Guadeloupe consists of two islands separated by a salt river and whose combined shape resembles a butterfly. The western island is Basse-Terre and the eastern island is Grande-Terre.

Grande-Terre's indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs and the island itself is a limestone plateau. Its surface is a series of rolling hills, white sand beaches and cliffs. Of the two islands, Grande-Terre is home to the majority of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.

Grande Terre is also the name of the main island of New Caledonia.