Place des Cocotiers

Place des Cocotiers is the heart of the city centre. It has lawns, trees, water features, and outdoor concert and market areas. It can be tranquil and relaxed on a sunny weekday lunchtime or throbbing with the energy of a crowd gathered for an outdoor concert. In December when the flamboyant trees are in flower it's a profusion of scarlet. The square slopes gently down from east to west.

A red-roofed band rotunda where concerts are held sits at the very top of the square. Heading west there is a pétanque pitch and a giant chessboard. When the chessboard is not in use teenagers take over the smooth surface to outdo each other in hip-hop contests. There are also lawns with shady patches where you can sit and have lunch and where picnickers often indulge in a quick postlunch siesta. The western (lower) end of the square has the feel of a small botanical garden with its wide variety of palms, large spreading trees and lush foliage.