For fans escaping to the sun-drenched, crime-ridden fictional island of Saint Marie each winter with Death in Paradise, the burning question often is: Where Is Murder In Paradise Filmed? The allure of turquoise waters, vibrant towns, and perpetual sunshine is a major draw of the hit BBC series. While the plots are pure fiction, the paradise backdrop is very much real and attainable for your next holiday.
EastEnders star Don Gilet is taking on the role of detective inspector on Saint Marie
The captivating scenery that backdrops the investigations of first DI Richard Poole, then DI Humphrey Goodman, DI Jack Mooney, and most recently DI Neville Parker, and now DI Mervin Wilson, isn’t a studio set. The stunning Death in Paradise filming location is the beautiful Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe: Stepping into the World of Death in Paradise
Guadeloupe, a French archipelago in the Lesser Antilles, provides the idyllic setting for Saint Marie. This butterfly-shaped island, nestled between Dominica and Antigua in the eastern Caribbean Sea, boasts diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to volcanic peaks and, of course, those postcard-perfect beaches. The majority of filming takes place on Basse-Terre, the western wing of Guadeloupe, particularly along its stunning northwest coast. The iconic imagery of terracotta rooftops, traditional churches, and swaying palm trees that define Death in Paradise are genuinely found in Guadeloupe.
Basse-Terre and Terre-de-Haut set the scene for Death in Paradise
For viewers wondering where is Death in Paradise filmed, the answer lies in the charming villages and breathtaking beaches of Guadeloupe, many of which are open to visitors.
Explore the Real-Life Locations of Saint Honoré
The heart of Death in Paradise is the fictional town of Saint Honoré, brought to life by the real-world fishing village of Deshaies on Basse-Terre. This vibrant location is instantly recognizable to fans. You can even take Death in Paradise location tours during peak season to fully immerse yourself in the show’s world, beyond just soaking up the Caribbean sun.
One of the most beloved spots is Catherine’s Bar, a staple in the series. While initially located at Le Kaz restaurant, the bar scenes are now filmed at Le Madras restaurant on Deshaies’ Rue de La Vague Bleue promenade. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails at Le Madras, experiencing a taste of Catherine’s Bar for themselves.
Visit Catherine’s Bar yourself for a menu of fresh seafood
Another key location is the Honoré Police station. This is actually the Presbytery attached to the real Church of St Peter and St Paul in Deshaies. The recognizable building serves as the backdrop for countless crime briefings and detective work in the show. And of course, no discussion of Death in Paradise locations is complete without mentioning the Detective Inspector’s iconic beach shack. This is constructed each season on the beautiful Anse de la Perle Beach, offering stunning views and a true sense of Caribbean paradise. The cast even stays nearby at The Langley Fort Royal Hotel, which has itself featured in a few episodes over the years.
Plan Your Trip to Paradise: Getting to Guadeloupe
Deshaies doubles as the show’s fictional seaside setting of St Honoré
Ready to discover where is Murder in Paradise actually filmed and experience it firsthand? Getting to Guadeloupe involves a journey with two flights, typically via Paris, France, to Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP), Guadeloupe’s main airport hub. Air France offers regular flights, and from the airport, Deshaies is a scenic 50-minute drive away. Imagine stepping onto the sands of Guadeloupe and living out your Death in Paradise dreams – hopefully minus the murders and betrayals!
Beyond Saint Marie: Exploring the Spin-Off Locations
While Death in Paradise firmly plants its roots in Guadeloupe, the spin-off series venture to different locations. Beyond Paradise, starring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, brings the detective to the less tropical, but equally charming, shores of Devon and Cornwall in the UK. Filming for Beyond Paradise takes place in the Cornish fishing town of Looe and nearby areas like the Port Eliot Estate and the Tamar Valley.
The Humphrey Goodman spin-off has aired two seasons
For Return to Paradise, the newest addition to the franchise featuring DI Mackenzie Clarke, the setting shifts to the sun-drenched landscapes of Australia. Filming occurs in and around Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region, creating a distinctly Australian paradise setting.
So, while the question ” where is murder in paradise filmed” specifically points to Guadeloupe for the original series, the Paradise universe extends to showcase other beautiful locations. However, for the quintessential Caribbean paradise experienced in Death in Paradise, Guadeloupe is the real-life Saint Marie waiting to be explored.
