Terre-de-Bas

(from the neighboring island of Terre- de-Haut )

Terre- de -Bas is a municipality with 1102 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) and an island in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. The municipality is part of the Canton of Les Saintes.

Geography

The island is located as its neighboring island of Terre- de-Haut on a separate archipelago in Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes ( Islands of the Saints ) or des Saintes archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The center is located at 41 meters above sea level in the Massif Central.

History

The Îles des Saintes were discovered in November 1493 by Christopher Columbus (1451-1506 ). 1648 were the islands to France.

Since 1967, the population of Terre- de -Bas decreases continuously.

Attractions

Jean -Pierre Fidelin left around 1760 to build a pottery. The pottery manufactured mainly forms that were used for the manufacture of sugar. Each sugar factory had over 2000 of these forms. Pottery was in operation from 1760 to 1860. Then focused on the production of allspice and the pottery fell into disrepair. The buildings are privately owned and in 1997 as a monument historique (historic monument) were classified.

Another attraction is the large beach Grand Anse ( " big bay ").

Culture

The fishermen of Terre- de -Bas held since the mid-19th century, " Salako " said wide-brimmed hats that are made ​​of plaited bamboo. They are produced from older traditional handicraft and mostly supported by this, but the tradition is slowly disappearing from the island.

Economy and infrastructure

Terre- de -Bas is quieter and less frequented than Terre- de-Haut, although tourism is in addition to fishing and agriculture is an important source of income. It is grown mainly cassava, maize, cotton, sugar cane and coffee.

There is an airfield in Terre -de- Bas. The D213 extends annularly through the southern part of the island.