Choiseul: The Hidden Gem of Saint Lucia

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwar]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/dee ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mer-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn/eh voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh men-yoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhew-stuh]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo ay luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mon-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kawn ay luh pro-shan (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Choiseul was inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples. These early settlers lived in harmony with nature, cultivating crops and fishing in the abundant waters surrounding Saint Lucia. Archaeological sites in Choiseul, such as the Balembouche Estate, provide evidence of their sophisticated pottery and tools.

In the 17th century, the French established Choiseul as an important settlement due to its fertile lands. Named after the French Minister of War, Étienne François, Duke of Choiseul, the area became a hub for sugar cane plantations. The labor-intensive sugar industry relied heavily on enslaved Africans, whose descendants form a significant part of Choiseul’s population today.

In 1795, Choiseul was the site of the Battle of Rabot, a significant conflict during the Brigand Wars. The Brigands, consisting of formerly enslaved Africans and French Republicans, resisted British attempts to reassert control over Saint Lucia. The battle ended in a strategic victory for the Brigands, showcasing the spirit of resistance that characterizes Choiseul's history.

After the abolition of slavery in 1834, Choiseul transitioned from a plantation economy to a more diversified agricultural base. The free communities established during this period laid the foundation for Choiseul’s rich cultural heritage. Events such as La Rose and La Marguerite festivals, celebrating Saint Lucia’s African and European heritage, are deeply rooted in Choiseul’s post-emancipation history.

Choiseul is renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, particularly its pottery and basket weaving. The community’s artisans have preserved traditional techniques passed down through generations, creating unique works that are celebrated island-wide. The Choiseul Craft Market is a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to artistic expression and cultural preservation.

Today, Choiseul is a blend of historical richness and natural beauty. It remains a largely rural community with a strong sense of tradition and heritage. Modern Choiseul continues to celebrate its past while embracing sustainable tourism and development, making it a cherished destination for those seeking an authentic Saint Lucian experience.

Choiseul is located in the southwestern part of Saint Lucia. The nearest international airport is Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort, approximately 18 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Choiseul, which usually takes about 30 minutes by road. Alternatively, travelers can arrive at the George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries and then take a taxi or bus, although this route will take longer, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

Choiseul is a small village, and many attractions are within walking distance. Local taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around. Public buses, also known as minibuses, operate routes connecting Choiseul to other parts of Saint Lucia, including Vieux Fort and Soufrière. Renting a car is another option for those who wish to explore the area at their own pace, but be mindful that road conditions can vary.

The official currency of Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Choiseul, but it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash when in larger towns like Vieux Fort or Castries to avoid any inconvenience.

Choiseul is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Choiseul does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Choiseul. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the village where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The nearest hospital is St. Jude Hospital in Vieux Fort, which is approximately 30 minutes away by car.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Choiseul like a local, visit the local arts and crafts centers where you can purchase handmade souvenirs such as pottery, baskets, and wood carvings. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the village's history and culture. Don't miss the Choiseul Heritage Route, a self-guided tour that takes you through historical sites and scenic landscapes. Additionally, visiting the La Tille Waterfall and Botanical Garden is a must for nature enthusiasts.