For over a decade, Death in Paradise has been a beloved TV staple, bringing sunshine and intrigue into homes, particularly during the gloomy winter months. The show’s idyllic backdrop, the fictional Saint Marie, is just as captivating as the crime-solving plots. If you’ve ever wondered, “where is Death in Paradise filmed?” you’re not alone. The allure of those pristine beaches and vibrant towns is undeniable, and thankfully, the paradise you see on screen is very much real and ready for you to explore.
EastEnders star Don Gilet is taking on the role of detective inspector on Saint Marie
Don Gilet debuts as the new Detective Inspector in Death in Paradise, filmed in the stunning Guadeloupe islands.
As the series evolves, with Don Gilet stepping into the lead detective role in series 14, the captivating scenery remains a constant character. Let’s dive into the real-life locations that bring Saint Marie to life and how you can experience this Caribbean paradise yourself.
Guadeloupe: The Real-Life Saint Marie
Since its premiere in 2011, Death in Paradise has been filmed in Guadeloupe, a stunning archipelago of six islands in the French Lesser Antilles. This French territory, nestled in the eastern Caribbean Sea between Dominica and Antigua, offers the breathtaking landscapes that define the show. The iconic imagery of terracotta roofs, traditional churches, and swaying palm trees is primarily captured on Basse-Terre, one of Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped main islands, specifically along its picturesque northwest coast.
Basse-Terre and Terre-de-Haut set the scene for Death in Paradise
Explore the diverse landscapes of Basse-Terre and Terre-de-Haut, the backdrop for the Death in Paradise television series.
While Saint Marie is fictional, its spirit and visual appeal are directly inspired by the beauty of Guadeloupe. The show cleverly uses various locations across the islands to create the cohesive and charming world of Saint Marie that viewers have come to adore.
Visiting Iconic Death in Paradise Filming Locations
For fans eager to step into the world of Death in Paradise, many filming locations are accessible and offer a unique tourist experience. Deshaies, a charming and vibrant fishing village on Basse-Terre, serves as the primary inspiration and filming location for Saint Honoré, the fictional town at the heart of the series. During peak tourist season, Death in Paradise location tours are available, allowing fans to explore the recognizable spots from the show.
One must-visit location is “Catherine’s Bar,” a frequent haunt for the detectives in the series. While initially filmed at Le Kaz restaurant, the bar scenes are now set at Le Madras, a cajun and creole restaurant located on Rue de La Vague Bleue promenade in Deshaies. You can visit Le Madras and immerse yourself in the Death in Paradise atmosphere while enjoying fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
Visit Catherine’s Bar yourself for a menu of fresh seafood
Dine at Le Madras in Deshaies, the real-world location of Catherine’s Bar from Death in Paradise, and savor Caribbean flavors.
The Honoré Police station, central to many episodes, is another key location. This is filmed at the Presbytery attached to the church of St Peter and St Paul in Deshaies. While you can admire the exterior, remember it’s a functioning place of worship and residence.
The iconic beach shack, currently home to DI Mervin Wilson, is constructed each season on the beautiful Anse de la Perle Beach. This stunning beach is open to the public, allowing you to relax on the sands and imagine yourself in the detective’s shoes. The Langley Fort Royal Hotel has also featured in the series, hosting both the cast during filming (December to May) and, occasionally, a fictional murder scene.
Deshaies doubles as the show’s fictional seaside setting of St Honoré
Experience the charm of Deshaies, the real fishing village that doubles as the fictional Saint Honoré in Death in Paradise.
Getting to Your Own Paradise
Reaching Guadeloupe to explore the Death in Paradise locations involves a journey, but it’s well worth the trip for fans and Caribbean enthusiasts. The main airport in Guadeloupe is Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP). Typically, the journey involves two flights with a connection in Paris, France. Air France offers direct flights from Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, with return fares starting from approximately £722. From the airport, Deshaies is around a 50-minute drive, making it easily accessible for your Death in Paradise-inspired adventure.
Beyond Saint Marie: Exploring Spin-Off Locations
While Death in Paradise firmly plants its roots in Guadeloupe, the franchise has expanded, leading to spin-offs filmed in other locations. Beyond Paradise, starring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, brings the detective’s investigations to the less exotic but equally charming shores of the UK.
The Humphrey Goodman spin-off has aired two seasons
Discover the English countryside filming locations of Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off series.
Beyond Paradise is filmed in the Cornish fishing port town of Looe and the fictional Devonshire town of Shipton Abbott. Locations include Port Eliot Estate, Werrington Park, and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcasing the beauty of the English countryside.
Another spin-off, Return to Paradise, starring Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke, takes viewers to Australia. Filming for this series occurs in various locations across Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region, portraying the fictional “Dolphin Cove” and highlighting the stunning Australian coastline.
In conclusion, for fans wondering “where is Death in Paradise filmed?”, the answer is the breathtaking islands of Guadeloupe. This Caribbean paradise provides the stunning backdrop for the series, and many of the iconic locations are open for visitors to explore. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply seeking a beautiful Caribbean getaway, Guadeloupe offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of Death in Paradise. And for those interested in the wider franchise, Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise offer glimpses into equally captivating, though geographically diverse, filming locations in the UK and Australia respectively.
