Areas of St Lucia

Castries

St. Lucia’s capital is a bustling hive of activity and is the proud home of several of the island’s best historical sights: La Toc Battery is just one which, together with examples of beautiful architecture, including that of the uniquely decorated Cathedral and Central Library, form an elegant and gracious backdrop to the excellent shopping on offer in the town, especially within the town market and Bagshaws, where the art of silkscreening can be observed.

Morne Fortune (The Hill of Good Luck)

Overlooking Castries, this was a key battleground during the time colonial possession of St. Lucia was being hotly contested by the French and the English. The French began constructing a fortress at this strategic outpost in the 17th century, but it was the British who finished it when the French surrendered in 1796.

Marigot Bay

This was another vital wartime base, once famous for being the place where a British Admiral ambushed his French enemies by hiding his boats behind palm fronds. Marigot Bay is now famed throughout the Caribbean for being one of St. Lucia’s most beautiful spots. A haven for yachts, this is a must-see.

Anse-le-Ray & Canaries

These are just two of St. Lucia’s wonderful, tiny fishing villages and offer the visitor a fantastic opportunity to see one of St. Lucia’s main traditions in action: fishing in dug-out canoes.

Soufriere

Located in the south of the island, this is St. Lucia’s oldest town, established by the French in 1746. It is famous for its rather unusual marketplace, which is decorated with colourful and interesting murals and a gingerbread trim.

Choiseul

Situated between Soufriere and Vieux Fort on the southwest coast of the island, this village is teeming with history, crafts and stunning scenery. Home to a petroglyph (an image created by removing part of a rock’s surface by carving and cutting, and typically attributed to prehistoric peoples), Choiseul is also the home of Fort Citreon, where only a single cannon remains.

Gros Islet

This might be a small fishing village by day but by night (Friday nights), this little place transforms itself into a hive of activity and carnival, featuring reggae music and a so-called ‘jump up’ (dancing in the streets).

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island is a tiny 40-acre islet, which is connected to St. Lucia’s west coast by means of a causeway. Home to a wonderful nature park, a number of historical sites nestle amongst the marked trails, including the remains of Fort Rodney, where the Admiral spied on the French ships from its strategic viewpoint. The island is also the proud home of two secluded beaches and is the major venue of St. Lucia’s annual Jazz Festival.