FOND D’OR NATURE & HISTORIC PARK, ST. LUCIA
This historic park is the only place in st Lucia where you can see three different sugar processing technologies existing side by side: the cattle mill, the wind milll, and the steam engine. The area is also the archeological site of several Amerindian settlements. You can gain an insight into this indigenous culture at the interpretation centre, where a delicious lunch is also served. The natural landscapes at Fond D’Or are just as diverse as the man-made ones, ranging from estuarine forests on gently sloping hills to protected mangroves and a wide white sand beach (swimming with caution). Extensive hiking trails allow you to explore the undisturbed plant and wildlife at Fond D’Or for several hours, in the company of a knowledgeable guide from the community. Fond D’Or is part of the community-based Mabouya Valley Development Project.

Magdalene Joseph
Tel.: 1 (758) 453-3242
Fax: 1 (758) 453-3048
mvdp@candw.lc

LATILLE WATERFALL AND GARDENS, ST. LUCIA
Latille waterfalls and gardens is situated just off the east coast a little ways into the interior of the island where the rain forest begins. The 20 ft waterfall cascades into a deep pool in which visitors may swim before exploring the scenic watercourse and pools downstream. The falls are accessed through a tranquil and well-maintained organically grown fruit, herbal and flower garden. This site is the first and only heritage site which generates its own electricity through hydro power from the waterfall. The owner and site operator, an experienced agriculturist, lives on property, and will explain how the renewable energy system was set up and works with support of local and overseas volunteers. Installation of a solar energy system is scheduled for completion in 2009. You can combine a visit to Latille with a trip to the nearby Troumasse/Descartiers rain forest trail further inland.

John Joseph
Tel.: 1 (758) 489-6271, John.latillegardens@hotmail.com

EAST COAST TRAIL, ST. LUCIA
Exploring st Lucia's wild and beautiful Atlantic Coast is an experience not to be missed. The East Coast Trail which ends at the fishing community of Praslin offers three (3) unique tours, which can be done separately or in combination with each other. The hike to the Fregate Islands Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to see the Fregate birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The Praslin Island Canoe Excursion takes you to a little island off the shore of Praslin, where you will also learn about local seamoss cultivation. Finally, if you decide the hike the entire stretch, you start further north and hike down the coast to Praslin, which takes about 2 1/2 hours. the Eastern Nature Trail also referred to as the Atlantic Coast Hike.
Peter Ernest
Tel.: 1 (758) 455-3152
Fax: 1 (758) 455-3182
Eastern Nature Trail, Praslin
ernestp@candw.lc

MAMIKU GARDENS, ST. LUCIA
The Historical Gardens of Madame de Micoud set in 12 acres of natural woodlands offer a series of different gardens.The estate was originally acquired in 1766 by the Baron de Micoud, a colonel in the French army and a former governor of st Lucia. The name 'Mamiku' is an adaptation of "Madame de Micoud" the Baron's wife. By 1796 the estate was taken over by the British military under the famous General Sir John Moore. The post endured much action, culminating in a famous battle with the 'Brigands' which left 15 soldiers dead, 20 wounded and the de Micoud home a burnt-out ruin. The captain of the post committed suicide after the battle. For two hundred years, the de Micoud estate ruins were left virtually undisturbed. The Estate eventually became a profitable sugar estate again.Today, Mamiku Estate is a hardworking plantation producing bananas, tropical flowers and fruits, with the botanical gardens a recently-added enterprise.

Veronica Shingleton-Smith
Tel.: 1 (758) 452-8236/455-3729
Fax: 1 (758) 452-9023
www.mamiku.com
shingletonsmithe@candw.lc

BALENBOUCHE ESTATE, ST. LUCIA
This unique historic site and working plantation is located on the South-western coast of st Lucia, amidst a beautiful tropical garden. Highlights include a 150 year old antique furnshed plantation house, the remains of an impressive 18th century sugar mill, and a collection of artefacts left behind by the indigenous Amerindian peoples. Exotic meals are served on the veranda of the estate house. The unique blend of old-world charm, unspoiled nature, and warm hospitality at this secluded location will truly capture you.

Balenbouche Estate is also a vacation retreat, which offers caribbean villas as well as rooms in the Plantation house. The grounds are a popular venue for weddings, retreats, Jazz and other special events.

Uta Lawaetz
Tel: 1 (758) 455-1244
Fax: 1 (758) 455-1342
www.balenbouche.com
balenbouche@candw.lc

GROS PITON NATURE TRAIL, ST. LUCIA
The Gros Piton Nature Trail takes you to the top of one of st Lucia’s famous twin peaks, the volcanic Pitons. Encounter the rare birds and wildlife that find sanctuary here, such as the St.Lucian Oriole, the St.Lucia Black Finch and the Red-neck pidgeon. As you proceed to the summit, the vegetation changes from arid deciduous woodland to a broad middle zone forest and an upper mountain zone of elfin woodland and wind-swept dwarf forest. The rather strenuous 2 - 2 1/2 hour climb is well worth the breathtaking panoramic views which await you. The trail begins in the community of Fond Gens Libre, which translated into “Village of the Free people.” The name originated during the slave rebellion of 1748, when the black freedom fighters, known as “Brigands” used the area as a secure haven. Numerous Brigand sites can be seen, including caves, tunnels, signal stations, look-outs and landing sites. The community of Fond Gens Libre manages the Gros Piton nature trail together with the St.Lucia Forestry and Lands Department. Visitor fees are used towards the maintenance of the trail and for a community fund.

