Located in the Artibonite region of Haiti about two and a half hours from the capital Port-au-Prince, Petite-Rivière de l'Artibonite bears enormous touristic potentialities beside its incredible landscape and historical monuments.

Accessible by trucks, 4-wheel-drive vehicles or motorcycles, a dirt road directs you to this peaceful harbor town where many curious particularly young folks gather together under the porch of some antique houses.

According to some residents, Petite-Rivière is a very good place. In fact, it would be better if there was at least a hotel to accommodate any visitors. Moreover, if the government was only involved in providing some kind of supports, Petite-Rivière-de-l’Artibonite would become one of the best touristic sites in Haiti.

Further up above one of the Cahos' hillocks stands the Crete-a-Pierrot fort that still dominates the Artibonite plain and river. Built by liberated slaves, renovated by the British during their stay in the region, then quickly transformed into Citadel by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the Crete-a-Pierrot fort has been the setting in March 1802 of one of the bloodiest battles that led later to the independence of Haiti.

A view of the halls inside the palace.

A bust of King Henri Christophe in the front room.

Painted with white lime, the Crete-a-Pierrot fort is used today as a meeting place for young folks in search of tranquility and repose. Pointing on the Artibonite valley are some heavy cannons that still reminds people of the ancient times artillery.

Today, the Crete-a-Pierrot and the 365 doors palace reflects a sad image of the Haitian touristic industry, which only attracts a few local travelers.

Obviously, Petite-Rivière-de-l'Artibonite as well as the entire country could benefit a huge profit from tourism if the historical monuments were properly maintained along with a favorable and stable political climate. Then, Petite-Rivière proud residents would be able to convaince everyone to come and visit their historical place again.

A combined view of the Crete-a-Pierrot fort (top) and the Artibonite Valley and River (Bottom).

The eastside left corner of the Crete-a-Pierrot fort.

A cannon pointing on the Artibonite valley.

The front entrance of the 365 Doors Palace.

The backside view of the 365 Doors Palace.

Tombs inside the Crete-a-Pierrot fort.

Young folks gathered in front of the fort.

The delighted face of a young resident.

The church of Petite-Rivière de l'Artibonite.

A closer look at the ruins of the 365 doors palace built in 1816 just gives you a second thought. This palace which was one of the castles of king Henri Christophe is in total despair. Symbolizing a glorious past, the 365 doors palace still remains the pride of Petite-Rivière residents despite its deterioration. “It is very sad,” said a committee member of an organization for the restauration of the town of Petite-Rivière based in Florida. “It is in a very bad shape,” he added.

Not too long ago, this palace which has a leaky roof and broken doors sheltered the administrative offices of the town. According to another resident, the 365 doors palace has been abandoned since 2002.