Saint-François sits on the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. That double coastline is its great asset: on one side, a calm, shallow lagoon sheltered by the coral reef; on the other, wilder bays where the trade winds raise the swell. From Villa Trézel, the nearest beach is just 1.3 km away — time enough to grab towels, masks and snorkels.
Six beaches within 20 minutes
Approximate distances from the villa, from the town centre to Pointe des Châteaux.
Raisins Clairs beach
≈ 1.3 kmSaint-François town
Best for: Families, snorkellingThe lagoon (golf course side)
≈ 2 kmSaint-François
Best for: Kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleAnse à la Gourde
≈ 9 kmPointe des Châteaux road
Best for: Long beach, mask & snorkelAnse Tarare
≈ 10 kmPointe des Châteaux
Best for: Sheltered cove (naturist)Grande Anse des Salines
≈ 11 kmPointe des Châteaux
Best for: Scenery, photos, walksSainte-Anne beaches
≈ 15 minNeighbouring town
Best for: Big family beachesRaisins Clairs, the family beach
This is Saint-François's signature beach, and the closest to the villa. The sand is pale, the sea-grape trees that give it its name provide welcome shade, and the reef breaks the swell offshore: the water stays calm and shallow for a good distance, making it ideal for children and for a first snorkel. Free public access, parking nearby, public showers and toilets usually available, and shaded picnic areas.
It gets lively at weekends, when local families gather here; on weekdays and early in the morning it is much quieter. There are no lifeguards, so keep an eye on the little ones.
The lagoon, a playground for board sports
A little further on, by the golf course, the Saint-François lagoon combines shallow water with steady trade winds: one of the island's best spots for windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding, with schools and rental shops on site. Beginners progress quickly; experienced riders find wind almost all year round.
Anse à la Gourde, Anse Tarare, Les Salines
Head out along the Pointe des Châteaux road and the landscape changes: the vegetation gets drier, houses thin out, and one bay follows another, facing La Désirade.
Anse à la Gourde is a long beach of fine sand lined with almond and sea-grape trees, one of the most popular on the peninsula. There is parking and a beach restaurant nearby. The lagoon is lovely with a mask and snorkel, but it can be choppy, with currents: swim with care and bring your own shade, which is scarce.
Anse Tarare, a small sheltered cove at the foot of the Pointe, is known as Guadeloupe's naturist beach — worth knowing before heading down with the family.
Finally, Grande Anse des Salines opens out at the foot of Pointe des Châteaux, facing the Atlantic and the islands. The scenery is breathtaking and the sea often rough: a beach to admire and photograph rather than swim. Take the opportunity to climb to the cross at the tip, ideally early in the morning or at sunset.
The big beaches of Sainte-Anne
Fancy a change of scene? Neighbouring Sainte-Anne, about fifteen minutes' drive away, has a string of big family beaches: the town beach, Bois Jolan with its very shallow water, and La Caravelle. Easy to combine a swim, lunch and a stroll around the market.
Our tips for enjoying the beaches
Timing
In the morning the light is soft, the sea calmer and the beaches quieter. Late afternoon is all about sunsets.
Sun and shade
The tropical sun burns fast, even under cloud: hat, UV shirt and sunscreen, ideally reef-safe.
Manchineel trees
Manchineel trees grow on some Guadeloupe beaches, often marked with a red band on the trunk: never shelter under them or touch their fruit.
Sargassum
This brown seaweed washes up in episodes, more or less heavily depending on the year and the coast. Check the current situation before you set off.
Respect the site
Don't walk on coral, don't feed the fish and take your rubbish home: Pointe des Châteaux is a protected natural area.
Swimming
Most beaches have no lifeguards. On the Atlantic side, swell and currents can be strong: only swim in calm water.
Beach in the morning, pool in the afternoon
Single-storey villa for 6 guests, 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, private saltwater pool and tropical garden, 1.3 km from Raisins Clairs beach.
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Plan your stay
Information checked in October 2026, for guidance only; distances from the villa are approximate. Swimming conditions vary with the weather.