Where was Death in Paradise filmed?
Discover Deshaies in Guadeloupe
Death in Paradise: When Deshaies becomes Honoré
Since 2011, the television series Death in Paradise has introduced viewers to the tropical landscapes of Guadeloupe, and has helped to put Deshaies on the map worldwide. While the plot unfolds on the fictional island of Sainte-Marie, the series is primarily filmed in Deshaies, on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre.
With its Creole houses, its small fishing port, its coconut-fringed beaches and its lush vegetation, the village of Deshaies embodies Honoré's imaginary city on screen.
Over the seasons, certain locations have become iconic for fans of the series: the police station, La Perle beach, and the village streets. These real-life settings can be found during a stroll through Deshaies and its surroundings.
Discovering Deshaies means rediscovering the atmosphere of Death in Paradise, but also appreciating an authentic village, its natural environment and the gentle way of life of the Caribbean.
Where were the filming locations for Death in Paradise?
Most of the iconic locations for Death in Paradise are in Deshaies, Guadeloupe. The village lends its streets, port, and landscapes to the fictional town of Honoré.
Some locations have become must-sees for fans of the series. Others are temporary sets, installed only during filming periods. Here are the main places to discover on location.
Honoré's police station
Easily recognizable by its wooden shutters and its location above the bay, Honoré's police station is actually the former presbytery of Deshaies, located right next to the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church.
This authentic building has served as the setting for the police station scenes in Death in Paradise since the series began. The interior spaces are furnished for filming purposes.
Outside of filming periods, the venue can accommodate visitors and fans of the series in the form of a museum, allowing them to discover some iconic sets and props.
This is an essential stop for fans of Death in Paradise who wish to rediscover the atmosphere of the series in the heart of Honoré's real village.
The inspector's house on Pearl Beach
This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic settings of Death in Paradise. The famous wooden cabin where the various inspectors successively stay is located on the magnificent Perle beach, in Riflet, north of Deshaies.
With its location facing the Caribbean Sea and its tree growing through the building, this small house has become a must-see for fans of the series.
It should be noted, however, that this cabin is not a permanent dwelling. It is specially installed by the production team for the purposes of filming, and then dismantled at the end of filming in order to preserve the natural site.
Even outside of filming periods, La Perle beach is well worth a visit. Its golden sand, coconut palms, and magnificent sunsets make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Deshaies region.
This is an opportunity to relive the atmosphere of the series while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.
The fishing port and village of Deshaies
The fishing port of Deshaies is one of the iconic locations in Death in Paradise. In the series, it becomes Honoré's port, where many of the characters' arrival and departure scenes take place.
With its colorful boats, seaside terraces, and bay surrounded by verdant hills, the port offers an authentic setting that greatly contributes to the series' visual identity. Several episodes were filmed there in collaboration with the local fishermen.
As you walk through the village streets, you will also find the Creole houses, small shops and landscapes that regularly appear on the screen.
Even without being a fan of the series, a walk in the town and around the port allows you to discover the charm of Deshaies, its peaceful atmosphere and its exceptional natural setting.
Catherine's bar
Catherine Bordey's bar is one of the key locations in the series Death in Paradise. It's in this establishment that the investigators like to meet up for a drink and chat after their investigations.
In reality, the exterior set used since season 3 is that of the Le Madras restaurant, located on the seafront in the heart of the village of Deshaies. Its terrace overlooking the bay offers a pleasant setting to take a break and enjoy the village atmosphere.
In the series, Catherine's bar is an iconic place where the characters like to meet. In Deshaies, several establishments have been associated with this world. Le Madras and La Kaz du Douanier are among the places to discover to experience the village's friendly atmosphere.
The Botanical Garden of Deshaies
Formerly owned by the comedian Coluche, the Deshaies Botanical Garden is one of the most remarkable natural sites in the municipality.
This lush tropical garden also served as a backdrop for Death in Paradise. Fans of the series will recognize some of the landscapes seen in the first episode of season 3, in which Detective Inspector Richard Poole is found murdered.
Beyond its connection to the series, the garden is worth a visit for the richness of its tropical vegetation, its ponds, its waterfalls and its many animal species.
This is a great opportunity to discover another side of Deshaies, between nature, botany and film sets.
Can we visit the filming locations of Death in Paradise?
Most of the locations featured in the series are freely accessible or can be seen from public spaces. A walk through the village makes it easy to find several iconic sets seen on screen:
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Honoré's police station
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The church
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The fishing port
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Catherine's bar
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The beach at La Perle, where the inspector's cabin is located during filming, is a few minutes away by car.
For enthusiasts, the police station can also be visited inside when it is transformed into a museum, outside of filming periods. Opening dates and conditions may vary depending on the season.
There are also guided tours that allow you to discover iconic locations and learn more about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the series.
Whether you are a fan of Death in Paradise or simply curious to discover Deshaies, this walk is a beautiful way to explore the village and its landscapes.
When is the best time to visit Deshaies to see Death in Paradise?
Deshaies enjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. However, certain periods are particularly favorable for discovering the village and the filming locations of Death in Paradise.
The dry season, known as Lent, generally runs from December to April. This is the most popular time to enjoy the beaches, stroll through the village, and visit the various filming locations, thanks to generally sunnier weather and less frequent rainfall.
From June to November, the rainy season brings particularly lush vegetation and more frequent showers. This period also offers the opportunity to discover Deshaies in a different atmosphere, with often fewer tourists.
Whatever the period chosen, Deshaies remains a pleasant destination to rediscover the landscapes of Death in Paradise and enjoy the gentle Guadeloupean way of life.
Please note: the filming periods for the series do not necessarily coincide with the best times to travel. Temporary sets, such as the inspector's cabin on Pearl Beach, are not present year-round.
What is there to discover around the filming locations of Death in Paradise?
Beyond the scenery of Death in Paradise, Deshaies and its surroundings offer numerous opportunities for discovery. The village is an excellent starting point for exploring the northwest coast of Basse-Terre, with its tropical beaches, lush gardens, and unspoiled landscapes.
Grande Anse beach, with its vast expanse of golden sand fringed by coconut palms, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe. A little further north, La Perle beach captivates visitors with its natural setting and sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.
Nature lovers can also discover the Deshaies Botanical Garden, with its many tropical species and its plant-lined walkways.
By taking a step back from the village, the region also allows you to discover hiking trails, rainforest and the landscapes of the leeward coast.
All these are great reasons to extend the visit after revisiting the iconic locations from the series.
Where to stay to discover the filming locations of Death in Paradise?
To discover the filming locations of Death in Paradise while fully enjoying the region, Nature Caraïbe Lodge welcomes you to Deshaies, Guadeloupe.
Our detached villa, with private pool, tropical garden and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, is a pleasant starting point for exploring the village and its surroundings.
You can easily organize your visits to Honoré's police station, the fishing port, Catherine's bar or even to the beach of La Perle, where the iconic set of the inspector's house during filming is located.
After your explorations, you will return to the calm of your villa, its terrace with sea views and its private pool.
A great way to combine discovering filming locations, a nature stay and relaxation in Guadeloupe.
