Pointe-à-Pitre's spice market, often called the marché aux épices or marché Saint-Antoine, is the city's most aromatic stop. Stalls sell cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, colombo spice blends, medicinal herbs, punches, and tourist-ready baskets of colour, but it remains a real market rather than a stage set.
Come early, before the heat builds and before the best produce has disappeared. Prices can vary, so look around before buying, and treat the vendors as people rather than props for photographs. A little French helps; a little patience helps more.