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The triumphal arch is a yellow monumental structure built in the early 20th century at the entrance to the city. Above it, an inscription, "gentleness in the effort", reflects the drowsy character of the city, which has long been isolated from regional development.
The fort within the city limits was constructed in 1731 at the port near the land end facing the bay, built under the directive of Louis XV, King of France, to defend against invasions. Fort-Liberté is on the southern shore of the bay. It is about 800 m north of the city centre. The shoal in front of the fort is steep and extends to about 20 18 m. Now, only the fort ruins are seen as evidence of the ingenious design of the architects who selected the most strategic point on the island to build it overlooking the ocean. However, efforts were made during the middle of the 1990s to restore the fort and the structures within it. Pilferage has seen the loss of the cannons and the cannonballs, apart from removal of stones imported from Nantes, France. The fort has a colonial cathedral, which is now the renovated entrance to the city. It is called the "Belle Entrée" (Beautiful Gate).