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Gardens and Plantations
Some of St. Lucia’s history and culture can be viewed from a well-guided tour of a large colonial plantation or estate. Much of these plantation estates and flower gardens reveal the beautiful diversity of St. Lucia’s plant life and the remains of machinery used during the Slave trade. Visitors gain an insight of the system used in harvesting and processing of local crops, in addition to manufacturing of goods which have been an integral and traditional part of St. Lucia’s agricultural development.
The remains of plantations and estate which are accessible to visitors are listed below by location.
Balenbouche Estate
The estate has an old traditional plantation house which is surrounded by an enchanting tropical garden, a river, and the magnificent ruins of a sugar mill, water wheel, and ancient Amerindian potholes. Visitors will be introduced to the history of Balenbouche including the present life and activities on the plantation.
Errand Plantation
A beautiful agricultural estate situated in a fertile valley on the east coast of the island. It offers an excellent opportunity to see first hand a typical agricultural plantation in operation.
Mamiku Gardens
A 22-acre old French estate and battleground which includes tropical blend of natural woodland trails, beautifully landscaped gardens (including a medicinal herb garden) and ruins. Located on the east coast near the village of Dennery.
Marquis Plantation
One of St. Lucia’s largest working banana plantations which includes ruins of slave quarters and an old plantation house.
Diamond Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens, waterfall and mineral baths, originally built by King Louis XVI, are all located on the Diamond Estate in Soufrière. Trails wind through the gardens revealing the beautiful diversity of the island’s plant life.
Fond Doux Estate
An old working cocoa plantation with is original plantation house and military ruins. The estate offer spectacular views of natural landscapes and trails filled with flowering plants and a variety of citrus trees and other fruit trees.
Malgretout
A small beautiful garden in Soufrière which includes a mineral waterfall and an undeveloped beach.
Morne Coubaril Estate
This is a working cocoa and coconut plantation which gives visitors the opportunity to see first hand the processing of copra, cocoa and manioc. The estate still has its traditional buildings and the ruins of a water and sugar mill.
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