Things to see and do Saint Lucia

The two volcanic needles of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, 770 and 743 m high, which fall steeply into the waters of Soufrière Bay, are so emblematic of the island that their stylized silhouettes were chosen to adorn the flag of Saint Lucia and that the Pitons Management Area was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. Hikes are possible to access the Gros Piton (Gros Piton Nature Trail), and diving or boat rides at the foot of the mountains allow you to admire these two magnificent sugar loaves.

Eastern Nature Trail. Exploration of the site is done on the Atlantic coast (east coast). The walk crosses fields, groves, cliffs, cliffs and beaches… A tourist Guide accompanies and informs visitors. The site is ideal for observing many bird species. Not far from there, the Îlet Island is accessible by boat. The distance is short, and the visit strongly recommended.

Connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land, the Pigeon Island peninsula extends over 18 hectares. The site is managed by the Saint-Lucia National Trust, an organization responsible for the conservation, maintenance and protection of the island's natural and historical sites. The first European settlers were French pirates in the ^16th century, looking for Spanish ships to plunder. The area is popular for weddings (couples in wedding outfits can be seen posing) and for its jazz festival in May. A 20-minute walk around the mountain takes you to the top. Here, strategic vantage points on the two former cannon batteries offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea: you can even see the coast of Martinique! Along the way, you'll discover small snack bars (one of which is called Jambe de Bois, in reference to the first pirate to settle on the site), the remains of bunkers and stone barracks, and a small on-site military museum. Two shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters are among the most beautiful on the island. Tip: bring your own picnic. It's possible to rent a deckchair and spend the day here, away from the hustle and bustle of Rodney Bay. On the way out of the park, you'll find a few small straw huts where you can enjoy a drink. Superb at sunset!

A walk to the volcano, with beautiful water points in the locality. The site is suitable for relaxation, discovery, swimming…

This former colonial plantation with a rich historical past offers 4 themed activities: a tour of the estate, a horseback ride, zip-lining and dinner. Chaperoned by a guide, the tour begins with a brief history of the estate, through replicas of the huts used by slaves 2 centuries ago. The walk continues through the medicinal plant garden, followed by the cocoa house, where you can follow the cocoa bean process with the "cocoa dance". Local fruit tasting on site at the end of the tour.

It is the largest open-air market on the island. This colorful and lively market hosts more than 300 regular vendors and over 100 local vendors on market days. You can find fresh meat and fish, herbs, spices, handicrafts and dry goods. A must-see during your visit to the island, to soak up the local atmosphere, between the stalls of fruits and vegetables of the country. You will easily find lunch with grilled meats and tasty fish brochettes.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the jungle, especially in the Edmond Forest reserve, where you can see an endemic species, the Parrot of Saint Lucia. It is mandatory to be guided by a custodian of the reserve (pay fee, find out).

South of. A place steeped in history, ideal for appreciating the military genius of freedom warriors. A historic battle, won by the freedom fighters against the powerful military forces of the British army, came here once, in the place of the place now named «Soft Estate». Since then, the beauty of the site tends to soften the memories of its history, which has left it with a magnificent th century plantation, with natural trails dotted with fruit gardens. A true paradise where tropical bird songs blend with the unruffled beauty of the colonial plantation.

Rising a few meters from the mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation where you can find other pools downstream, the Latille Falls is a must-see. A sign on the road indicates the location on the main road between Micoud and Vieux Fort. The hike (easy) begins with a 10-minute walk through a sumptuous garden of fruit trees and tropical flowers. The first waterfall allows you to refresh yourself, and there are also benches for a picnic.

Fond d'Or Nature Reserve and Historical Park is located in the Mabouya valley, 45 minutes from Castries, known as the center for agriculture, sugar and rum. You will discover remains of an old sugar mill, windmill and the plantation house, which is now an interpretation center. The history brings you back to the creepy slave trade that fueled the labor in the plantations two centuries ago. The area is rich in history with an Amerindian site, mangrove, tropical forest and trail through dry scrub woodlands to a sandy beach. Swimming is hazardous as the sea is rough. From April to June, Fond d'Or bay becomes a leatherback turtle nest spot. In May, the historical park is one of the best venue for the festival of jazz.

