Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia. Founded by the French in 1650, Castries now has a population of just over 11,000. Of itself, Castries doesn't have a huge amount to offer visitors, and it's usually just a place that you'll pass through on your way to the more obvious attractions of Saint Lucia.
Even though Castries doesn't have much to offer, you can usually find a fair number of tourists wandering about the place, as the cruise ships that visit Saint Lucia dock at Pointe Seraphine, in the northern part of the city.
PLACE TO VISIT
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception - The form "Cathedral", as it is commonly known, is the largest church in the Caribbean, measuring 200 ft long (61 m) by 100 ft wide (30 m) and was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica on 11 May, 1999 as part of the centenary celebrations. The interior is decorated by a mural by St. Lucian artist Dunstan St. Omer.
Derek Walcott Square - named after the island's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Derek Walcott; before that it was named Columbus Square, the City Library, the Government House, and Fort Charlotte, at the top of Morne Fortune (an 845-foot hill) to name a few.
Vigie Beach - is located 2 km north of Castries, Saint Lucia, running parallel and immediately adjacent to the George F. L. Charles Airport. It is a protected white sand beach. Immediately opposite the airport departure lounge are a few small food kiosks.
One of the major draws for tourists to St. Lucia is its beaches, and there are several in or very near Castries. Vigie Beach, Malabar Beach, Choc Beach, and La Toc Beach are all within easy reach.
One of the major tourist areas in St. Lucia, Castries is a port of call for cruise ships. Cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine, to the north of the harbour which is also a duty free shopping centre.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - George FL Charles Airport (SLU) is just outside of Castries.
By boat - Many visitors will come into Castries on the cruise ships that dock at Point Seraphine.
There is actually an anchorage for sailing boats in Castries harbour, although most visitors on sailing boats tend to dock at Rodney Bay Marina, just outside of Gros Islet and then get a bus or taxi in.
