Haïti : Parc Historique de la Canne à Sucre

Haïti : Palais Sans Souci

The Sans Souci Palace is a former palace located in Haiti, near the town of Milot in the north of the country. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century during the reign of King Henry I (Henri Christophe). The Sans Souci Palace was the royal palace of Henry I and was designed to rival European palaces of the time in terms of grandeur and architectural sophistication. It was surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains, making it a luxurious place to reside. The name “Sans Souci” means “Without Worries” in French, which reflects the carefree and opulent ambiance of the place. Unfortunately, the Sans Souci Palace was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1842 and was never restored. Today, its ruins remain as a historical and tourist site. In 1982, the Sans Souci Palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its historical and architectural importance. Visitors can explore the palace ruins and learn about the history of this period in Haiti’s history, as well as the life of King Henry I. The site also offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Palais Sans Souci is often visited in conjunction with the Citadelle Laferrière, an impressive fortress located nearby, which was also built by Henry I to defend the kingdom against foreign attacks.

Haïti : Île-à-Vache

Île-à-Vache is a small island located off the southwest coast of Haïti in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the South Department of Haïti and is known for its picturesque landscapes, white sand beaches and relatively unspoilt natural beauty. The island has historically been a popular destination for tourists seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of Haiti’s more populated and developed regions. Île-à-Vache is characterized by its peaceful and unspoiled environment, making it a popular location for ecotourism and for those seeking a more peaceful vacation experience. The island is renowned for its pristine beaches, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island has undergone some development efforts to attract tourists, including the construction of small hotels and resorts, but it has retained much of its traditional, laid-back atmosphere.

Haïti : Labadee

Labadee is a private resort located on the northern coast of Haiti. It is a scenic destination owned by the cruise line Royal Caribbean International and is used exclusively by their cruise ships. Labadee offers visitors a beautiful tropical setting with stunning beaches, lush vegetation and a range of activities and amenities. Here are some of the things you can enjoy in Labadee: Beaches: Labadee offers several beautiful beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. These beaches are famous for their clear waters and peaceful environment. Water Sports: Visitors can indulge in various water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking. The area’s warm waters make it an excellent place for aquatic adventures. Zipline: One of the most popular attractions in Labadee is the Dragon’s Breath Zipline, one of the longest ziplines over water in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Water Park: There is a water park with floating water slides and play areas for children and adults. This is a fun option for families. Cultural Experiences: Labadee offers opportunities to explore Haiti’s local culture and art, with artisans and merchants selling their handcrafted goods. Private Cabanas: If you’re looking for a more exclusive and relaxing experience, Labadee offers private cabanas for rent. These cabanas offer various amenities, including a personal butler. Lunch: Royal Caribbean offers a buffet-style lunch for visitors, which is included in the cruise package.

Haïti : Cap Deli

Cap Deli is one of the best restaurants in the town of Cap Haïtien. If you are passing through the city, you will find a well-ventilated space, quality service provided by attentive staff, excellent cuisine and tasty cocktails. Additionally, the restaurant offers a free delivery service to central Cape Town. You can enjoy homemade hamburgers and gourmet salads in a recently decorated setting, and enjoy the most pleasant service.

Haiti: Discovering Fort Picolet

Haiti, with its rich historical heritage, is home to several gems that bear witness to the country’s fascinating past. Among these is Fort Picolet, a vital part of the French colonial defensive system, which stands majestically on the coast. This site, steeped in history, offers visitors a captivating dive into the island’s tumultuous past. Fort Picolet was designed as a strategic fortress, composed of two superimposed batteries, a parapet walk and a wall that runs along the coast. Construction work began in 1736 under the direction of M. de Larnage and was completed in 1741 by the engineer M. du Coudreau. This imposing structure bears witness to the architectural know-how of the French colonial era. The fort played a crucial role during the French expedition of February 1802, under the command of General Henry Christophe. Controlling the passage of large tonnage boats between Pointe Picolet and the Grand-Mouton reefs, Fort Picolet temporarily blocked access to the port of Cape Town for the squadron led by Captain General Leclerc. This historic episode marked the beginning of fierce resistance, with General Christophe proclaiming from the ramparts of the fort his famous words: "If you have the force with which you threaten me, I will lend you all the resistance that characterizes a general". Unfortunately, part of the surrounding wall was destroyed during the explosion of the powder magazine. Despite this incident, Fort Picolet has survived over the centuries, testifying to the resilience of its architecture and its historical importance. Today, Fort Picolet stands out as an essential tourist destination in Haiti. Visitors can stroll through its historic corridors, soak up its history-filled atmosphere and admire the panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Preservation efforts have been made to restore parts of the fort, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the nation’s past.

Haïti : cascade Saut d’Eau

The Saut d’Eau waterfall is an important natural and cultural site located in Haiti. It is renowned for its picturesque beauty and is also a place of religious pilgrimage. b~Natural Environment:~b The waterfall itself is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a spectacular natural setting. The area also offers opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. b~Cultural Aspect:~b The site is associated with Voodoo religious beliefs. Every year in July, thousands of pilgrims go to the waterfall to participate in ceremonies dedicated to the Virgin Mary, in particular to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is part of a tradition that combines elements of voodoo with Catholic rituals. b~Annual Pilgrimage:~b The pilgrimage to the Saut d’Eau waterfall reaches its peak on July 16. Participants believe in the purifying power of the waterfall water and perform bathing rituals to gain spiritual blessings and healings. The Saut d’Eau waterfall thus represents a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural tradition and religious spirituality.