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Each year in the capital, Castries, throngs of people jam the streets in colourful costumes
Official carnival site |
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St Lucia's top attractions
Heritage tours
With an abundance of natural beauty, it is no surprise that St Lucia is home to so
many stunning heritage sites. James Burgess picks out the top attractions...
Botanical Gardens
Tranquillity, shaded trails, lush vegetation
and acres of rare flora of all colours of the
rainbow: visiting one of St Lucia’s three
botanical gardens is like stepping into a
Monet landscape, with the added bonus of
the sounds of birds and a breeze. The
Diamond Botanical Gardens is nestled under
the imperious Pitons and you’ll have the
chance to watch the world go by in the
therapeutic, mineral-rich baths, once used by
France’s King Louis XVI ... A feeling of finding
yourself in a private world is what
is so special about Mamiku
Gardens. From the dense trees
to the enchanting views of
the ocean, this
beautiful habitat
found off Veux Fort
highway is a real getaway-
from-it-all
attraction ... Perfect
if you’re heading north is a
visit to Tropica Gardens,
combining banana fields, great
views of Castries and a wooden
craft studio.
Cultural Heritage Tours
Kicking off with a
spot of urban
culture, the Castries
Heritage Walk
brings the island’s
sense of colonial
history to life. Guides
really know their
stuff, and it’s no
surprise they appear
to be brimming with enthusiasm – the blend
of English, French, African and Caribbean
architecture is enough to get the oldest cynic
relishing the sights ... If you fancy learning
about the old customs of St Lucian cuisine in
a picturesque setting, then Fond Latisab
Creole Park in Babonneau is a real must. A
local community delight in showing you
cooking on macambou leaves, how not to
get stung when collecting honey, fishing
for Crayfish and the process of making
cassava bread. It’s undeniably bohemian and
wonderful fun ... Pigeon Island National
Landmark, at different times home to pirates
and the British military, is one of the
highlights of St Lucia.
Plantation Tours
With buildings dating back to the sugar age
and remains of Amerindian settlements,
Fond d’Or Nature Historic Park is great for
history buffs and those who love a decent
hike. Waiting for you is a gorgeous white
sandy beach where you often find the
magnificent sight of leatherback turtles ...
Treat your taste buds with a fruit-tasting
session at Fond Doux Estate, a working
plantation. If that leaves you hungry, there’s
no need to worry: a sumptuous Creole lunch
is provided in the plantation house ... Morne
Coubaril Estate has a museum, botanical
garden and restaurant among the authentic
workers’ village and sugar mill.
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