Mamiku Gardens

As the largest gardens in St Lucia, this site is one where visitors can find a quiet corner to sit among the flowers, away from any other tourists.

The gardens are built around the hilltop ruins of the Baron Micoud Estate House dating from 1766. Baron Micoud was a French army colonel and former Governor of St Lucia. The Baron deeded his land to his wife as he was afraid the British would confiscate it. The land then became known as Madame de Micoud's, which was corrupted to Ma Micoud and finally to Mamiku, its current name.

By 1796 the mansion had been taken by the British and used as a military post under General Sir John Moore. The Troops themselves were French Royalist who sided with the British. It was overrun by former slaves during the battle of the Brigands and burned to the ground. The French-Creole Captain of this post took his own life rather than face the disgrace of the defeat. The house is now the site of archeological excavations.

The gardens contain a wide range of tropical plants, orchids, herbs, plus several secluded secret gardens. The rest of the estate is a banana plantation also cultivating passion fruit and mangoes.