Stopover in Antigua and Barbuda, the authentic jewels of the Caribbean

Less flat than Barbuda, Antigua has steep hills that bear witness to its volcanic past, the highest of which, Mount Obama, rises to a height of 400 metres. Like its little sister, Antigua's coastline is another of its charms. Its clear, turquoise waters are ideal for diving and snorkelling, as at Cades Reef, but also for water sports, with Galley Bay renowned for its surfing. A corner of paradise made up of 365 beaches, ideal for visiting by catamaran.

The national park, Indian Town Park, with its surprising geological formations such as the natural Devil's Bridge, the Rainforest, a tropical rainforest located in the south-west of the island, and not forgetting the capital, St John's, with its colourful houses and architecture dating back to the British colonial era, are all well worth a visit. Travellers will also discover the Georgian houses of Shirley Heights and numerous windmills on the island.

Don't miss English Harbour, the natural harbour that once housed the British military base. Every year, Antigua invites the world's greatest yachts to an international regatta held between late April and early May.

Long stretches of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush green vegetation... Arriving in Barbuda by sea, travellers admire a landscape of intense colours worthy of a mirage. The island, smaller than Antigua, is full of surprises. The coral reefs are a delight for snorkellers. Coco Point, one of the best spots for this activity, also offers the chance to swim with sea turtles and tropical fish. An air of freedom floats over this beach where you can come across horses. A favourite haunt of Princess Diana, it has been renamed in her name.

The beaches of Palmetto Point and Low Bay are perfect for relaxing on the sand. Located on a lagoon, Codrington, the island's only village, is an ideal place to meet the locals at tea time and hear Creole spoken in an environment that blends Caribbean and English culture.

Not to be missed: Pink Sand Beach, located in the south of the island, is well worth a visit for its shades of pinkish shells. And the sanctuary of the frigatebirds, seabirds recognisable by their red throats that swell during the mating season.

Close to the coast, Barbuda has numerous caves, some of which bear witness to a past dating back at least 4,000 years. In Two Foot Bay National Park, keep your eyes peeled for not only the many endemic and tropical birds that fly over the cliffs, but also caves inside the rocks that are well worth a visit.

In the Indian Cave, travellers can admire petroglyphs on the walls, dating back to the first Amerindian inhabitants who lived in these caves. In the Drop Cave, you'll find stalagmites and stalactites, as well as the Bat Chamber, which, as its name suggests, is a refuge for bats. It's best to take a guide, as some of the caves are difficult to access. Behind the cliffs, there are a number of chasms that let in light and are densely vegetated. In the Darby chasm, a palm tree has even grown!