Discover Castries: Parks, History and Market

Castries reveals several sides that lend themselves to different travel interests: the history of Derek Walcott Square, parks with their own stories, and the offerings of Castries Market. Historic names and a midday stroll sit alongside tropical fruits, spices and Creole specialties. This contrast makes planning your trip appealing: consider whether you would like to focus more on city history, exercise, or the market and its food.

Derek Walcott Square and its history

Derek Walcott Square was previously known as Place d’Armes and Promenade Square; in 1892, it was renamed Columbus Square. Its current name thus sits alongside several former names. Its boundaries are also clearly defined: Bourbon, Brazil, Laborie and Micoud bound the square. You can explore its history through two different reference points—the changing names and the four streets around the square. Those who enjoy placing locations in their historical context will find this a distinctive focus for discovering Castries.

Parks with different points of interest

At the public Serenity Park, its name, opening and location are notable points of reference. The park was formerly called Lion Park and opened on 15 May 2011; it is next to the Sans Souci Bridge in Castries. The exact date provides a clear point of reference in time, while the former name marks another layer of its history.

George V Park is associated with a different story. It is a popular spot for a midday stroll. The bust of Charles Eugene de La Croix, Marquis de Castries, was moved from Constitution Park to George V Park in 2014 and unveiled there in 2015. George V Park therefore brings together a midday stroll and a point of historical interest. By comparison, Serenity Park is notable above all for its former name, opening date and location next to the bridge.

Market offerings and a special Saturday

At Castries Market, the focus shifts from the history of squares and parks to food and handicrafts. On offer are fresh produce, tropical fruits, spices, handmade crafts, local sauces and Creole specialties. On Saturdays, farmers and artisans from all over Saint Lucia gather there. This gives Saturday special significance: alongside the market offerings, it is also a gathering of people from different parts of the island. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, you can use Saturday as a guide for your visit.

Plan your time in Castries around your interests

When planning your trip together, you can easily consider the different highlights side by side: history and square names, a midday stroll, or the market and Creole cuisine. Which of these appeals to you most can also guide your search for a holiday rental in Castries. Think about which experiences you would like to include in your stay, rather than looking for accommodation suited to an assumed, uniform travel style. This way, you can tailor your search to your own plans. If you are equally interested in history and exercise, Derek Walcott Square and George V Park offer different points of interest; the market adds food, spices and crafts to the mix. Discover more destinations: Choc.

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