Le Morne: History and Kitesurfing

Le Morne brings together a moving history of resistance to enslavement and an internationally recognised kitesurfing area. This offers two different perspectives on the place: the historical heritage of the Maroons and the waters around the peninsula. If you are looking for a holiday rental, these themes can help you decide which side of Le Morne you want to shape your stay.

The cultural heritage of the Maroons

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Le Morne Cultural Landscape served as a refuge for people who had escaped enslavement, known as Maroons. They established small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne. The mountain’s remote, forested and almost inaccessible cliffs offered them protection. The caves, summit and cliffs are therefore directly connected to this history: the landscape was part of their refuge.

Oral traditions associated with the Maroons made Le Morne a symbol of the struggle for freedom, the suffering and the sacrifices of enslaved people. This history is also significant to mainland Africa, Madagascar, India and Southeast Asia. The cultural perspective on Le Morne therefore encompasses both the historic settlements themselves and the memories associated with the place across generations.

Trou Chenille is considered Le Morne’s first settlement where descendants of enslaved people lived after the abolition of slavery in 1835. Séga evenings were once held weekly in the former village of Le Morne, also known as Trou Chenille. Another notable historical date is 24 October 1964: on that day, la Nuit du Séga was held in the village of Le Morne.

Kitesurfing around the peninsula

Le Morne is also known for its watersports: the waters around the peninsula are internationally regarded as one of the world’s best kitesurfing areas. For travellers who want to make kitesurfing a priority, this is a clear reason to shortlist Le Morne. Two well-established interests therefore sit side by side: the history of the Maroons and an internationally recognised kitesurfing area. Which one guides your search for a holiday rental more strongly depends on what you want to focus on during your stay.

A different focus within the wider destination of Black River

Within the wider destination of Black River, Chamarel offers a different perspective. Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths are a natural formation made of volcanic sand. At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth, a 3 km trail leads from the main entrance to the dunes and passes two viewpoints overlooking Chamarel Waterfall. Check the current conditions for the trail before visiting. Aldabra giant tortoises can also be seen in the geopark at Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth; wildlife sightings may vary.

The wider destination of Black River therefore brings together different themes: in Le Morne, the heritage of the Maroons and the kitesurfing waters shape how the place is experienced; Chamarel is about a geological formation, viewpoints and a waterfall. This comparison can help organise your search for a holiday rental. Consider whether Le Morne itself, for its history or kitesurfing area, should be your main focus, or whether you would also like to consider other places and themes within the wider destination of Black River.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Black River.