La Vallée-de-Jacmel

"Bondye pa bòpè." God is not a father-in-law.
-Haitian proverb

La Vallée-de-Jacmel (English: Jacmel Valley) is a commune in the Jacmel Borough of Haiti's Southeast Department. Located in the elevated interior northwest of Jacmel, the commune is known for its cooler climate, agricultural activity—particularly coffee cultivation—and artisan traditions. It also hosts the annual Festikap kite festival, a cultural event that draws participants from across the region. According to the 2015 census, La Vallée-de-Jacmel had a population of 36,427.

About[]

La Vallée, often considered a suburban extension of Jacmel, lies about 27 kilometers (17 miles) to the northwest—roughly a 45-minute ride from the city—along the route toward Bainet. It occupies a mountainous plateau at an altitude of around 800 to 850 meters (2,625–2,790 ft), Though its name suggests a valley, the terrain actually unfolds into deep gorges on one side and rolling green hills dotted with rural homes on the other.

The combination of altitude and surrounding terrain gives the area a relatively temperate, though at times humid, climate that has long appealed to seasonal residents and returning expatriates. The settlement pattern is a mix of newly built modern houses and small traditional dwellings, reflecting both recent development and long-standing rural character. Its population is ethnically and culturally diverse, shaped by the various influences that mark the Haitian people, with some families tracing pre-Columbian heritage; notably, many emigrated to the United States beginning in the early 1950s. Agriculture remains central to local life, with fertile soils supporting coffee, bananas, and root crops, while artisan crafts and small commerce sustain the communal marketplace at the town’s center.

History[]

Prior to European contact, the region now known as La Vallée-de-Jacmel was inhabited by the Taíno people, part of the larger Arawakan-speaking group. This area was situated within the Xaragua chiefdom, ruled by the cacique Bohechio. The Taíno referred to the island as Ayiti, meaning "land of high mountains," reflecting the region's mountainous terrain. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Taíno utilized caves in the area for refuge and possibly for ceremonial purposes during the early colonial period.

In 1698, the French established the town of Jacmel as part of the Compagnie de Saint-Domingue's efforts to develop the southeastern region of the French colony of Saint-Domingue. The area was transformed into a hub for sugar and coffee production, attracting French settlers and enslaved Africans. La Vallée, with its fertile lands and favorable climate, became a significant agricultural center, producing cacao, coffee, and other crops. Many neighborhoods in La Vallée retain the names of former plantation owners, such as Bouchereau, Lauture, Lacour, Labadie, Bellande, De Lisle, Boursiquot, Lamothe, Dade, Douge, and Ridore.

Revolution and Early Independence (1791–1806)

During the Haitian Revolution and the subsequent repression of French slave owners (1804–1806), when the new Haitian government seized property and expelled or executed remaining colonists, additional settlers arrived in La Vallée. Neighborhoods such as Dure, Payen, Turnier, and Laroche retain the names of former prominent landowners, serving as reminders of the area’s colonial past.

Religious and Cultural Life

The town’s patron saint is Saint John the Baptist, celebrated annually on June 24th. Another major celebration is the festival of Saint Rose of Lima, particularly observed in neighborhoods like Ternier and Jean-Rabel around August 23rd. These festivals bring an influx of visitors during the summer, marking the most vibrant period to experience La Vallée’s culture.

20th Century and Parish Founding

The parish under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist was founded in November 1910 by Reverend Father Léon Bonnaud. At the beginning of the twenty-first century (2000s), La Vallée celebrated the centenary of its parish, reflecting its enduring spiritual and community heritage.

Modern Era

In recent decades, La Vallée has grown into a quiet suburban community with a mix of modern homes and traditional dwellings. Its proximity to Jacmel allows residents to access urban amenities while enjoying the natural beauty and tranquil pace of life. Local markets, small shops, and community gatherings continue to sustain La Vallée’s vibrant social fabric.

Lvdj2 — Local road in La Vallée-de-Jacmel, Haiti

Lvdj6 — Route de Lavial - La Vallee-de-Jacmel, Sud-Est, Haiti

Geography[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel is located at 18.2792° N, 72.6683° W, in the northwestern corner of Jacmel Borough, with the Léogâne Borough (Ouest Department) to the north and the Bainet Borough to the west. It is bordered by Grand-Goâve to the north, Léogâne to the northeast, Jacmel to the east, and Bainet to the south.

The town lies about 10 km (6 mi) west of Jacmel, 94 km (58 mi) southwest of Port-au-Prince, and 190 road km (118 mi) east of Les Cayes. According to the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI), the commune covers 84.79 km² (32.74 sq mi), of which 47.64 km² (56%) is rural, 36.27 km² (43%) suburban, and 0.88 km² (1%) urban.

