Grand Bourg is the commercial and administrative centre of Marie-Galante. Much of the town was destroyed by a fire in 1901 so none of the colonial buildings are left but there is plenty here to make a worthwhile stop-over on your Grand Bourg Marie-Galante Yacht Charter or Flotilla. Drop in to the Eglise Sainte Marie for a peek at the stained glass windows before visiting the market to pick up souvenirs and local artisan crafts.

North of the town, you can visit the Habitation Murat, a partially restored 18th century sugar plantation built by slaves and there are several rum distilleries that you can tour. Distillerie Bielle offers free tastings (calm down) and Domaine de Bellevue is located in an attractive historic setting. While Grand Bourg doesn’t have a huge number of bars and restaurants, the ones that it does have tend to be pretty good.  L’Ornata near the marina is located in a nice old Creole house and has tables out on the front porch while Footy (the owner is a former footballer) serves incredible pork chops from the giant black pigs that you see everywhere on the island.

There’s live music here on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit the little seaside town of Capesterre, on the southeast coast of the island, and Feuillere beach next door, one of the loveliest beaches on an island. From the village you can explore the cliffs and there are hiking trails for the energetic.