For viewers in the UK and beyond, Death in Paradise offers an escape to sun-drenched shores and a world away from gloomy winters. The fictional island of Saint Marie, with its idyllic beaches and endless supply of “Etensel” beer, sparks daydreams of Caribbean getaways. While Saint Marie itself is a creation for the screen, its breathtaking backdrop is very real and accessible. For fans wondering Where Death In Paradise Is Filmed, the answer lies in the stunning landscapes of Guadeloupe.
EastEnders star Don Gilet is taking on the role of detective inspector on Saint Marie
The BBC hit series, now welcoming Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson alongside returning favorites, has been gracing screens since 2011. Over more than 100 episodes, the captivating scenery that sets the stage for each intriguing mystery is primarily found in Guadeloupe, a French archipelago in the Lesser Antilles. Nestled in the eastern Caribbean Sea, between Dominica and Antigua, Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped Basse-Terre island, specifically its northwest coast, provides the iconic terracotta roofs, traditional churches, and swaying palm trees that define the visual paradise of Death in Paradise.
Basse-Terre and Terre-de-Haut set the scene for Death in Paradise
For fans wanting to immerse themselves in the world of Saint Marie, many filming locations are open to visitors. Deshaies, a charming and lively fishing village on Basse-Terre, plays the starring role as the fictional town of St Honoré. During peak tourist season, Death in Paradise location tours are available, allowing dedicated viewers to explore beyond the sun-kissed beaches and delve into the show’s recognizable spots.
One such location is Catherine’s Bar, a beloved spot in the series. While originally filmed at Le Kaz restaurant, the on-screen bar is now brought to life at Le Madras, a cajun and creole restaurant situated on the Rue de La Vague Bleue promenade. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of Catherine’s Bar firsthand, enjoying fresh seafood and refreshing daiquiris, just like the detectives on the show.
Visit Catherine’s Bar yourself for a menu of fresh seafood
The heart of many episodes, the Honoré Police station, is also a real location. The Presbytery, adjacent to the church of St Peter and St Paul in Deshaies, serves as the exterior for the police station, a focal point for each investigation. Furthermore, the famous shack, currently the residence of DI Mervin Wilson, is specially constructed each season on the beautiful Anse de la Perle Beach. Even The Langley Fort Royal Hotel, where the cast stays during filming from December to May, has been featured in the series as a location for some on-screen drama.
Deshaies doubles as the show’s fictional seaside setting of St Honoré
Reaching this paradise isn’t as complicated as solving a Saint Marie murder. Getting to Guadeloupe involves a journey with two flights via Paris, France, landing at Pointe-à-Pitre Airport, Guadeloupe’s main airport hub. Air France offers return flights starting from approximately £722. From the airport, Deshaies is a scenic 50-minute drive, bringing you directly into the heart of Death in Paradise territory, ready to experience the stunning setting – hopefully without the crime rate of Saint Marie.
While Death in Paradise keeps viewers captivated with its Caribbean charm, spin-off series expand the “Paradise” universe to different shores. Beyond Paradise, starring Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman, shifts the setting to the fictional Devonshire town of Shipton Abbott. Filming for this series takes place in the Cornish fishing port town of Looe, showcasing the beauty of the UK coastline, with locations including the Port Eliot Estate, Werrington Park, and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Humphrey Goodman spin-off has aired two seasons
Further expanding the franchise, Return to Paradise introduces Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke in a sun-drenched Australian setting. This spin-off, starring Anna Samson, is filmed in “Dolphin Cove,” utilizing locations across Sydney and the picturesque Illawarra coastal region of Australia.
In conclusion, the allure of Death in Paradise is undeniable, and a significant part of its appeal lies in its stunning filming locations. While Saint Marie is fictional, its soul resides in the real-world beauty of Guadeloupe, particularly Basse-Terre and Deshaies. Whether you are drawn to the Caribbean vibes of the original series, the British charm of Beyond Paradise, or the Australian sunshine of Return to Paradise, each offers a unique visual landscape, inviting viewers to explore their own paradise, both on screen and perhaps in reality.