La Vallée takes its name from the river of the same name, which meets another tributary at a site called the Waters of the Valley / Les Eaux de la Vallée. Historically, the area formed part of the communal sections of Bainet, with its northern edge falling into the 6th Grande Colline section of Grand-Goâve and its western limit marked by the ridge road of the Bérauth locality; to the east, it is bounded by the Bainet Road. Today, the commune consists of three communal sections, and its inhabitants are known as Valléens. The relief is largely made up of valleys, while the climate ranges from temperate to more extreme conditions depending on the season.

Neighborhoods[]

LVA	La Vallée-de-Jacmel		36,427
VVL	Ville de la Vallée	Urban	1,264
	1re Section La Vallée de Jacmel (or Muzac)	Rural section	14,908	Au Tuf, Bouchereau, Brésilienne, Ca Bellande, Ca Lamothe, Capoli, Charlotte, Labadi, Madame Lazarre, Nan Boyer, Pointe-Jean-Louis, Sad, Sous-Fort, Tiquita.
	2e Section La Vallée de Bainet (or Ternier)	Rural	9,988	Banne-Roche, Caille-Pierre, Ca Maureau, Dodron, Larévoy, La Source, Martel, Moreau, Nan Fourneau, Roger, Saint-Eloi.
	3e Section Morne à Brûler	Rural	10,267	Bazile, Caba, Grande-Colline, Laquette-Lamarre, Latanier, Potier.

Demographics[]

Year	Population	+/-
1998	35,544
2003	36,188	+18%
2009	33,000	-21%
2015	36,427	+10%

According to the Institut Haïtien de Statistique et d’Informatique (IHSI), La Vallée-de-Jacmel had a population of 36,188 in 2015, with the vast majority residing in rural and suburban zones. The urban area, covering just 0.88 km² (0.34 sq mi), is home to 1,264 people—only 3.13% of the commune’s population—yet has a markedly higher density of 1,436 inhabitants per km² (3,718 per sq mi). Rural households are generally larger and often part of extended family networks, while the town center serves as a hub for commerce, administration, and education. Seasonal migration remains significant, with many Valléens working in Port-au-Prince or the Dominican Republic before returning during planting and harvest periods.

Climate[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel experiences a highland tropical climate—thanks to its elevation (~800 m ^{2,625 ft})—that ranges from temperate to more extreme conditions depending on the season. Temperatures are generally warm during the day but pleasantly cooler than in lowland coastal regions, with notably fresher nights. Annual high averages hover around 84 °F (29 °C), with lows around 73 °F (23 °C).

Rainfall follows a bimodal pattern: a moderate wet season peaks in April–May, and intensifies again from September to November. October is typically the wettest month, averaging 75 mm (3 inches) of rain and 21 rainy days, while January is the driest, with 10 mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall over about 9 rainy days. Among these patterns, occasional extreme episodes—such as intense downpours in short timeframes—can occur, driven by the area’s mountainous terrain that enhances orographic rainfall, especially during storms or tropical activity.

Humidity remains quite high year-round, averaging 72–77%, peaking in October and lowest in late winter. This consistent humidity, combined with frequent rains in certain months, contributes to localized "envelope" conditions that can feel more humid and lush.

Agricultural activities reflect this variety: coffee and temperate-root crops fare well on cooler slopes; bananas, citrus, and tubers thrive in warmer, more humid lowlands. Seasonal residents often retreat to higher elevations for comfort during hot spells, a local example of a broader regional pattern in Haiti where highland settlements are favored for their milder conditions.

Economy[]

The economy of La Vallée-de-Jacmel is firmly anchored in agriculture and animal farming, the two most important sources of local revenue. Most residents are devoted to cultivating the land, producing both staple foods and a wide range of fruits. Among these, citrus reigns supreme—particularly the succulent mandarins for which the commune is renowned, prized for their finesse. Lemons have long been the town’s hallmark crop, historically representing its main economic activity, while the region’s fertile slopes also yield coffee, avocados, yams, cassava, plantains, and vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and leeks.

Animal husbandry is practiced on a modest but steady scale, with chickens, goats, pigs, and cows raised for both household use and market sales. In earlier decades, La Vallée was celebrated for its potato production, a reputation that has faded but still lives on in local memory. Agriculture here benefits from the area’s agro-ecological diversity, shaped by its elevated location and cooler microclimate, which allow for a mix of temperate and tropical crops not easily found in lower coastal zones.

