St. Lucia is an island in the Windward chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and (160 km) due west of Barbados. In the south of the island, is the capital of Soufrière, the oldest town in St. Lucia and the former French-colonial capital. Soufrière was founded by the French in 1746 and named for its proximity to the two extinct volcanoes, the Pitons.
The town itself is typically West Indian, a cluster of brightly painted arcaded buildings set against the jungle. French-colonial influences can be noticed in the architecture of the wooden buildings, with second-story verandas and gingerbread trim that surround the market square.
The wharf is the center of activity in this sleepy town, particularly when a cruise ship is moored in pretty Soufrière Bay. This deep-water port stands at the foot of Rising of the Pitons and rises to 798m above sea level.
Things to See & Do
* The Pitons – drive-in volcano
* National Rain Forest
* The Sulphur Springs
* Fond Duex Estate
* Diamond Falls
* Latille Garden
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Eastern Carribean Dollar (ECD)
Language – English and French Patois
Land Area – 616 sq km
Population – 9,000
Electricity – 3 round pins European style
Time – GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 1 - 758
Port Location – In Soufrière, ships anchor offshore, and passengers are transferred ashore by tenders.
Transport Links – The main airport on is George F. L. Charles Airport in Castries, which is served by many airlines including Caribbean and LIAT..The main ports are Castries, Soufrière and Vieux Fort. L’Express des Iles, a high-speed catamaran service, operates between St Lucia and Dominica, calling at Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Hire cars can be obtained either in Castries, Soufrière and Vieux Fort, or through hotels. Hotels and local tour operators run coach trips for groups. Minibus services connect rural areas with the capital. Hiring a taxi is easy and cheap, with standard trips having fixed rates.