3 Best Shopping in Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

At this shop, which resembles a yacht, you'll find batik creations and clothing in luminescent seashell and blue shades. Ladies love pareus (wraparound fabric for skirts) in the colors of the sea, from pale green to deep turquoise, as well as the jewelry. For both men and ladies, there are authentic Panama hats—tropical fedoras (not inexpensive) in classic white and tropical colors. There are also several lines of women's clothing by French designers (like Nathalie Joubert), tunics, crocheted tops, and tiered long skirts. Many items are quite expensive but cool and lightweight. And here, silkscreen is the real deal.

Artist Pascal Foy produces stunning homages to traditional Creole architecture: paintings of houses that incorporate collage make marvelous wall hangings. As his fame has grown, media attention has expanded and prices have risen. You are more likely to find a family member manning the shop nowadays.

This boutique is owned by a Frenchwoman with characteristic good taste. Ladies will find French and Italian fashions here—cool, lightweight skirts and dresses, stylish shade hats for protection from the island's strong sun, jewelry, sandals, accessories, and hip clothes for little girls.