Things to Do in Castries

About Castries

Nestled in the sun-drenched Languedoc region, Castries embodies the essence of southern France that exists beyond the postcard-perfect villages—a living community where centuries-old architecture blends seamlessly with contemporary French life. This small town, just moments from Montpellier, reveals the authentic rhythm of the Midi, where Renaissance grandeur meets the unhurried pace of modern Occitanie. Here, you'll discover a France that feels both timeless and distinctly of the moment, offering travelers a glimpse into the soul of the Mediterranean heartland.

Travel Tips

• Getting Around: Castries is a small commune just 10km north of Montpellier, so rent a car or use the regular bus line 620 from Montpellier's city center to explore the area comfortably, as the village itself is easily walkable but local attractions are spread out.

• Visit the Château: The impressive 17th-century Château de Castries with its Le Nôtre-designed gardens is the town's main attraction and offers free access to the park grounds, though the château interior has limited visiting hours—check ahead with the local tourist office.

• Market Day: Time your visit for Thursday morning when the weekly Provençal market takes place in the village center, offering fresh local produce, cheeses, and regional specialties that give you an authentic taste of Languedoc life.

• Dining Hours: Restaurants in this small Occitan village follow strict French dining schedules with lunch from 12:00-14:00 and dinner from 19:30 onwards, so plan accordingly as you won't find many dining options outside these hours, especially on Sundays and Mondays.

When to Visit

I believe you may be thinking of Castries, Saint Lucia (the Caribbean capital) rather than France, as there is no notable town called Castries in France. For Castries, Saint Lucia, the optimal visiting window is December through April when temperatures hover between 24-29°C with minimal rainfall (averaging just 60-90mm monthly), though this peak season brings higher hotel rates (often 40-60% premiums) and cruise ship crowds that can overwhelm the harbor area, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday port days. May and June offer an excellent compromise with temperatures still comfortable at 26-30°C, significantly lower accommodation costs, and lighter crowds, though you'll experience increased humidity (75-80%) and occasional brief showers. The July through November hurricane season brings the cheapest rates (sometimes 50% off peak prices) and near-empty beaches, but comes with genuine storm risk (peak threat in September-October), frequent heavy downpours, and many restaurants operating on reduced schedules—though the island's lush vegetation is at its most spectacular during these months. The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival in May and Carnival in July are major draws that require booking months in advance, while the Nobel Laureate Festival in January celebrates the island's literary heritage with a more intimate, culturally-focused atmosphere.