Le Morne brings together two very different themes: the history of the Le Morne Cultural Landscape as a refuge for the Maroons, and the international recognition of the waters around the peninsula as a kitesurfing area. This provides a clear guide when choosing a destination: cultural history and water sports offer two different perspectives on the place.

The mountain as a refuge

The Le Morne Cultural Landscape served as a refuge for escaped enslaved people, known as Maroons, in the 18th and early 19th centuries. They established small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne, protected by the mountain’s remote, forested and almost inaccessible cliffs. Oral traditions associated with the Maroons made Le Morne a symbol of the struggle for freedom, the suffering and the sacrifices of enslaved people. The significance of this history extends beyond Mauritius: it is also important to mainland Africa, Madagascar, India and Southeast Asia.

Trou Chenille and the village’s history

After the abolition of slavery in 1835, Trou Chenille is considered the first settlement in Le Morne where descendants of enslaved people lived. The Maroons’ refuge dates back to the 18th and early 19th centuries; Trou Chenille represents a later phase of settlement. In the wider destination of Black River, the place is also considered the cradle of settlement in southwestern Mauritius after 1835. The perspective thus shifts from the village of Le Morne to the regional history of the southwest: Trou Chenille is significant both as the first settlement within Le Morne and in the broader historical context. In the past, Séga evenings were held weekly in the former village of Le Morne, also known as Trou Chenille; la Nuit du Séga took place there on 24 October 1964. The Trou Chenille village reconstruction project aims to raise awareness among visitors from Mauritius and abroad of the historical and cultural significance of the former village and to inform them about it.

Kitesurfing around the peninsula

The waters around the Le Morne peninsula are considered one of the world’s best kitesurfing areas. This makes it possible to distinguish between two different points of reference: the history is tied to the mountain and Trou Chenille, while the kitesurfing recognition is associated with the waters around the peninsula. Le Morne can therefore be understood through both its local history and an internationally recognised water sports area.

More to discover in the wider destination of Black River

Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth adds a geological theme to Black River: the natural formation consists of volcanic sand. A 3 km path leads from the main entrance to the dunes and passes two viewpoints overlooking Chamarel Waterfall. Check the latest conditions before visiting. Aldabra giant tortoises can be seen at the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark; the animal presentation may change. These nature attractions are part of Chamarel in the wider destination of Black River and should be distinguished from Le Morne’s historical and sporting themes.

Discover more destinations: Petite Riviere, Albion, Black River, Tamarin, La Gaulette, Chamarel, Flic En Flac, La Preneuse

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