Toraille Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit! After passing through the entrance hut and paying the entrance fee, the waterfall is reached in a few steps through a nature trail with picturesque bridges and walkways winding through a tropical garden. At the foot of the waterfall, which rises 7 to 10 meters above a cliff, you can jump into the beautiful and invigorating pool. Changing rooms on the spot.

This batik fabric factory is located in a beautiful white and yellow Creole villa. You can discover the manufacturing process of batik, this ancient handicraft technique of polychrome printing which is mainly found in West Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Here, batik is available in an infinite number of variations. The on-site store offers dozens of shapes, colors and fabrics. A lovely terrace in the garden invites you to have a drink after the visit. A nice stop.

One of the oldest sugar mills still visible in Saint Lucia. Built in 1860 and restored in 1990, the mill allows to understand the process of pressing and fermentation of sugar cane, prior to the introduction of industrial machinery. Surrounded by a garden of flowers and tropical plants, it is a popular place for weddings.

Union Nature Trail. In the City of Union, the Forestry Department (Ministry of Forestry) has its natural trail, a perfect microcosm of the flora of the island as a medical garden for plants that promote the treatment and cure of several diseases. The Union Zoo is home to very rare animal species, discovered in Saint Lucia.

Soufrière estate was originally part of a 2000 acres of land granted by Louis XVI to a French family named Devaux in recognition of their service in 1713 to "crown and country". From a cocoa plantation, the Devaux family change it to a fabulous natural touristic attraction with a botanical garden, minerals baths and a nature trail. Majority of the tropical flowers are founded here. Ginger Lily, anthurium, but also plants like the castor oil tree and birds like the famous hummingbird and many others endemic species of the island. At the back of the garden, you will be blown away by the beauty of the diamonds fall. Swimming is prohibited, however you can enjoy the 3 pools with therapeutic water. Built for the French troops of Louis XVI, 12 baths were destroyed by the Brigands during the French revolution. Since that, 3 pools with warm water are available to the public.

On the heights of Castries, this promontory with its wooden footbridge offers a panoramic view of Castries Bay, the Caribbean Sea and the huge cruise ships anchored in the bay. It can be reached from the main road: once you've passed the terminal ferry, take the first road on the left that goes uphill and, in less than two minutes, you'll reach the viewpoint. It's impossible to miss this spot: souvenir sellers are set up in front of it, as well as a few makeshift vendors. It's a great place to take some great photos!

Two small islets located on Vieux-Fort coastal strip that forms a natural reserve where take refuge two exceptional species: the kouwes snake and the zandoli lezard. The kouwes snake is one of the rarest snakes in the world. It took up residence on the Maria-Major islet. It was expelled from Saint Lucia island for the inhabitants' comfort. The zandoli is a species of common lizard. Zandoli males gladly agitate their long and beautiful tail, which becomes bright blue under the effects of the sunshine. A boat trip to the Maria islands can be arranged at the Saint Lucia national Trust service (the receptionist of your hotel will be happy to help you). For good swimmers only!

Frigate Islands. Approximately 2 km of natural trails bypass the reserve to the point of observation of the small island of Frigate. The frigates, large seabirds, nest in this place during the summer period. It is quite rare to see them at another time of the year. Throughout the trails, vegetation is very diverse, ranging from species claiming little water to those requiring the presence of marine mangrove. A large quantity of birds have been elected to the site: the ramier pigeon, the oriole of Saint Lucia, several species of herons, etc. The site is also the natural habitat of the shy boa boa.

In this paradisiacal place where fauna and flora are queens, you can visit the waterfalls, experience the hot springs coming from the volcano and rich in minerals, or taste a fruit or spices of the country. The site has a long history. A well-maintained path winds from the mineral hot spring baths through ferns and banana trees to a place where the Diamond River flows into a picturesque 17 meter high waterfall.

Beautiful waterfalls in the middle of a preserved nature. To get there, once the car is parked on the parking lot, you will have to make a short hike on an easy path accessible to hikers of all levels. At the end of the trail, you'll come to a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by tropical trees. Below the waterfalls, a small pond allows you to refresh yourself. The place is very popular with the locals who come to bathe and meditate in the serenity of the waterfalls.