Lvdj7 — Ecole Technique de La Vallee-de-Jacmel

Trade revolves around weekly markets and roadside commerce along the main route to Jacmel, where vendors offer produce, charcoal, and prepared foods to travelers. Remittances from the diaspora play a significant role, financing modern home construction, small businesses, education, and community projects. Some residents also engage in artisanal production—woodworking, embroidery, and handmade furniture—feeding into Jacmel’s wider cultural economy. While the commune once hosted an unexploited bauxite deposit, mining never became a major industry. Today, challenges such as limited access to credit, seasonal road difficulties, and climate-related crop losses remain. Nonetheless, La Vallée’s combination of rich soils, diversified farming, and strong social ties continues to sustain a resilient rural economy with a distinct highland character.

Ternier 81325 — Bus stop in the Ternier locality

Infrastructure[]

Transportation[]

La Vallée is linked to the coastal city of Jacmel and surrounding communes primarily by Route Departementale 401, a winding mountain road that descends toward the Caribbean coast. The journey to Jacmel—about 27 kilometers (17 miles)—can take 45 minutes or more depending on weather, road conditions, and the agility of one’s driver. The route offers spectacular views but also sharp curves, occasional landslide-prone segments, and narrow sections where two vehicles must negotiate a slow pass.

Within the commune, a network of secondary rural roads and footpaths connects the communal seat to outlying habitations and farmland. These smaller routes, often unpaved and susceptible to erosion during heavy rains, are typically navigated by motorcycles, pickup trucks, and occasional tap-taps. In the dry season, dust can be a challenge; in the rainy season, mud and washouts take their place.

Public transport consists mainly of shared taxis and minibuses operating between La Vallée and Jacmel, with some continuing toward Bainet and other southeastern towns. Local residents often rely on informal motorcycle taxi services for shorter trips within and between villages.

Freight transport—especially for agricultural goods such as mandarins, lemons, and vegetables—depends heavily on this same road network. Farmers typically send produce down to Jacmel’s markets early in the morning, sometimes coordinating cooperative shipments to save costs. While the commune’s elevated terrain provides a cooler microclimate, it also means that road maintenance is a lifeline; prolonged closures can isolate communities and disrupt both trade and access to services.

Lvdj115 — l'École technique Frère André Guimond (ETFAG)

Education[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel is recognized as one of Haiti’s most literate regions, boasting some of the highest literacy rates in the past fifty years. This achievement reflects a long-standing commitment to education dating back to the early 20th century, when the community already hosted two congregational primary schools: Léonce Mégie School, founded and run by the Brothers of Christian Instruction in 1926, and Saint-Paul School, established by the Daughters of Mary in 1931. Over time, several other schools, including secondary institutions, were added, making education more widely accessible across the commune. Today, Lycée Philippe Jules has trained numerous cohorts of young people, and Notre-Dame University maintains a campus offering selected disciplines.

Lvdj4 — Écoles Fondamentale et Professionnelle de La Vallée de Jacmel

Educational oversight in the commune includes two inspectors responsible for supervising schools. La Vallée also hosts an examination center for the Certificate of Primary Studies (CEP), coordinated with the county office in Jacmel. At the primary level, the commune has four public schools, more than a dozen private schools, and two congregational institutions. Secondary education includes a high school and two colleges. Additionally, the commune supports three literacy centers, serving adults and young people who missed formal schooling.

Despite these accomplishments, access can still be challenging for students in outlying rural habitations, who often travel long distances on foot or by motorcycle, particularly during the rainy season. Seasonal agricultural work can also affect attendance. Nevertheless, local initiatives—supported by community groups and the diaspora—continue to improve infrastructure, provide textbooks, and expand vocational training in agriculture, carpentry, and small business management.

Health[]

Lvdj5 — Hopital Saint Joseph - La Vallee-de-Jacmel, SE, Haiti

The Ministry of Public Health and Population has no direct representation in the commune. The primary facilities include the Saint-Joseph Community Hospital, a semi-private institution with a very small staff comprising a doctor, nurse, trainee, graduate, and assistants, and a community-based dispensary staffed by a doctor, a nurse, and an auxiliary. The dispensary is particularly vital to local residents, offering medications at nominal fees not exceeding ten gourdes, regardless of quantity. Both facilities maintain annexes in several localities of the municipality.

