Visitors can find Vieux Fort all the way down south of the island. This small town is home to the island’s main airport, Hewanorra International Airport, and a port although the main cruise ship port is found in Castries.
The town has quite the historical background being a major source of sugar in the past centuries and having its own minor role in WW2, which led to the creation of the airport. Today, it’s a commonly visited place for travelers who come to see the Moule-a-Chique lighthouse or the Anse Des Sables Beach.
The Maria Major Island Nature Reserve is to the east and most people make a trip to this pristine landscape coming from Vieux Fort.
Where To Stay
The Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is about 2.5 miles east of the town, on St. Lucia’s Atlantic coast. It’s the only major hotel nearby. It’s an established 4-star all-inclusive resort that covers 85 acres.
This casual Caribbean resort is designed for all ages and offers excellent value. It’s also close to the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), so you can be at your beach hotel within minutes of leaving the airport and get your vacation started right away.
There are also other villas and apartments offered through different agencies and organizers. You can get more information about this and also about half-day and day trips in Vieux Fort from the local tour operators.
Restaurants
In and around Vieux Fort, there are a bunch of different restaurants where you can eat. Some good places near the airport include the Artisan Restaurant, The Blackbird, and the Richcrew Trini Food.
All of them offer you tasty local Caribbean cuisine. But of course, you can also find KFC very close to the airport if you need to grab something fast. Directly in Vieux Fort, there are more restaurants with different focuses, most of them close to the pier/harbor. Local Caribbean cuisine, fresh fish, and also barbecue is served everywhere.
Of course, you also have the option to simply stop spontaneously at one of the many street stalls. Here you’re offered delicious dishes of local cuisine cheap, more authenticity does not exist!
How To Get To Vieux Fort
The following information only reflects the approximate travel time. Since there is no alternative road, these times may also be delayed. Please always plan some extra time for your trip by car on this beautiful island.
Approach via the West Coast
If you drive south over the west coast of St.Lucia from the north, you will pass Castries (capital of the island), the wonderful idyllic Marigot Bay, the cute colorful towns of Anse la Raye and Canaries and the impressive Soufriere with the two Pitons, and many other sights.
There are the beautiful coastal towns of Choiseul and Laborie. By this point, you will already see the runway of the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on the left side, which you automatically follow parallel to the St. Judes Highway. This highway will automatically lead you to the town of Vieux Fort.
Approach via the East Coast
If you want to drive south via the east coast of St. Lucia from the north, first drive a bit on the western side of the island to Castries. In Castries, you should follow the signs to Dennery.
You will now cross the island from west to east with wonderful views of wide banana plantations, countless palm trees, and small towns where you can pass some local street stalls. Passing Dennery, you always follow the road and the Micoud Highway.
You will cross the towns of Praslin and Micoud and soon you will see Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on your right. You can continue to follow the Micoud Highway, which will lead you to the sea.
Passing the small “Kitch`s Beach Bar” (or stopping to enjoy the first beautiful view towards the south maybe for the first fresh drink on the sea), the Micoud Highway makes a right turn.
By plane:
If you arrive at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), you are only a 5-minute drive from the gorgeous Vieux Fort. By cab, of which there are many at the airport, or a rental car, you simply drive south along the Micoud Highway in the direction of the town.
If you arrive at the smaller airport (George FL Charles Airport (SLU) which is usually for intra-Caribbean flights) in the northwest of Castries, the driving time by rental car or cab is about 1.25 hours.
By cruise ship:
All cruise ships dock on the Point Seraphine Cruise Port in Castries. From there you will need to rent a cab. Always make sure to include enough time margin if you are touring on your own from the cruise ship so that you don’t run out of time.