Where Is Death in Paradise Filmed? The Caribbean Behind Saint Marie

 

Explore the real Caribbean locations where Death in Paradise is filmed, from Guadeloupe islands to Deshaies village. Discover the set behind Saint Marie. Read now!

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Introduction

Death in Paradise has transported audiences to the sun-drenched, fictional island of Saint Marie since 2011. While the Caribbean setting feels like paradise, fans may wonder where the show is actually filmed. In reality, the BBC’s long-running crime drama takes place on Guadeloupe, a French archipelago in the Lesser Antilles.

Filming mostly occurs on Basse-Terre and Terre-de-Haut islands, whose vibrant towns, terracotta roofs, and sweeping palms give the perfect backdrop for murder mysteries. In 2025, Don Gilet took over the role of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson from Ralf Little, joining returning stars like Don Warrington and Shantol Jackson. With over 100 episodes shot here, these locations are now iconic for fans seeking to step into Saint Marie themselves.

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Historical Background of the Filming Locations

Guadeloupe has been home to Death in Paradise since its debut. Its islands offer a combination of tropical beauty and practical filming infrastructure. Deshaies, a fishing village on Basse-Terre, doubles as Saint Marie’s St Honoré, providing the main street, bars, and police station seen on screen.

The show’s production carefully balances authenticity with cinematic needs, using local restaurants, beaches, and historic sites. Fans can see Catherine’s Bar—originally shot at Le Kaz restaurant—at Le Madras, and the police station is set at the Presbytery attached to the church of St Peter and St Paul.

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Key Filming Spots Fans Can Visit

Deshaies is the heart of the Death in Paradise experience. Visitors can explore the bars, beaches, and streets where DI Wilson and his team solve crimes. Anse de la Perle Beach hosts seasonal shacks for the detectives, while the Langley Fort Royal Hotel accommodates the cast during filming from December to May.

These spots have become a pilgrimage for fans, offering tours in peak season. It’s a chance to see the tropical scenery firsthand and imagine being part of the detective team—even if without the murder mysteries.

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Spin-Off Locations: Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise

The Beyond Paradise spin-off follows DI Humphrey Goodman and is filmed in Cornwall, UK, notably Looe and surrounding coastal towns, giving a different seaside vibe compared to Guadeloupe.

Return to Paradise, starring Anna Samson as Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke, is shot across Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region in Australia, creating sunlit mystery settings for the new team. Both spin-offs maintain the franchise’s visual style while adapting to local geography.

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How to Reach the Real Saint Marie

Traveling from the UK involves two flights via Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre Airport in Guadeloupe. From there, Deshaies is just a 50-minute drive. Air France return flights start around £658. Fans can enjoy the beaches, bars, and streets, immersing themselves in the setting that brings Saint Marie to life.

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Behind-the-Scenes Facts

Filming on location in Guadeloupe presents challenges like unpredictable weather, coordinating local permits, and seasonal tourism. Yet, these hurdles contribute to the show’s authentic tropical feel. Each season, new shacks, streetscapes, and local businesses are incorporated to keep the visuals fresh.

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Conclusion

Guadeloupe’s Basse-Terre and surrounding islands are more than just a backdrop—they’re an essential character in Death in Paradise. The vibrant towns, scenic beaches, and historic architecture help transport viewers into the fictional world of Saint Marie. From Deshaies’ streets to Anse de la Perle Beach, fans can step into their favourite crime drama’s setting while exploring real Caribbean culture.

Do you dream of walking through Saint Marie yourself? Which spot from the show would you visit first?