📖 About Vieux Fort

Vieux Fort is Saint Lucia's second-largest town and southernmost point, home to the island's international airport (Hewanorra). With approximately 16,000 residents, this former WWII US military base has transformed into the country's main gateway for international visitors.

The town sits on flat terrain unusual for mountainous Saint Lucia. Sandy Beach and excellent windsurfing conditions attract visitors. Views extend to neighboring Saint Vincent on clear days. Vieux Fort represents southern Saint Lucia—airport gateway, industrial development, and Caribbean beach culture.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

The free trade zone provides manufacturing employment. Airport services employ many. Tourism benefits from beach and watersports. Some agriculture continues. Services serve the southern region. The economy has diversified from pure agriculture.

Saint Lucian Creole culture—English is official with Kwéyòl widely spoken. Catholicism predominates. Music includes soca and calypso. Cricket is popular. Food features Caribbean Creole cuisine with fresh seafood. The culture values community, music, and Caribbean warmth.

📜 History

The name means "Old Fort" from French colonial times. US military built the airfield during WWII as a strategic base. Post-war development converted military facilities to civilian use.

Saint Lucian independence (1979) brought national development focus. The airport expanded for tourism. Today Vieux Fort serves—international gateway, industrial hub, and windsurfing destination in southern Saint Lucia.