitation Clément: A former sugar house with gardens, works of art and a rum distillery.
  2. Fort-de-France: The capital offers several historical monuments, including the Saint-Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher Library.

Mayotte (Indian Ocean):

  1. Badjanani Mosque in Mamoudzou: The largest mosque in Mayotte.
  2. La Passe en S, Dzaoudzi: A historic site with remains of fortifications.

Guiana (South America):

  1. The Salvation Islands: Île Royale and Île Saint-Joseph, with remains of the penal colony.
  2. Cayenne: Fort Cépérou and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral are historic sites.

New Caledonia (South Pacific):

  1. The Bagne de l’Île Nou: Remains of the penal colony of New Caledonia in Nouméa.
  2. Vao Church on the Isle of Pines: A wooden church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

French Polynesia (South Pacific):

  1. Papeete Cathedral, Tahiti: An emblematic cathedral in the heart of the capital.
  2. Marae Taputapuātea, Raiatea: A Polynesian archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reunion (Indian Ocean):

  1. Le Maïdo: A viewpoint offering a breathtaking view of the Cirque de Mafate.
  2. Chapelle Pointue: A small chapel perched on top of a cliff with a view of the ocean.
  3. La Roche Ecrite: A viewpoint and an emblematic rock formation.
  4. Le Barachois, Saint-Denis: A historic waterfront with commemorative monuments.

These monuments offer an overview of the cultural and historical diversity of the French overseas regions. Each region has its own architectural and historical treasures that contribute to its unique charm.

Which villages to visit in Overseas Territories?

The French overseas regions are home to many picturesque villages offering charm, authenticity and immersion in local culture. Here are some of the villages to visit overseas:

Guadeloupe (Caribbean):

  1. Deshaies: A charming coastal village with a small fishing port, colorful houses and beaches nearby.
  2. Sainte-Anne: A tourist village renowned for its white sand beaches and its market.

Martinique (Caribbean):

  1. Les Anses-d’Arlet: A fishing village with colorful houses, a waterside church and a relaxed atmosphere.
  2. Le Carbet: A village located at the foot of Montagne Pelée, offering magnificent views and a black sand beach.

La Réunion (Indian Ocean):

  1. Saint-Pierre: A lively town with a seaside atmosphere, beaches, markets and restaurants.
  2. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains: A popular coastal village with beaches, shops and a vibrant nightlife.
  3. Hell-Bourg: A mountain village classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, with Creole houses and lush gardens.
  4. Cilaos: Nestled in the heart of a mountainous cirque, this village is surrounded by imposing peaks and offers a unique mountain atmosphere.

Mayotte (Indian Ocean):

  1. Mamoudzou: The capital of Mayotte, with its lively market, its colorful streets and its typically Comorian atmosphere.
  2. Dzaoudzi: A small historic town with colonial buildings and interesting sites.

Guiana (South America):

  1. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: A village located along the Maroni river, with vestiges of the penal colony and a rich history.
  2. Iracoubo: A quiet village with a wooden church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

New Caledonia (South Pacific):

  1. Bourail: A coastal village surrounded by green plains, famous for its natural landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.
  2. Hienghène: A coastal village in the north of Grande Terre, surrounded by spectacular rock formations.

French Polynesia (South Pacific):

  1. Fare, Huahine: A quiet village on the island of Huahine, known for its preserved Polynesian culture.
  2. Vaitape, Bora Bora: The main village of Bora Bora, with its small streets, shops and restaurants.

These villages offer an authentic immersion in local life and often feature traditional architecture, colorful markets and a warm atmosphere specific to each overseas region.

10 activities to discover overseas as a family

Discovering Overseas as a family can be an exciting experience, offering a variety of activities suitable for all members. Here are 10 activities to share with the family in the French overseas regions:

  1. Hiking in Nature:
    • Explore family-friendly hiking trails to discover the natural beauty of mountains, forests and coastlines.
  2. Day at the Beach:
    • Enjoy the magnificent white or black sand beaches for days of relaxation, swimming and family games.
  3. Boat trip:
    • Go on a boat trip to discover lagoons, nearby islands and impressive marine life.
  4. Visit to Historic Sites:
    • Explore historical sites, such as forts, old penal colonies, or archaeological remains, to learn more about the history of the region.
  5. Family Diving:
    • Try out scuba diving with your family to discover coral reefs and colorful marine life.
  6. Kayak trip:
    • Paddle along rivers, mangroves or coastlines in a kayak for a fun and active family experience.
  7. Discovery of Local Cuisine:
    • Participate in culinary workshops to discover and taste local cuisine, with an emphasis on the unique flavors of the region.
  8. Wildlife Observation:
    • Go on a safari or excursion to observe local wildlife, including unique species only found overseas.
  9. Cultural outing:
    • Explore local villages, watch traditional dance performances, visit colorful markets and learn about local culture.
  10. Aquatic Activities:
    • Try family-friendly water activities such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing or sailing.

The 10 nuggets of the North Overseas

The Northern Overseas, referring mainly to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, is full of gems to discover.

Here are 10 treasures of this region:

  1. Guadeloupe National Park:
    • Explore rainforests, waterfalls and the La Soufrière volcano in this exceptional national park.
  2. The white sand beaches of Saint-Martin:
    • Enjoy heavenly beaches such as Orient Bay, renowned for its white sand and crystal clear waters.
  3. The Petrification Savanna, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon:
    • Discover a unique landscape with fossilized tree trunks thousands of years old.
  4. The Tortue Island Nature Reserve, Guadeloupe:
    • Dive into the protected waters of this marine reserve and discover a rich marine fauna.
  5. The Saint-John Perse Museum, Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe):
    • Explore the life and work of poet and diplomat Saint-John Perse in this dedicated museum.
  6. The Garden of Balata, Martinique:
    • Walk through this lush tropical garden, home to a variety of exotic plants and hummingbirds.
  7. Fort Louis, Saint-Martin:
    • Enjoy panoramic views of the island from this historic fort located in Marigot.
  8. La Route de la Trace, Martinique:
    • Travel this winding road through the rainforest, offering spectacular panoramas.
  9. The Edgar Clerc Museum, Saint-Barthélemy:
    • Discover the history and culture of Saint-Barthélemy in this museum located in Gustavia.
  10. Les Îles aux Marins, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon:
    • Explore this abandoned village on Île aux Marins, offering a glimpse of life in the early 20th century.

These gems of the North Overseas offer a diversity of experiences, ranging from preserved nature to cultural and historical treasures.

Contact us

 Address: 4 RUE ALEXANDRE DUMAS 78230 LE PECQ – FRANCE
Phone: +33(1) 75 26 12 82
Email: contact@intertourisme.com
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