This 12-sq-mi/31-sq-km island of 2,000 people was once a prison and leper colony. Today you'll find a great beach and superlative seafood restaurants. Although La Desirade has little tourism development, it is an extremely popular day-trip destination (there is regular air service from the airport on Grande-Terre and ferries from St. Francois). Plant lovers will be interested in both the cacti and succulents that have adapted to the island's environment. Grande Anse, at the southern end of the island, is the only population center. 5 mi/8 km east of Grande-Terre.
