Chardonnières (Kreyol: Chadonyè) is a commune in the South department of Haiti. It is the second largest municipality and also the seat of the Chardonnières Borough, with a population of 25,240 as of the 2015 census. It is the largest producer of grapes in Haiti. Chardonnières was incorporated as a commune in 1817.
Chardonnières, SD, Haiti
Chardonnières is the largest producer of grapes in Haiti. A Festival of the Grape (Festival du raisin des Chardonnières) is annually held.
About[]
Chardonnières is a coastal commune located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Les Cayes and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south and west, the Hood Mountain Range to the north, and the commune of Port-à-Piment to the east. Covering about 117 square kilometers (45 square miles), the area features both flat coastal plains and rugged hills. The commune is administratively divided into four main sections: Bony, Déjoie, the district of Randel, and the city center.
The city center is located on the Coteaux Road and has the name given to its cove, which functions as a dock for neighboring localities, because of the sea urchins known as chardon, which are found there. The harbor does not accommodate international trade and consists of only a few houses.
History[]
Chardonnières was the birthplace of General Gilles Bénech, who made a name for himself during the war of independence. This village was captured in succession by government forces and the Southern Cacos in 1869. In May, they achieved a significant victory over General Saint-Jacques, who retreated and only halted at La Cahouane. 9Salnave, in his reports, credited his de facto situation to his ammunition, which had been compromised by seawater.
In 1802, the government allocated $1,000 for the construction of its church. The legislation of April 23, 1817, and that of October 17, 1821, designated this village as part of several parishes.
Geography[]
Chardonnières is located at 18.2747° N, 74.1644° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 117.04 square kilometers (45.19 square miles), of which 46.70 sq.km (40%) is rural, 68.12 sq.km (58%) is suburban, and 2.22 km2 (2%) is urban. Chardonniéres has three communal sections and a district; Bony, Chardonniére, Dejoie, and Randal. It is bordered by the Grand'Anse Department towns of Roseaux and Beaumont on the north and northeast, the towns of Torbeck and Port-à-Piment on the east, and the town of Les Anglais on the west.
Relief map of Chardonnieres
The township is bordered by the Massif de la Hotte Mountains on the northward and the Caribbean Sea lying southward. Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes lie further away. The sea almost completely surrounds Chardonniére, giving it an island-like feeling. The beaches are made of sand so white, it seems sugar-like. In addition to the town's expansive views of the water, it is also traversed by the Chardonniéres River. Due to the town's breathtaking natural beauty, it attracts numerous tourists, thereby contributing to the local economy.
It is situated at sea level, characterized by plains in the city center and hills in the Randel district and communal sections. The climate varies between hot and cool, depending on the geographical area.
Commune map of Chardonnières, Haiti.
Neighborhoods
| CHD | Chardonnières | 25,240 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCD | Ville De Chardonnières | 5,443 | Urban | |||
| QRA | Quartier De Randel | 2,829 | Urban | |||
| RDL | 1ère Section Randel | 6,852 | Rural section | Belsue, Duplantin, Nan Bento, Nan Dassier, Planton-Mombin, Platon, Poty, Rampart, Randelle. | ||
| DEJ | 2ème Section Déjoie | 6,154 | Rural | Aubin, Benoit, Bois de Chêne, Déjoie, Dubreuil, Graplain, Haut Bois, Labaye, La Visite, Nan Cirouel, Platon-Mombin, Sèche. | ||
| BNY | 3ème Section Bony | 3,962 | Rural section | Belle-Dent, Bousquet, Calapa, Calebasse, Cassagnol, Chardonnières, Coquignol, Lagon-Ferou, Malori, Nan Bois, Nan Charles, Nan Pont, Paris, Samedi, Tete-Digue. |
Demography
The inhabitants of the municipality of Chardonnières call thmselves Chardonné.
| Year | Population | Change +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 6,000 | |
| 1998 | 33,039 | |
| 2009 | 22,953 | -44% |
| 2015 | 25,240 | +10% |
43% are under the age of 18.
Economy[]
The local economy is based primarliy on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and trade. Most residents rely on small-scale farming for both food and income, cultivating crops such as plantains, cassava, yams, maize, and beans. One of the commune's most distinctive agricultural features is its grape cultivation, which is rare in Haiti and has given the area local recognition. Grapes are grown primarily for fresh consumption and small-scale production of local wine or juice, offering some economic and cultural identity to the region.
Fishing is the second major economic activity, supported by Les Chardonnières' location along the Caribbean Sea. Many families engage in artisanal fishing, using small boats and traditional methods to catch fish, which are sold locally or traded in nearby markets. However, the sector is often limited by the lack of refrigeration, proper storage, and modern fishing equipment.
In addition to agriculture and fishing, remittances from family members living abroad (particularly in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic) play a significant role in the local economy, helping many households meet basic needs. Small-scale commerce, such as street vending and local markets, provides supplementary income for many women and young people.
