Pourt-au-Prince, Haiti--Mr Hollande, pictured with Haitian President Michel Martelly, acknowledged France's historic role in the Atlantic slave trade
The French president has pledged investment to Haiti, but steered clear of the reparations some in the former colony are demanding from Paris.
In the capital Port-au-Prince, Francois Hollande said France would spend $145m (£93m) on development projects.
It is the first official visit by a French head of state since Haiti won independence in 1804.
The Caribbean country was forced to pay millions of gold francs to compensate slave owners.
"We can't change history, but we can change the future," President Hollande said on Tuesday.
He added that French investments in development projects - including education - should be seen as an appropriate effort for "a moral debt that exists".
Mr Hollande's visit provoked small-scale protests with demonstrators demanding France pay damages for its legacy in Haiti.
Meanwhile, Haitian President Michel Martelly said: "No negotiation, no compensation can repair the wounds of history that still mark us today.
"Haiti has not forgotten, but Haiti is not stubborn," he added, referring to the debate in Haiti about whether the country can rebuild relations with its former colonial power without demanding reparations.
By declaring independence in 1804, Haiti became the first black republic in the world.
Protesters in Port-au-Prince unveiled a banner that read: "Hollande: Money Yes, Morals No"
But France demanded that Haiti pay damages and compensation to slave holders for the lost of their profits. Paris warned the new regime that it would face invasion and a return to slavery.
BBC
