Death in Paradise has cemented its status as a beloved television favourite among British audiences, with its sun-drenched Caribbean setting providing the perfect backdrop for murder mysteries. The BBC drama, filmed in the actual town of Deshaies on the island of Guadeloupe, has inspired dedicated viewers to make pilgrimages to the locations that double as the fictional Saint Marie.
The Allure of Guadeloupe for Television Enthusiasts
Since its debut in 2011, Death in Paradise has transformed Guadeloupe into a must-visit destination for fans seeking to experience the show's iconic settings firsthand. While production occurs for several months each year, the island welcomes tourists throughout all seasons, allowing enthusiasts to explore significant spots including the distinctive police station, Catherine's Bar, the detective's beach shack, and the government house.
Mike Mitchell's Extraordinary Experiences
Mike Mitchell, who discovered the programme during lockdown, has journeyed to Guadeloupe three times and even secured positions as an extra on two separate occasions. His inaugural visit in 2022 coincided with the crew's preparations to shoot the subsequent series.
"After my wife Liz and I struck up conversations with crew members, we were escorted to numerous filming sites," Mitchell explained. "Across three visits, we've tracked down as many set locations as possible, including the Botanical Gardens, the zoo, and a lighthouse that appeared in the programme."
They even discovered a radio station featured in one episode where a character was killed on air. Mitchell revealed: "We found the commissioner's office, which isn't in Deshaies but about thirty minutes down the road. Many locations we discovered just by accident during our explorations."
The Biggest Difference Between Screen and Reality
Mitchell highlighted a crucial distinction that visitors should anticipate: "When you go there, you won't find street parties, dancing in the streets, or spicy food everywhere. That's just for Saint Marie alone, not for Guadeloupe. That's the most significant difference between what appears on screen and actually being there. Otherwise, everything is exactly what you see - just breathtakingly beautiful."
He emphasized the show's authenticity regarding locations: "The one thing about Death in Paradise is there's no smoke and mirrors. What you see on the screen is what is actually there in reality."
Mitchell noted that production concentrates on the island's western side because the eastern coast is "flatter and marshy," resulting in less impressive scenery for filming purposes.
Developing an Insider's Perspective
Now thoroughly familiar with the filming geography, Mitchell and his wife have developed an insider's eye for detail. They notice subtle inconsistencies, such as how long it would genuinely take characters to walk home from locations like Catherine's Bar, having covered those actual distances themselves during their visits.
They also catch when performers claim to be travelling to specific destinations but head off in completely opposite directions. Mitchell offered additional insight: "The airport they use in the show is actually a school in Deshaies. All they do is put a sign outside saying Saint Marie Airport, but it's just an entrance to a school that they use for filming."
Selina Ryan's Dual Visits Reveal Changes
Another devoted fan, Selina Ryan, journeyed to Guadeloupe in December 2019 and returned in 2025. A dedicated viewer since the programme's debut, Ryan was thrilled to experience the sets firsthand but observed notable contrasts between her two visits.
"When we initially went, you could actually sit in the yellow detective jeep and go on the motorbike that Dwayne used to use," Ryan recalled. "I think they had more interactive elements available for fans at that point, but things have evolved since then. It remains a fantastic experience regardless."
During her return visit, Ryan encountered a production team member who generously offered to guide her around various filming sites. "There were some official tour operators, but their prices were quite high," she explained. "I nearly gave up until this woman approached us. She said she worked for the crew and offered to show us around. She turned out to be a runner on set."
"She took us to quite a few different locations, introduced us to people, showed us where the crew sets up equipment, and even where they have their lunches. It was a completely different vibe from my first visit, but equally rewarding."
The Practicalities of Visiting Filming Locations
Ryan paid €180 for her personalized tour, covering herself, her partner, and their young son. With filming locations scattered across the island, she confessed the price didn't concern her, particularly given her devotion to the programme.
"I don't mind paying that because I genuinely love the show, and it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Ryan said. "For me, the cost didn't really factor into the decision when presented with such a unique opportunity."
Beyond exploring the various sets, enthusiasts can venture inside the police station, which transforms into a gift shop between filming periods. For a €20 admission charge, visitors can purchase memorabilia including mugs, tote bags, bottle openers, and T-shirts featuring show branding.
Why Fans Keep Returning
Both Mitchell and Ryan emphasized the unique appeal for dedicated viewers. "It's absolutely fantastic," Ryan enthused. "Especially if you're a genuine fan of the show, it's wonderful to immerse yourself in the actual filming environment. The atmosphere is really special, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who follows the series."
Death in Paradise continues to air every Friday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, maintaining its position as one of Britain's most cherished television exports while simultaneously boosting tourism to its picturesque Caribbean filming locations.
