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Latest News from St. Lucia

National Flag of St. Lucia

The flag represents the island surrounded by the sea - two triangular shapes on the flag represent two volcanic hills, the Pitons, which are recognized by the people of St. Lucia and by the world as the symbol of this island. Map of St. Lucia

Coat of Arms
St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands of the Windward group of the Antilles. The twin Pitons, south of Soufrière, are one of the most striking natural features in the Caribbean.

Ruled by the French and the British at different times in its past, St. Lucia retains the character of both. A multiparty democracy, it lives by banana-growing and beach and cruise-ship tourism. Its rain forest makes it a popular ecotourist destination.

From the twin, sugar-loaf peaks of the pitons to picturesque fishing villages; from world-class resorts to comfortable inns; from sulphur springs to waterfalls and rain forests; St. Lucia will never fail to amaze you.

The Pitons Photograph © Jon Lowe, 1997

Sightseeing highlights include Castries, the capital with its bustling market; Marigot Bay, locale for the enchanting " Dr. Doolittle" the village of Gros Islet with its Friday night street party; Sulphur springs and the dramatic waterfall near Soufriere; and historic Pigeon Island.

Enjoy St. Lucia - one of our favorite Caribbean destinations

History

The first inhabitants of Sainte-Lucie were the Arawak Indians probably arrived around year 200 in order to escape their enemies the Caribs Indians. Some vestiges of their agricultural traditions and their craft industry were found on a dozen sites, but these people remain relatively badly known.

The circumstances of the discovery of Saint Lucia by the europeans remain controversed. It was believed during a long time that Christophe Colomb accosted there in 1502, but the historians now think that he never went on this island. The real date of the discovery of Saint Lucia is unknown, even if the December 13th (date of the hypothetical discovery by Colomb) is still a national day. It is probably Juan De La Cosa, former companion of Colomb, who has accosted there in 1499 or 1504, even if no mention is made in his ship's book. On a map drawn by Cosa in 1500, an island called El Falcon could be Saint Lucia.

But it is only in 1605 that the first attempt of colonization took place. 67 english men, on the way of Guyana on the Olive Branche, accosted close from Vieux Fort in the south of the island. The Caribs Indians sold shelters to them, but a few weeks later, only 19 had survived and decided to leave the island with a Carib boat.

In 1639, an english exepdition commanded by Sir Thomas Warner failed, decimated by the Caribs Indians. In 1651, French arrived after the purchase of the island. Eight years later has begun 150 years of war between France and England for the possession of Saint Lucia.

The two nations gained and lost the ownership of the island 14 times before the final victory of England in 1814. However, the French cultural is still present, in particular in the denomination of the villages and the heritage of the creole patois.

The first village to be developed was Soufriere under the impulse of France in 1746. In 1780, a cyclone entirely devastated Sainte-Lucie, but the rebuilding was fast, under the impulse of the African slaves. But the quasi-permanent war between French and English did not allow the creation of agricultural as in the other islands of the area. Slavery was abolished in 1838.

In 1782, the admiral George Rodney who had established the base of the English fleet in Gros Islet bay, launched a victorious attack on his French enemy De Grasse in Dominica passage. This episode was called the battle of the Saints. During the hostilities, the main part of the villages were destroyed, including Castries, the capital, entirely devasteted by fire in 1796.

In the same year, another English victory was gained by the General Moore.

Castries was again devastated by fire in 1812, and another cyclone made terrible damages in 1817. The English trading law was introduced in 1827. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, the island was attached to the English government of Barbados and English became the official language in 1842.

The industry of coal began in 1863 in Castries which became the most important coal port in this part of the world during nearly one century. This industry declined during the second half of the 20th century.

In 1929, an airport was built, reducing the dependency of the island to maritime transport. During the second world war, the island was used by American and two airports were built close to Castries and Vieux Fort.

