There's not much to see in Vieux Fort, set on St. Lucia's southern tip 20 mi/32 km southeast of Castries. But the surrounding area offers some beautiful, long beaches (we think Anse de Sables is the prettiest beach on the island), hotels and restaurants, the Maria Islands Nature Reserve, and St. Lucia's international airport, Hewanorra. The scenery en route from Castries along the Atlantic coast includes some of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean.
Though you could get to Vieux Fort and back on a day trip, we suggest an overnight stay. This will give you plenty of time to see the sights along the way. Leave Castries via the center road that goes over the Barre de L'Isle Range—the sights are breathtaking.
When you reach the Atlantic, head south along the coast past the fishing village of Dennery. Make a stop at Fregate Island's Nature Reserve, where frigate birds roost May-July. Call ahead to the National Trust office in Castries, as visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Phone 452-5005. http://www.slunatrust.org.
You can also hike to the reserve from Mandele on a trail maintained by the National Trust. Stop at the Fox Grove Inn for wonderful cuisine (lunch on the terrace includes a fabulous view of the Fregate Islands). It's one of the few places where visitors can stay or dine on that side of the island. Phone 454-0281. http://www.foxgroveinn.com.
Closer to Vieux Fort, stop to see the mangrove swamps at the Savannes Bay Nature Reserve. The bay there has excellent fishing, and the viewing tower at Mankote Mangrove is a fine roost for bird-watchers.
Nearby, Mamiku Gardens contains 300 varieties of exotic blossoms. It's part of an old plantation. If it's still light when you arrive in Vieux Fort, see the blending of the Caribbean and Atlantic from atop Moule-a-Chique, not far from town. And if you're there on a Saturday, be sure to stop at the lively market.
From Vieux Fort you can also make a trip to the Maria Islands Nature Reserve. Just off the southeastern coast, the area is made up of unspoiled islands with interesting plants, birds and animals (the turquoise-and-black zandoli lizard lives only on these islands). Bird-watchers in particular will love the reserve. There's a small Interpretive Center that describes several species of rare wildlife.
The reserve is open Wednesday-Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm, except during nesting season (mid May-late July). You must book your visit in advance through the National Trust Office in Castries (phone 452-5005). Be prepared for a steep climb, and take along a change of clothes—you'll probably get wet on the boat ride to the island.