Two pharmacies operate in La Vallée, but they are often not well-stocked, compelling residents to travel to Jacmel to fulfill prescriptions. For more specialized or urgent care, patients also rely on facilities in Jacmel or, for critical cases, in Port-au-Prince. In addition to formal healthcare, some residents turn to traditional remedies and community health workers, especially in remote rural areas. Despite these limitations, local health infrastructure provides essential services, including maternal care, child immunizations, basic consultations, and treatment for common illnesses.

Seasonal challenges, such as heavy rains and storms, can disrupt access and supply chains, while public health campaigns and outreach programs—sometimes supported by NGOs or diaspora contributions—focus on hygiene, vaccination, and preventive care. Supplementing healthcare, La Vallée also hosts small hospitality establishments like Auberge du Mont St Jean and Prag Hotel, which occasionally accommodate visiting medical personnel or patients’ families.

Utilities[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel’s water supply is supported by two rivers and 66 inventoried springs throughout the commune. In Bellande, six cisterns built by Plan International serve approximately 1,300 subscribers at a monthly rate of 17 gourdes (USD 0.13). While some neighborhoods benefit from piped water, many rural areas rely on springs, rivers, or wells, which are vulnerable to contamination during heavy rains.

Electricity is limited, available primarily in the town center and in the Ridoré lowlands. Power is provided by the Valley Development Committee (CODEVA), which faces significant challenges operating the electric motor. Monthly public subsidies for gas are irregular, and many residents cannot consistently pay the 15-gourde contribution, often forcing the committee to halt electricity supply. Some institutions and households have addressed this limitation by installing solar panels, which supplement grid electricity and provide a more reliable source of power.

Sanitation remains limited. Most households rely on traditional latrines or septic pits, and municipal waste collection is minimal. Community clean-up initiatives occasionally supplement these efforts.

Administration[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel is governed as a commune within the Jacmel Borough of the Southeast Department. The commune is divided into three communal sections, each overseen by local officials responsible for civil registration, minor public works, and coordination with the central government. The town serves as the administrative seat, hosting the mayor’s office, civil registry, and other local government institutions.

The commune is administered by a mayor and municipal council, elected according to national laws governing local governance in Haiti. Administrative responsibilities include maintenance of roads and public spaces, oversight of markets, coordination of educational and health services, and management of communal utilities. In addition, the municipality liaises with departmental authorities in Jacmel and with national ministries on matters such as health, education, infrastructure, and development projects.

With regard to administrative and judicial infrastructures, La Vallée has only a court of peace and a police custody room. There is no formal prison in the commune; serious judicial matters are typically handled in Jacmel or other departmental centers, while local custody facilities are used for temporary detention. Law enforcement is supported by a small communal police presence that manages public order and minor disputes.

Community and neighborhood associations also play an important role in local governance, often mediating disputes, organizing public works, and supplementing municipal initiatives through volunteer or diaspora-funded projects. This combination of formal municipal administration, minimal judicial infrastructure, and active civic participation helps maintain social cohesion across both the town and surrounding rural areas.

Culture[]

Organizations[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel is home to several grassroots organizations and NGOs dedicated to community development, education, and environmental sustainability. Here are some notable groups active in the area:

Alliance collaborates with local leaders to enhance educational access and quality for approximately 8,100 school-aged children across 13 rural communities in La Vallée-de-Jacmel.
CODEHA works towards a better life for neglected Haitian children and to create a positive impact within the Haitian community.
Mission Renew, based in Lafayette, Louisiana, focuses on community outreach to the town of La Vallee De Jacmel.
La Vallée Alliance collaborates with local leaders to enhance educational access and quality for approximately 8,100 school-aged children across 13 rural communities in La Vallée-de-Jacmel.
CODEM (Comité pour le Développement de Muzac) focuses on education, vocational training, and community development in Muzac, a central locality within La Vallée. The organization operates around 20 schools serving approximately 3,000 students annually.
HAPI (Haitian Assets for Peace International) empowers women and equips local leadership to eradicate poverty and save lives in the La Vallée region. projectworldimpact.com+1
MIPROS is dedicated to improving the lives of Haitians through healthcare, education, and community development programs.

OJUCAH (Organisation des Jeunes pour la Conservation de l’Environnement et le Développement de la Vallée de Jacmel) is involved in reforestation efforts and supports agriculture, livestock breeding, health, and education.

Men-nan-Men – WISEOP, Inc. assists Haitian women in developing small business ventures to support their families and communities.
Father Joseph Network includes organizations that uplift the rural poor through microfinance, education, and community development. Father Joseph Network

EduRobot robotics program prepares students for competitions organized by FLL/FEDUDEVH.