In 1951, the citizens of Saint Lucia acquired the voting right and a new constitution was founded for the Windward Islands. Saint Lucia is completely independant since 1979

Pigeon Island :

This protected National Park is of major archaeological and historical value. Walking through the ruins you can witness the turbulent times of the past. There is also a small museum, worth a visit. Fort Rodney is located on the smaller of the two hills. Climbing the hill you are rewarded with a broad view. In clear weather you can see the French neighbouring island of Martinique. Since 1970 the island has been connected to the mainland via a causeway. This also protects Rodney Bay and Reduit Beach. Pigeon Island is the place where the yearly Jazz Festival is held in May.

Gros Islet :

This quiet fishing village undergoes a metamorphosis each Friday evening when a vast street dance party takes place. A not to be missed spectacle for those who want to experience the true St. Lucian atmosphere

Labrelotte Bay beach :

A very nice sandy beach situated between the East Winds Inn and the Windjammer Landing.

Choc Bay beach : A nice sandy beach, sheltered by palm trees, with water sports facilities and close to the large hotels. Here you can look out at little Rat Island. The Gablewood shopping centre is in the neighbourhood.

Vigie beach : A nice sandy beach, well sheltered, stretching alongside the landing-strip of Vigie airport. Popular with St. Lucians but there is some litter here and there.

Castries, the capital (± 60000 inhabitants) : The true heart of the island beats in the daily market of Castries. The Saturday market is the most extended and busiest. You can find all kinds of handicraft, clothing, meat, fish and a variety of fresh tropical fruits. There you can taste the juice of a fresh coconut and eat its pulp. Daily the cruise-liners moor in the harbour at Pointe Seraphine, the Tax-free Shopping Centre. Here is also the head Office of the St. Lucia Tourist Board. From Derek Walcott Square you can view the old part of the city on one side and the newer part on the other. Opposite is the Roman-Catholic Cathedral with an imposing 400 year old Samaan tree next door. From the Morne Fortune you have a grandiose view over the city and its surrounding green hills.

Marigot Bay : Marigot Bay is deservedly one of the most beautiful locations of the island. With nature conservation in mind some smaller hotels have been built on the hills to harmonise with the picturesque green surroundings. Yachts shelter in this natural marina. Taking the ferry (cost 2 XCD) you can go to the palm beach where you can relax and enjoy sunbathing and swimming in an idyllic environment. For those who like shopping, you can find some shops with St. Lucian goods and souvenirs. Around the bay as well as on the top of the hill you can find some nice restaurants. The true St. Lucian atmosphere can be experienced at the renowned JJ's Bar & Restaurant, which also offers a Friday night party and dancing.

Anse La Raye : A quiet fishing village where time stands still. You can find typical wooden houses, some very colourful, others weather-stained with the passage of time. On the beach lie the colourful fishermen's boats.

Canaries : A quiet fishing village with scenes from long gone days, such as St. Lucian women washing clothes in the river.

Anse Chastanet beach : One of the finest dark sandy beaches of St. Lucia and also an excellent place for the scuba-diver or snorkeler. At the beach restaurant you can enjoy fine meals at reasonable prices. This beach can also be reached by boat from Castries or Soufrière.

Soufriere (± 9000 inhabitants) : This town, the oldest settlement of the island, was founded in 1746 by the French. Situated in the shade of the Petit Piton, this old capital was rebuilt after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1780. Here you can find St. Lucia's oldest and most colourful architecture. Visiting this town alone, some local Rastas could ask to be your guide. You are advised to discuss the price up front or to kindly refuse their offer!

Soufriere beach :North of the city there is a long stretch of dark sandy beach. Between the palm trees you have a grandiose view of one of the Pitons. The beach is mostly used by local people. If you give a very good tip (± 20 EC$), a local Rasta will with pleasure give you a demonstration, of how to climb a palm tree unaided, to gather coconuts.

Diamond Botanical Gardens : At the entrance, you will find some stalls where local artists sell their hand made goods. The botanical garden of the Diamond Estate offers lush greenery and many colourful flowers where tourists can stroll at ease. The rust brown coloured rocks of the beautiful waterfall surrounded by the tropical green are worth the visit. The waters of the mineral baths are therapeutic for your body.

