Culture & discovery
Saint Lucia

A historic and natural site declared a National Landmark in 1979 and managed by the Saint Lucia National Trust: 18th-century military ruins, Fort Rodney, a panorama from Signal Peak and two beaches. Open 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm); guided tours at around 10am and 3pm.

The market founded in 1891 (liveliest on Saturday mornings), Derek Walcott Square beneath a great samán tree, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and, on Morne Fortune, Fort Charlotte, a former military site overlooking the harbour. Pointe Seraphine welcomes cruise passengers and duty-free shops.

A private six-acre garden in Soufrière, with tropical plants, birds, a waterfall coloured by minerals and hot mineral baths. According to the site, the Soufrière estate was granted to three brothers by Louis XIV in 1713; the tourist board notes that the baths were used by French troops.

Listed in 2004 under criteria (vii) and (viii): two forested volcanic spires, visible from almost everywhere on the island, a geothermal field and coral reefs covering more than 60% of the marine part of the site.

Every October, concerts, food, traditional games and talks on Kwéyòl take place across the island, leading up to Jounen Kwéyòl: 25 October in 2026, from 5am, notably at La Clery, La Caye (Dennery South) and Vieux Fort. Madras fabric takes centre stage.

Carnival builds up through July (season from 1 to 22 July in 2026), the Jazz & Arts festival takes place in spring (30 April to 9 May 2027), and the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals are held in late August and in October. Dates change from year to year.