View of Placentia from Fort Royal on Castle Hill

The town of Placentia was once a French fortification and community known as Plaisance. As the French capital of Newfoundland, it was an important base for the French fishery in North America. On Castle Hill, the visitor is greeted by a magnificent view of the present day town and surrounding harbour and can explore the remains of both French and English fortifications from the 17th and 18th centuries.