Death in Paradise is a 13-season murder mystery with hints of comedy and drama. The hit series follows detectives with a special skill for solving seemingly impossible cases. The crime show has been airing on BBC or BritBox since 2011 and gained a significant audience.
The setting of the show, Saint Marie, is a fictional tropical destination with unmatchable beauty. The Caribbean island has a town named Honoré which is the setting for most of the thrilling criminal cases. Although the fictional destination has an unprecedented (and impractical) amount of murders that get unraveled seemingly every week, it is an incredibly picturesque place. Travelers can even visit the real-life island that helped to create the mysterious world of Death in Paradise.
Check out where Death in Paradise was filmed and where travelers should visit.
Deshaies, Guadeloupe
- Key Scenes: exterior shots and the police station
- Best Time to Visit: Between January and April
- Transportation Options: ferries to go from island to island
All of Death in Paradise has been filmed in one of the islands of Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe is a group of 12 islands that are relatively lesser known than other tropical islands. The tranquil islands are the temporary home of the cast and crew for about six months a year for filming. Deshaies is a northeastern village that is well known for its fishing. Travelers enjoy the golden beaches, clear waters, delicious cuisine, relaxing activities and local culture of Deshaies. It is also the main setting for the seaside series. There are a few places that travelers may notice from the show, but the most recognizable is the fictional police station. The Honoré police station, which is the site of a lot of action, actually is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Deshaies.
Things to Do: Although Deshaies is a more remote location, there are things to do there. Some of the top attractions of Deshaies include the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies, Plage de Grande Anse, D-Stress Massages and Spa Tendacayou.
Where to Eat: There are places with affordable bites, prime beach views and exceptional cuisine in Deshaies. Some of the fan favorites include Karacoli Beach and Spa, Paradise Kafe and Chez Olivier.
Where to Stay: The cast and crew of the show are noted to regularly stay at the Langley Resort Fort Royal. Apparently, some filming has even occurred there so travelers may be lucky enough to encounter some of the stars.
La Kaz du Douanier Restaurant, Guadeloupe
- Key Scenes: Catherine’s bar
- Best Time to Visit: February through June
- Transportation Options: buses are the most convenient way to get around
For culinary connoisseurs, there is a significant fixture in the series that will be tasty to explore. La Kaz du Douanier is a French Caribbean restaurant in Deshaies that is quite popular. In fact, it is one of the top restaurants in Deshaies. It has incredible views, which are featured in Death in Paradise. But this restaurant is only the first destination to represent Catherine’s Bar. The La Kaz du Douanier is the original location for Catherine’s beachfront bar, which was changed in season three. The restaurant is further inland. But it was the perfect place for the crime (fighting) team to frequent between cases.
Things to Do: Memorial ACTe is a contemporary museum in Guadeloupe that highlights the historical impacts of the Caribbean slave trade and indigenous people. Guadeloupe also has a cruise port for Caribbean cruises named Port of Pointe-á-Pitre, which is very popular for its markets and the surrounding lush rainforests.
Where to Eat: La Kaz du Douanier is a top restaurant with high ratings that was regularly shown in the show. Travelers will enjoy the local flavors and exceptional service at this spot which offers lunch and dinner.
Where to Stay: The Tendacayou Ecolodge & Spa is one of the top accommodations near the restaurant that was featured in the series. Travelers can walk to the restaurant to get a real life view of the crime show hangout spot.
Le Madras Cajun and Creole Restaurant, Guadeloupe
- Key Scenes: Catherine’s bar
- Best Time to Visit: December to May for best weather
- Transportation Options: buses or taxis
This restaurant (better known as Le Madras) on Rue de La Vague Bleue Promenade is the new location for filming. The eating spot is a popular beachfront restaurant with outdoor seating and an array of tasty cocktails. The eatery offers some refreshing mojitos, fresh seafood and even photo ops. Le Madras Cajun and Creole Restaurant is a popular beach shack that many travelers and locals enjoy. It offers traditional local foods so it is a popular place for fans and travelers to visit while in the area. It is recommended that travelers make reservations. This restaurant was selected as the new filming location for Catherines because of its beach access. For the allure of the show, it served best that viewers could get a better view of the water and beachfront.
Things to Do: Zoo de Guadeloupe au Parc des Mamelles, Fort Napoléon des Saintes and the Aquarium of Guadeloupe are some of the most popular tourist attractions around.
Where to Eat: For a taste of Cajun and Creole flavors, La Madras is a top dining option. La Touna, O’ Séverin, Les Gommiers and La Sucrerie de Nogent are also popular spots for travelers wanting to get a taste of local cuisine.
Where to Stay: La Creole Beach Hotel and Spa and La Tousana Hotel & Spa are both highly rated accommodations in the area.