Chardonnières, Sud, Haiti
Infrastructure challenges—such as poor road conditions, limited access to electricity, and lack of financial services—continue to constrain economic growth. Unemployment and underemployment remain high, especially among youth. Despite these obstacles, Les Chardonnières has economic potential through the development of agro-processing, eco-tourism, and cooperative farming initiatives, if supported by investment and sustainable development efforts.
In terms of economic and financial infrastructure, Chardonnières is equipped with a hotel and two marketing cooperatives. Although there is no formal port, two sailing boats facilitate the transport of goods and passengers within the municipality and to other municipalities such as Saint-Jean-du-Sud, Cayes and Port-au-Prince.
Livestock, industry, and crafts represent additional economic activities within the municipality. For essential products and processing needs, the residents of Chardonnières procure their supplies from Les Cayes, Port-au-Prince, Les Anglais, and Tiburon. Historical statistics indicate that at its peak, Chardonnières produced an average of 300,000 pounds of coffee, 1,000 pounds of cotton, and 500,000 pounds of valuable logwood annually. Additionally, beekeeping is practiced, and there is a significant population of sheep.
Chardonnières, Sud, Haiti
Producer of Grapes[]
Chardonniére is a key region for grape production. During France's occupation of Haiti, it was discovered that the grapes cultivated there could be transformed into an exquisite white wine. Consequently, French Kings arranged for the export of these grapes to France, which eventually became recognized as the Chardonnay grape. The residents of Chardonniére regard this grape with great respect, often presenting small tokens of appreciation to express their gratitude for the kindness and generosity they receive from others.[1]
Festival of Grapes[]
At the festival of grapes; Chardonnières, SD, Haiti
For many years, the Chardonnières Development Foundation (Fodech) has been hosting the Chardonnières Grape Festival in the South Department. This event is designed to promote national culture broadly and specifically to rejuvenate the national grape production, while also highlighting Chardonnières. It is conducted with the assistance of the Knowledge Foundation and Freedom (FOKAL).
The festival's organizing committee has announced an extensive program that includes conferences, debates, cultural activities, street performances, and street cinema. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an exhibition dedicated to grapes, showcasing the various stages of their cultivation and harvest, located at 32 Rue Gaétan, at the local Fodech in Chardonnières.
In 2013, the Festival attracted 9,000 participants, and in the upcoming years, the organizers aspire to welcome an even larger audience. The Festival, which coincides with July 26, the feast day of St. Anne of the Chardonnières, is expected to attract numerous festival-goers and vacationers. A promotional campaign is currently being implemented across national media and social networks.
Environment[]
By the beach in Chardonnières
Native Tongue[]
The residents of the town do not communicate in French or Créole, as one might anticipate, but rather in Chardonniere, a term created by visiting pirates during the colonial era. Throughout the years, this language has evolved, integrating vocabulary and expressions from Spanish, French, and Créole.
Ecole Nationale Des Chardonnières
Infrastructure[]
Education[]
Access to quality education is limited, with a shortage of adequately equipped schools, trained educators, and learning materials. Most schools in the commune are primary schools, and many of them are run by religious organizations or community groups. Options for secondary education are limited and frequently necessitate that students travel to larger towns or cities, thereby creating obstacles for numerous families.
Due to these access challenges, along with economic pressures that compel children to prioritize work over education, literacy rates are generally lower than the national average. The Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports is represented in the municipality through a school inspection office. This municipality comprises 26 fundamental schools, of which 14 are public, commonly referred to as "national schools," and 12 are private. Among these institutions are five colleges (middle schools) and a high school. There are no higher education centers in this region. Consequently, all young individuals aspiring to pursue higher studies must travel to either Les Cayes or Port-au-Prince.
Health[]
The Ministry of Public Health and Population does not have a presence in the municipality of Chardonnières. The commune is home to a limited number of health centers, which are frequently understaffed and deficient in essential medications and equipment, thereby hindering the ability to deliver comprehensive healthcare. Two clinics have been identified, staffed by two nurses, three auxiliaries, and thirty-eight certified matrons. Emergency medical services are limited, forcing patients to travel considerable distances to urban hospitals for specialized care.
Utilities[]
Access to dependable electricity is scarce, with a significant portion of the commune depending on informal sources such as generators, solar panels, or kerosene lamps, due to the sparse and often unreliable national grid coverage. The infrastructure for water supply is underdeveloped; many inhabitants rely on natural springs or rainwater harvesting to meet their daily requirements.
In terms of water resources, the town of Chardonnières is home to four rivers, with sixteen sources, of which three are collected and distributed, in addition to four ponds and a lagoon. Although there are no wells within the Commune, it does feature approximately nine public fountains equipped with at least 69 faucets, twelve public showers, and a washing area.
Sanitation services are limited, with few established sewage systems, resulting in a reliance on pit latrines or open defecation in certain areas. Waste management practices are predominantly informal, with minimal organized collection or disposal, leading to litter and pollution in various areas of the commune.
