The Îles des Saintes (in English Saints Islands), are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea belonging to the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. They are located southwest of the latter, and geographically belong to the Lesser Antilles; its approximate surface is 12.8 km² and currently has an estimated population of 2,868 inhabitants.
The islands were called "Isla de Los Santos" by navigator Christopher Columbus, since it arrived there the day of All Saints of 1493.
France disputed control with the British because the islands were of military importance because of its strategic position.