It's located in the midst of the Lesser Antilles, where it welcomes smaller cruise ships and frequent flights, but Guadeloupe has the allure of an out-of-the-way, pristine destination that glistens with quaint charm. This cluster of five main islands is actually a department of France and as such enjoys reliable roads and transportation, as well as an impressive inventory of hotels and resorts. Best of all, Guadeloupe blends French, Creole and other cultures with the breathtaking beauty of seascapes carved by volcanic activity and of picturesque towns stretching along sunlit bays. Click to find out why this French island makes a great choice for travelers looking for something new in the Caribbean.

Known as the 'New Orleans of the Caribbean,' Pointe-��-Pitre on the island of Basse-Terre is Guadeloupe's largest city and main seaport. Colorful French colonial architecture sets the stage for a taste of lively local life, as street music fills the air and outdoor markets display a myriad of goods. The city is home to great duty-free shopping in general, but especially for French brands, and its restaurants, bistros and bars beckon to foodies while also enhancing a bustling nightlife scene.

As an archipelago, Guadeloupe is filled with places to explore via its excellent ferry network. There's Basse-Terre with its rich eco-system, volcano and waterfalls; Grande-Terre, which comprises white-sand beaches, surf spots and former sugarcane plantations; Les Saintes, a cluster of nine unspoiled islands where visitors can find remarkable golden sand, one of the world's most beautiful bays and passion-infused culinary specialties; La D��sirade, which offers pristine beaches protected by long stretches of coral reef; and Marie-Galante, home to not only white-sand beaches but also some of the best rum in the world. And no matter the island, explorers will find plenty of tempting food to keep up their energy.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1992, Guadeloupe has long taken great care of its many natural treasures, which await your eco-conscious clients. Clearly marked hiking trails afford surprises like waterfalls and breathtaking vistas as they wind through the archipelago and its rainforested areas. Your particularly ambitious clients may wish to hike all the way to the summit of La Soufri��re Volcano on Basse-Terre, which, at 4,812 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the Lesser Antilles.

Travelers are never far away from an awesome beach in Guadeloupe, where they will also have their choice of sand color - white, gold, pink, ochre brown or black. Basse-Terre, with its volcano, is famous for its black sand, but it's also home to Grande-Anse Beach, which glimmers in gold. Soft white-sand beaches are prevalent on most islands and offer varying levels of wave action, from calm to boldly playful (Grande-Terre has beaches that are perfect for surfing).

Snorkeling can easily be enjoyed off the sandy beaches on La D��sirade, where coral reef offers protection and an abundance of marine life. Snorkelers and divers alike won't want to miss the coral reef and vibrant gardens of the Jacques-Cousteau Underwater Reserve, located off Basse-Terre's Pigeon Islands. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available.

Almost every inhabited island in the archipelago offers an array of restaurants bringing passion to their culinary art. Visitors will find French cuisine as well as Creole, which brings together French traditions with the flavors of Africa, East India and Southeast Asia. Fresh seafood typically appears on menus. Outdoor seating on quaint streets or along the water enhances the dining experience.

Guadeloupe has preserved the stories of the people who have shaped its culture. One such example is the Memorial ACTe Museum dedicated to the memory and history of the slave trade as well as the islands' indigenous people. Another is The Slave Route - Traces of Memory in Guadeloupe, which is part of UNESCO's Slave Route Project. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to Fort Delgr��s, a 17th-century French military structure and site of an important battle in the resistance to slavery, and to Distillerie Bologne, once owned by the rum-producing family of Joseph Bologne, a black composer, violinist and swordsman who led an extraordinary life.

The combination of French architecture, Creole cuisine, gwo-ka street music and the zouk music played in nightclubs, along with many other cultural forces, radiates a creative energy that visitors can't help but feel. This energy gives Guadeloupe an intangible quality that makes visiting the archipelago so worthwhile.

Guadeloupe is an excellent vacation choice for discerning clients with a variety of interests, from beaches and outdoor adventure to food, music and history. And it's ideal for travelers who are looking for something a little different in the Caribbean. The Guadeloupe Islands Specialist program at TravelAgentAcademy.com will fill you in on all of the details you need to sell your clients on this little slice of France in paradise.