It is separated from the other half of Guadeloupe island, Basse-Terre, by a narrow sea channel called Rivière Salée (in English, Salt River).

Despite its name, Grande-Terre (literally "Large Land" in French) is smaller than Basse-Terre Island.

Grande-Terre's indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs and the island itself is a limestone plateau.

Its surface is a series of rolling hills, white sand beaches and cliffs.

Of the two islands, Grande-Terre is home to the majority of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.