Castries Travel Guide

Welcome to Castries, St. Lucia

Castries is the capital city of St. Lucia—an island known as one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Centered around the island's busiest cruise and trade port, Castries is hugged by hills and tropical rain forest on the northwest coast. It was founded by the French in the mid-1600s and came under British control in the early 19th century, however the influence of French culture remains strong. This visually modern city was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1948 and very few historical buildings remain, although some of the city's oldest can be found hedging Derek Walcott Square and on Morne Fortune—home to Government House and the ruins of a French fort. Most visitors to Castries are eager to take advantage of the city's excellent shopping. There are many duty free shops located at La Place Carenage on Castries Harbour and the renowned Castries Market is a must for local crafts. A trip to Castries is also a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine; traditional coal pot stew is served in many restaurants and St. Lucia's famed rum punch is poured in city bars. Castries is an excellent base from which to explore the island's natural assets. Diving, whale watching and rain forest excursions are easily organized from the city. The forested mountains of the Barre de l'Isle Forest Reserve stretch past Castries, dividing the island east from west, and are a prime destination for hiking and bird watching. If in town during the rainy season, visitors may enjoy the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in May and July's vibrant Carnival.

Upcoming Events in Castries

Looking for something to do in Castries, St. Lucia? Check out these featured events. If you know of an event that is not listed in our Castries event guide, please feel free to add an event listing [it's FREE].

• St. Lucia Jazz Festival
  TBA  »  Castries, St. Lucia
• St. Lucia Carnival
  TBA  »  Castries, St. Lucia