Gros Piton Guides Association
Tel: 1 (758) 459-3492/459-9748/714-1299
grospitontours@candw.lc

FOND LATISAB CREOLE PARK, ST. LUCIA
This site is located in Babonneau, just a 30 minute drive from Rodney bay and the capital Castries. An experience of traditional st lucia practices, this inspiring visit offers demonstrations of local traditions such as cassava bread-making, cooking on macambou leaves, authentic two-handed sawing to the rhythm of a chak chak band, honey collection and traditional methods for catching crayfish. The site is owned and managed by the Canice Family, who will welcome you with open arms and true st Lucia hospitality. A truly “kweyol” experience.

Canice Thomas
Tel.: 1 (758) 450-6327/5461/284-8293

DESBARRAS TURTLE WATCH, ST. LUCIA
The community of Desbarras, located just east of the capital Catries, has formed a group to protect and promote the nesting of the leatherback turtle at Grande Anse beach near Desbarras. During the months of March through July, nightly guided tours are organised to witness the arrival of the leatherback turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs on the Grande Anse beach, one of st Lucia’s most stunning and wild Atlantic white sand beaches (swimming not advised). If the eggs are left undisturbed for about 60 days, they will hatch and baby turtles will emerge, who then flock back into the sea. On most occasions, these tours are a whole night affair, so be prepared to stay up to watch this incredible experience. Tents and sleeping cabins are provided.

Desbarras Turtle Watch Tours
Tel: 1 (758) 715-2237/450-6910/284-2811
aloy_68@hotmail.com

PITON FLORE RAINFOREST TRAI, ST. LUCIA
Piton Flore Rainforest Trail (Forestierre Tropical Forest Trail)
This trail is only thirty (30) minutes drive from the capital, Castries. It is part of the Old French Road which traverses through mature pristine rainforest, abundant with large, spectacular fig trees, epiphytes, and ferns, from Forestierre to La Resource, Dennery. The trail extends 1871 ft up to the summit of Piton Flore. This trail is managed by the local Forrestiere community.

Loretta Robinson
Tel: 1 (758) 452-5092
Fax: 1 (758) 584-2184
ava921@msn.com

TORAILLE WATERFALL, ST. LUCIA
Near the town of Soufriere, just a stone’s throw from the scenic main road which winds through the community of Fond St.Jaques, a breathtaking waterfall gushes 50 feet over a cliff side and cascades into a pool at the center of a charmingly landscaped garden. A nature trail with quaint bridges and walkways leads you through the lush greens and dazzling colours of this tropical paradise. You can take a refreshing bath under the waterfall, and on days when the force of the water is not too strong, you can enjoy an invigorating back and shoulder massage under the falls. Changing rooms are nearby, as well as a seating area for picnics.

Joseph Hippolyte
Tel: 1 (758) 459-7527/459-7473/715-8660

FOND DOUX ESTATE, ST. LUCIA
This 250-year old working estate close to Soufriere offers spectacular views, beautiful natural landscapes, many birds, flowering trees and crops. You can see how cocoa is processed, still using the historic cocoa drying sheds and the traditional methos of “cocoa dancing.” You can walk the estate trails and explore military ruins, and climb the Maroon estate route. The estate, at an elevation between 1400 and 1660 feet above the sea is always cool. From the verandah of the present plantation house, (l'habitation of the French), built in 1864, there is the effect of being in an ampitheatre, with the estate unfolding beneath you. The restaurant, built around a massive historic stone wall, offers excellent local cuisine and drinks in a quiet and serene setting.

Lyton Lamontagne
Tel.: 1 (758) 459-7545/459-7125
Fax: 1 (758) 459-7882
www.fonddouxestate.com

ANSE-LA-RAYE FISH FRY, ST. LUCIA
On a Friday evening, the village of Anse-La-Raye located on the west coast of st Lucia comes alive as the villagers prepare a St.Lucian seafood extravaganza, which includes local delicasses such as Lobster, Lambi, Octopus, and a variety of other fish. You can sit and relax whilst enjoying the ambiance of Anse-La-Raye, or dance to the beat of local and Caribbean music – on the street with the crowd or in one of several small bars and nightclubs.

A twenty (20) minute drive from the capital Castries will take you to the Anse la Raye fishing village where you can experience this popular st Lucian Friday night event.

Joseph Samuel
Anse la Raye Village Council
Tel: 1 (758) 451-4342/451-4154/715-5733

FOLK RESEARCH CENTER , ST. LUCIA
Housed in a 19th century colonial building and situated in attractive gardens on the historic Mount Pleasant, the Folk Research Center (FRC) seeks to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of st Lucia. The center stores and catalogues a vast collection of data and materials covering practically every aspect of Folk history in st Lucia, including dance, music, musical instruments, folk tales and the kweyol language. The stunning panoramic view of the capital Castries from the Folk Research Center is another highlight of this tour.

Kennedy Samuel
Tel: 1 (758) 452-2279
Fax: 1 (758) 451-9365
frc@candw.lc