Communication[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel is moderately connected, though its semi-rural, mountainous setting limits some forms of media. Mobile phone coverage is available in most neighborhoods, provided by major Haitian networks, allowing residents to communicate locally and with relatives in Jacmel, Port-au-Prince, and abroad. Internet access exists in schools, some businesses, and select households, though speed and reliability vary.

In terms of broadcast media, the commune hosts at least one local radio station, which serves as the primary source of news, information, and cultural programming. However, no newspapers, magazines, or television stations appear to operate directly within the commune; residents rely on nearby Jacmel or online platforms for print or television media. Popular radio stations accessed from La Vallée include Radio Caraïbes FM, Radio Métropole, Radio Signal FM, Radio Vision 2000, and Radio Kiskeya, while national television channels such as TNH, Télé Caraïbes, Télé Ginen, and Télé Metropole are occasionally received via satellite or streaming.

Community bulletin boards, schools, churches, and local markets remain important informal communication hubs, particularly for residents in rural sections where digital connectivity is limited.

Leisure[]

Leisure and recreational opportunities in La Vallée-de-Jacmel are limited but shaped by both natural surroundings and community life. The gaguères, open-air gambling spots, constitute the principal venues for entertainment, with thirteen located across the commune’s different sections. These serve as spaces for socializing, storytelling, and informal games, forming a central part of local social life.

Football (soccer) is the main organized sport in the commune. Matches are played in open fields or multipurpose community spaces, often drawing crowds from surrounding neighborhoods. The town hall is currently developing a dedicated space to allow young people to practice the sport more effectively, reflecting community investment in youth recreation.

In addition to these structured activities, the mountainous terrain, valleys, and rivers offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and informal outdoor leisure. Seasonal festivals—most notably the celebration of Saint John the Baptist on June 24 and St. Rose of Lima around August 23—combine religious observance with recreation, including parades, traditional music, dance, and communal feasts.

While more formal entertainment options, such as cinemas or cultural centers, are absent within the commune, residents occasionally access these in nearby Jacmel. Cafés, small guesthouses, and informal outdoor spaces supplement recreational life, creating venues for relaxation and socializing.

Tourism[]

Tourism in La Vallée is modest yet the commune offers a distinct blend of cultural heritage. Among the main attractions are the Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste, completed in 1922, and the adjoining bust of Father Léon Bonnaud, inaugurated during the parish’s centenary celebrations in 2010. The plateau of Ridoré offers a panoramic view of Baie de Bainet, while the picturesque rural Friday market at Ridoré provides a glimpse into local life and commerce. Nature enthusiasts can explore the falls of Bassin L'Étang or marvel at the sinkhole of Séjourné, one of the deepest in the Antilles at 167 meters (547 feet).

Cultural events form the heart of the commune’s tourism. The festival of Saint John the Baptist on June 24 and the celebration of St. Rose of Lima around August 23 combine religious observance with parades, traditional music, dance, and communal feasts. Additionally, the La Vallée Kite Festival, established in 2010, has become an annual tradition. Initially created to provide children with a productive holiday activity, the festival took on deeper meaning after the earthquake, when participants made black kites to honor lost family members. Today, the festival draws both locally made kites and contributions from international participants in Germany and Japan, creating a colorful and joyous celebration for the community.

While formal tourism infrastructure is limited, small guesthouses and hotels, such as Auberge du Mont St Jean and Prag Hotel, provide accommodations. The town’s proximity to Jacmel, just 10 km away, allows visitors to combine a stay in La Vallée with visits to coastal attractions, artisanal markets, and cultural centers. The town’s combination of scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and community-driven festivals positions it as an emerging destination for rural, cultural, and experiential tourism in the Southeast Department.

Notable people[]

La Vallée-de-Jacmel has been the birthplace of several figures who have left a mark on Haitian culture, religion, literature, and politics. The commune is home to prominent artists and writers, including Marc Léo Laroche, known for works such as Anacaona (novel), The Tragedy of the Queen of Xaragua (theater), and Miscellanées Blues (poetry); Charles Ridoré, author of A New Dawn for Haiti (poetry); and Lucienne Nicolas, who wrote Urban Spaces in the Novel of the Haitian Diaspora (essay).

Religious leadership also has strong roots in the commune. La Vallée produced Monsignor Pétion Laroche, former Bishop of Haiti, and Mgr. Chibly Langlois, current Bishop of Les Cayes and the first Haitian Cardinal. In public service, the commune gave rise to Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie, former Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Haiti.

The cultural influence of La Vallée extends to music as well. The famous Haitian traditional song “Panama mwen tonbe” makes reference to the commune, highlighting its presence in the national imagination.