Administration[]
In terms of administrative and judicial frameworks, Chardonnières lacks a presence of the National Police of Haiti (PNH). The city and the Randel district are home to two peace courts and two registrars. Additionally, the commune does not possess a prison. The garrison is made up of a gendarmerie unit alongside an administrative police force from the National Guard, both on foot and mounted, in conjunction with a Coteaux line artillery company, as well as the rural police.
Aerial view of Chardonnières and its vulnerability to the sea
Culture[]
Religion[]
The religious realm of Les Chardonnières, Haiti, is deeply embedded in the country's rich spiritual heritage, with Christianity—particulary Roman Catholicism—being the primary faith, showcasing Haiti’s colonial heritage under France. A large segment of the population also follows Protestant denominations, such as Baptist, Pentecostal, and Adventist churches, which have gained prominence in recent decades due to missionary efforts and community involvement. The municipality hosts nearly forty churches.
Besides formal Christian practices, Vodou is also practiced, either openly or alongside Christianity. Vodou rituals, honoring ancestors, and local spiritual leaders (houngans and mambos) hold cultural importance, especially in rural regions.
Religious organizations are central to community life, serving not just as places of worship but also as sources of education, health care, and social support. Church gatherings, festivals, and religious observances are crucial to the cultural fabric of the commune, strengthening community ties and providing spiritual strength.
Organizations[]
The commune is represented by three political parties. Additionally, a grassroots organization and five farmer groups have been identified.
- Le Vieux-Chardo provides opportunities for individuals to become vineyard partners by sponsoring one or more vine stocks. In collaboration with ADESCH, they offer environmental education and promote the grape fair.
- UNICEF, in partership with the Ministry of Health, supports community-based “Parenting Clubs” (Mothers’ Clubs) in Les Chardonnières. These groups focus on nutrition training, hygiene, and child-care education.
- Samaritan’s Purse works by dispatching mobile clinics to remote areas.
- The Saint Group supports primary healthcare in Les Chardonnières.
- CPC de Chardonnieres, a social advocacy and civic group based in the town, works in religious and social services.
- Fodech (Chardonnières Development Foundation) Organizes the annual Fête du Raisin (Grape Festival) to celebrate local viticulture and community heritage, in partnership with environmental group ADESCH and cultural NGO FOKAL.
Communication[]
Mobile phone service is available but can be inconsistent, especially in mountainous or remote sections of the commune. The main national telecom providers—such as Digicel and Natcom—offer coverage, but signal strength and reliability vary by location. Internet access is limited, with few households having consistent connectivity. Mobile data is the primary method for accessing the internet, though the high cost and low speed present barriers to regular use, especially for educational or business purposes.
The town lacks a telephone service. At the time of the inventory, the municipality had started receiving materials to establish an office. The postal service is operational, with mail being delivered by postmen on foot or by bicycle. Conversely, the commune does not have a radio station, newspaper, magazine, or television station.
The absence of major local media outlets often obliges residents to rely on regional radio broadcasts for news and public information. Radio continues to be the most trusted and accessible medium, often used by NGOs and government agencies to disseminate health, education, and emergency alerts. Printed media is rare due to literacy limitations and lack of distribution, while social media use—mainly through mobile devices—is growing gradually, particularly among youth and diaspora-connected families.
Leisure[]
Social life often centers around community gatherings, religious events, and local festivals, which serve as important outlets for recreation and cultural expression. One of the most notable events is the annual Fête du Raisin (Grape Festival), celebrating the area’s unique grape cultivation and drawing visitors from neighboring towns for music, dancing, food, and cultural performances.
Regarding Culture and Leisure, the town has no library, museum, nor cinema. For physical recreation, residents frequently participate in sports and dominoes, which are favored by both the youth and adults. The sports that are played include football (soccer), volleyball, and basketball. Open fields and schoolyards act as informal playing areas. The commune also features two night club dancing restaurants and twenty gaguères. The town's closeness to the sea provides opportunities for casual swimming and fishing, which, although mainly economic, also provide moments of relaxation.
Cultural activities within the commune include the Macaya National Park, the Nan Gola Cave, Labeyi, and Lake Saint-Clou. Guided tours are also available at the Le Vieux-Chardo vineyard. While there are no recognized places or temples dedicated to vodun, some hougans occasionally conduct ceremonies in their residences. The town honors its patron saint, Sainte Anne, on July 26 each year, and the district of Randel celebrates Saint Andrew on November 30. Furthermore, the commune hosts a seaside festival, in addition to its grapes festival.
References[]
Chardonnières, my little world [2]
Chardonnière and Tuyac waterfall [3]
La Commune de Chardonnière [4]
Arrondissement des Chardonnières, Haïti - Peter M [5]
Ecole Nationale Des Chardonnieres - Helve Lubin [6]
Michael Vedrine