Since 2011, the small village of Deshaies, in Guadeloupe, regularly serves as the setting for the Franco-British television series Murders in Paradise (Death in Paradise (in its original version), broadcast in many countries and particularly popular in the United Kingdom.
The series follows a British police officer investigating murders on the fictional island of Sainte-Marie—an imaginary setting, but filmed entirely on the streets, beaches, and in the surrounding areas of Deshaies. Several of the town’s iconic buildings, such as City Hall and certain buildings along the waterfront, are regularly recognizable on screen, though sometimes slightly altered by the film crews.
These recurring film shoots have helped put Deshaies on the international map, attracting visitors who come specifically to see the locations they’ve seen on television. The village has, however, managed to retain its authenticity as a Creole town: outside of filming periods, there are no permanent structures reminiscent of the series, and local life goes on as usual.
For fans of the series, strolling through the streets of Deshaies is a great way to spot several filming locations well-known to fans, between visits to the botanical garden or a break at the nearby Grande Anse beach. And to turn your tour of the filming locations into a full-fledged getaway, check out our tips for Great Places to Eat in Deshaies and our housing just a few minutes from town.
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