Things to do and see in Castries & Marigot Bay

Famously one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean, this small natural harbour is surrounded by mangroves and sheltered by steep hills. It famously starred in Doctor Dolittle (the bit with the giant pink snail).

To the southwest of the market, this square’s been known by many names over the past few hundred years. It was called the Place d’Armes after the French Revolution, when a guillotine was present, then was briefly known as Promenade Square before being renamed Columbus Square in 1892. Since 1993, we’ve known it as Derek Walcott Square, after the island’s Nobel Prize winning poet. The Saman tree here has watched over all, said to be 400 or so years old. Historic streets jut off from the square, which has well-kept gardens with benches to sit and watch the world go by from.

Meaning ‘hill of good luck’, Morne Fortuné marks the top of a ridge behind Castries Harbour. Many battles between the French and English were fought here, and fortifications were built to defend the harbour. The Powder Magazine and some guard cells remain, and you can visit the French and British cemeteries.

In about half an hour’s drive east from Castries, you’re in another world entirely. Take the Aerial Tram up into a spectacular ecological park, zoom between the trees on a zip line, head off on a hike or join a birdwatching tour.

The lovely Anthony family have opened up their home to provide a glimpse of real St Lucian life, taking you on educational forest trails, welcoming you into a traditional kitchen and showing you where local produce comes from.

A 40-50 minute drive from Castries lands you in a dozen acres of botanical beauty, with paths winding to a ruined estate house from the 1700’s. Mamiku’s past lives include a family estate and military post and these days it’s a working plantation growing bananas, cacao and other fruit. You can hike from here up Tamarind Hill and along the scenic Brigand’s trail for a glimpse of the island’s wonderfully rugged east coast.