Dating back to the 17th century, Vieux Fort is the second largest town in St Lucia. A drive around the Old Town, with its impressive colonial houses, will give you a glimpse into its past as a thriving centre of the sugar industry. The main tourist hotspot is Vieux Fort Beach, where you can dine at one of the waterfront eateries, go snorkelling or just bask on golden sands. A short trip outside the town, on the southern tip of the island, is a splendid lighthouse with views of the neighbouring island of St Vincent. The town is also a good place to start if you want to take in other local sights, such as the Savannes Bay Nature Reserve, or do a tour of the resorts on the island's west coast.