Morne Coubaril Estate : An old plantation which has been transformed into an open-air museum. You can visit the Estate for an entrance fee of 15 XCD. There, a guide explains how people used to work and live. You will learn more about the processing of sugar cane, cacao nuts and cocoa nuts.

Sulphur Springs: They originate from a weak spot in the crust of the earth of an enormous collapsed crater. These smoking sulphur vapours have unpleasant penetrating odours. The water in the craters, blackened by the iron sulphate still maintains a temperature of 171 ° Centigrade or 340 ° Fahrenheit.

Choiseul : This fishing village is also an art and craft centre. Here, inhabitants make very nice woodcarvings out of local wood, make baskets and work in the potter's workshop. To the right of the main road, you find fishing boats lying on the sandy beach with colourful wooden houses in the background.

Laborie : This fishing village is almost not visited by tourists. It's like time has stood still. You will find mostly weather-beaten wooden houses. In the centre the market is held on a small square. This village has a beautiful white sandy beach. The North side is suitable for sun-bathing and snorkelling around the reef. At this side of the village you will also find a little hotel by the beach where you can get a drink or a snack.

Vieux Fort (± 14.000 inhabitants) : This small town has a Saturday market with a colourful fish seller at the small beach. It has some supermarkets, shops and banks. It is from here that the bananas are shipped. North of Vieux Fort there are long sandy beaches, however parts have been washed away.

East coast from North to South:

Cas En Bas beach : One of the pre-eminent places for wind surfing. The last part of the road to the beach is in very bad condition and it is as fast to walk down to the beach as it is to drive. There are constant on shore trade winds. At the Turtle Reef Bar, the only wooden house next to the stretched white sandy beach, you can hire a wind surf board and take wind surfing lessons. There are also kayaks for hire. During the summer months, the bar can be closed for a period of several weeks.

Anse Louvet beach : A protected sandy beach in fantastic, mysterious surroundings can be reached after a two to three hours walk (road no longer drive-able). The La Sorcière mountains make a wall between the sea and the inland giving the surroundings a special distinction. The dry shrubs are home to the Fer de Lance snake, the only really dangerous snake on the island. Here, the Leatherback and other turtles come ashore to bury their eggs during the night (at end winter season, start summer season).

Frigate Island Nature Reserve : This National Park is a protected area. After a hike of a kilometre (0.62 mile) through a rich vegetation including mangroves and yards high cacti you arrive at an observation post. From this place you overlook the Frigate islands, where during the summer the Frigate birds breed. Nearby, there is a small sandy beach where the waves of the sometimes tempestuous Atlantic Ocean roll onto the sand. Closed during the breeding season from early May to end June!

Praslin Bay : The fishing village of the same name has a mini beach in the sheltered bay, where wooden boats are made from the gummier tree. The nearby little Praslin Island is home to a colourful lizard, originating from the Maria Islands. You can visit Praslin Island with a payable ferry.

Maria Islands (close to Vieux Fort): This protected National Park can only be visited with a guide. It is not accessible to the public between May 15th and July 31st (bird breeding season). Two endemic reptiles live on this little island: the colourful lizard and the rare but small harmless Kouwes snake.

Anse de Sables beach : An easy to reach, beautiful but windy, white sandy beach looking out over the Maria Islands. This is one of the pre-eminent places for wind surfing. There are constant on shore trade winds. Close to the 'The Reef' bar and restaurant you can hire wind surf boards. There are nice sheltered terraces. The wind surf centre of Club Aquarius is also located here. This beach is recommended for wind surfers and sun-worshippers.

Cap Moule à Chique : From the top you have a spectacular seascape of the West coast, the East coast, the Maria Islands, the airport and far away in the distance the green mountains. There is a lighthouse on top of the hill.

Central:

Rain forest hiking : A number of walks or journeys in the mountains can be undertaken, lasting from half an hour to a complete day.